The FW FP Certifier and Auditor Programme
Freshwater farm plans are a key delivery tool of the 2020 Essential Freshwater Package, which gives effect to the concept of Te Mana o Te Wai, aiming to help deliver healthy freshwater ecosystems within a generation. Under the freshwater farm plan system, farmers and growers create a plan that identifies risks of adverse effects from farming activities on freshwater ecosystems and actions to mitigate those risks.
For more information about freshwater farm plans, see [Freshwater farm plans | Ministry for the Environment].
Farm Plan Certification and Auditing
Certification and auditing are important steps in the freshwater farm plan system to ensure that plans are fit for purpose.
The certifier’s role is to assess whether a plan meets certification requirements.
The auditor’s role is to audit a farm for compliance with its certified freshwater farm plan.
There is a third role – the assessor (invite only). The assessor’s role is to undertake the on-farm practical assessments, file reviews and quality assurance.
Freshwater farm plan certifiers and auditors are appointed by Regional Councils. Each Council will make a list of certifiers and auditors available as the freshwater farm plan system comes into effect in their region.
AsureQuality - Certifier and Auditor Appointment Programme
AsureQuality manages the appointment programme for people to become certifiers and auditors. The programme consists of an application stage, national and regional training and a practical assessment. Successful applicants are then appointed by their regional council.
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.
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
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