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Freshwater Policy Feedback Survey for Farmers

1.Location
What Council applies to your area?
2.Local issues
What do you see as the main challenges in your region regarding implementing freshwater rules/regulations? (select all that apply)
3.Pace of change
Notes: The government is seeking feedback on whether freshwater reforms should be implemented by amending current national direction under the Resource Management Act, or through the new resource management framework. They want to understand what the urgent concerns / priorities are.

Do you support the government’s proposal to change current rules as soon as possible by amending existing national direction to have an immediate impact?
4.Rebalancing Priorities
Notes: The National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management currently has a single objective, which prioritises:
  1. The health and well-being of water bodies and freshwater ecosystems
  2. The health needs of people (e.g. drinking water)
  3. The ability of people and communities to provide for their social, economic, and cultural well-being, now and in the future
The government is concerned that this hierarchy is being interpreted as requiring pristine water quality before any other use is allowed. This was not the original intention.

Do you agree that freshwater management should not be based on a single objective, and that a rebalance of other priorities is needed?
5.Values
Should things like making a living from farming and producing food be given the same or more importance as protecting the environment?"
6.Local Decision-Making
Should the local community decide on local priorities and values or is stronger national direction needed to achieve better outcomes?