Update: December 2024

Regulations reapplied for Southland

The introduction of the Freshwater Farm Plan (FWFP) system remains paused in most regions where it had previously come into effect. However, the national system has been reinstated in Southland, to avoid regional rules taking effect which would have created an unrealistic timeframe for farmers and growers to have their plan certified. Instead, an 18-month timeframe for certification has been reintroduced, with Southland farmers and growers now required to submit their farm plan for certification by mid-2026.

For other regions the introduction of FWFPs remains paused - farmers are not required to submit a FWFP for certification until system improvements are finalised. The Government has indicated that changes to the national freshwater farm plan system will be finalised by mid-2025.

The certifier and auditor appointment programme remains open for applicants, and national training continues to be available online. Availability of regional training and practical assessments varies between regions so applicants in some regions may not be able to proceed to the appointment stage. Please see the detail below and contact your Regional Council for more information.

If you are currently part-way through your application and training, please see our FAQs page for more information about your options.

While we know this pause may be frustrating to those who have already committed time and resources to this process, the government has indicated that it is committed to freshwater farm plans and is encouraging farmers to keep up their efforts in this area. AsureQuality continues to advocate for a consistent national training and appointment process for certifiers and auditors, to ensure a robust FWFP system.

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Regional training and practical assessments - Council updates

Waikato Regional Council: Waikato regional training is on hold while we await more clarity on both the regional and national requirements. Please email for all training enquiries. 
Email: pie@waikatoregion.govt.nz

Horizons Regional Council (Manawatū - Whanganui): Useful regional information that was developed as part of certifier regional training material is available on Horizons Regional Council website under the heading ‘Helpful Information’ and can be found here.
Email: FreshwaterFarmPlans@horizons.govt.nz

West Coast Regional Council: No regional training or practical assessments will be undertaken until there is more clarity on the regulatory requirements.
Email: info@wcrc.govt.nz

Otago Regional Council: No further face-to-face training or practical assessments will be undertaken until there is more clarity on the regulatory requirements. Note: If you have started online training you may complete this. 
Email: farmplans@orc.govt.nz

Environment Southland: Regional training for new applicants will be available in the new year and all existing certifiers will be offered refresher training.
Email: farmplans@es.govt.nz