Update: September 2024

The Government has announced that it will pause the roll-out of freshwater farm plans (FWFP) until system improvements are finalised. Minor amendments to the Resource Management Act (RMA) will be made to enable the pause, and once these amendments are in place, farmers will not be required to submit a freshwater farm plan for certification while changes to the system are underway.

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.

Regional training and practical assessments - Council updates

Waikato Regional Council: Regional training will be provided and practical assessments undertaken so long as there is a demand. 
Email: pie@waikatoregion.govt.nz

Horizons Regional Council (Manawatū - Whanganui): Regional training will be provided and practical assessments undertaken so long as there is a demand.
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 including in-person sessions will be undertaken where there is a demand.  The same applies to practical assessments, which are also pending internal decisions currently and farm availability.
Email: farmplans@es.govt.nz