YOUR LEVY AT WORK
YOUR LEVY AT WORK INDUSTRY WIDE ISSUES FOR INDUSTRY GOOD
Natural resources and environment Resource Management The government has announced its intention to split the Resource Management Act into three different sets of legislation: • The Natural and Built Environments Act (NBEA) – to cover land use and environmental regulation. • Strategic Planning Act (SPA) – other legislation relevant to development and long-term regional spatial strategies.
Water Services Bill HortNZ is developing a submission on the Water Services Bill. The bill will implement the government’s decision to comprehensively reform the drinking water regulatory system. The Bill establishes Taumata Arowai as the new national water services Regulator.
• Climate Change Adaptation Act (CAA) – managing retreat and funding/financing adaptation.
Key points on the Water Services Bill:
Key points on the proposed Natural and Built Environments Act:
• Drinking water suppliers to provide safe water through the development and implementation of safety plans.
• Regional and District Plans will be replaced by One Plan per region. • Positive outcomes to the environment are to be identified and promoted prior to consideration of management of adverse effects.
• The implementation of Te Mana o te Wai.
• The protection of source drinking water by suppliers through the development and implementation of source water protection plans.
• Biophysical limits are seen as central to protecting and sustaining natural resources.
• Registration of drinking water suppliers.
• Those who exercise powers and functions under the Act will be required to give effect to the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
• Ongoing monitoring and reporting.
• National direction will be consolidated into a ‘National Planning Framework’. The proposed consultation will be via a select committee process. The key dates are a draft Bill in May, and then the Bill to be introduced to parliament and considered by select committee in December, with the intention that all three pieces of legislation be passed by the end of 2022. HortNZ will develop a submission on the draft Bill following consultation with product groups, district associations and growers.
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Water
The ORCHARDIST : MARCH 2021
• Multiple barriers to contamination being adopted. The new requirements for water suppliers will apply to anyone who supplies water to others for domestic purposes. These regulations will capture some irrigation schemes, and some small supplies serving multiple users such as packhouses and worker accommodation. HortNZ has been engaging with growers and irrigation schemes, and will make a submission in March.
