YOUR LEVY AT WORK
YOUR LEVY AT WORK INDUSTRY WIDE ISSUES FOR INDUSTRY GOOD
Natural resources and environment Water Water Services Bill The Water Services Bill will implement the government’s decision to comprehensively reform the drinking water regulatory system. The Bill establishes the duties and functions of Taumata Arowai as the new national Water Services Regulator. The new requirements introduced for drinking water suppliers will apply to anyone who supplies water to others for domestic purposes (excluding domestic self-supply). These regulations will capture some irrigation schemes, and small supplies serving more than just a ‘stand-alone or single domestic dwelling’, such as supplies serving packhouses and worker accommodation. HortNZ has made a submission and presented at the Select Committee in March. Key points HortNZ made in the submission were: • It is important to retain and clarify provisions regarding proportionality, given many small supplies will be captured, and to provide a longer transition period. • Clarify and remove duplication between the Water Services Bill and the Food Act, relating to the commercial washing of food.
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The ORCHARDIST : APRIL 2021
• Support for the concept of Te Mana o te Wai, and seeking clarity that Te Mana o te Wai is an integrating framework that seeks to provide for the well-being of water and the well-being of people. Hawke’s Bay Regional Council Plan Change 9 – Tūtaekurī, Ahuriri Ngaruroro Karamū (TANK) Catchments The focus of HortNZ’s submission is that water policy provisions provide sufficient flexibility to enable horticulture to continue to thrive on the plains, in a manner that is consistent with Te Mana o te Wai. HortNZ will be supported by expert planning, economic, hydrology, water quality and farm planning evidence. The Council hearing is scheduled for May. HortNZ supports provisions that: • Support well designed water harvesting, storage, augmentation and cease take thresholds, to improve freshwater outcomes, support economic well-being and increase climate change resilience. • Enable crop rotation to support soil health. • Recognise the importance of domestic food supply of fruit and vegetables. • Recognise Tangata Whenua values and Māori agribusiness aspirations.
