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The government is reviewing the National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management (NPSFM) and some of the information on this page may change.
Rārangi wā mō te whakatinana i te Tauākī Kaupapahere ā-Motu mō te Whakahaere Wai Māori National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management implementation timeline
Timeline
2020
The NPSFM came into effect. We have a deadline of 31 December 2024 to notify a freshwater plan change to the Auckland Unitary Plan (AUP).
2021
Engagement with mana whenua started and remains ongoing.
2022
The first of two planned consultations helped us develop our vision for freshwater management. Our vision includes:
- proposed values
- outcomes.
Visit AK Have Your Say for more information.
2023
During July and August 2023, we had meetings with industry groups, including:
- farming
- growing
- environment
- industrial
- recreation.
In November a second consultation asked for community views on a wide range of measures to protect, use, and allocate fresh water. The results strongly supported improving how fresh water is managed. Visit AK Have Your Say for more information.
In December, the government changed the national freshwater plan change deadline to 31 December 2027 and said it will revise the NPSFM in 18 to 24 months.
2024
In April, local boards shared what they thought about the proposed measures.
In May, we decided to delay the freshwater plan change notification until after the revised NPSFM is finalised and consultation on a draft plan change has happened. This timing may change.
Most work already under way continues, including working with mana whenua.
2025
We will continue work to develop a plan change and action plans.
Early to mid-2026
We will talk to the community about the draft plan change.
Late 2026 to early 2027
The Auckland Unitary Plan (AUP) plan change is notified.
More information
Email freshwaterplanning@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz for more information on implementing the NPSFM.