Freshwater management policy and standards

In 2020, central government introduced the Essential Freshwater package based on the concept of Te Mana o te Wai. The package includes rules and standards aimed at restoring and protecting the health of our waterways.

Some regulations already apply and others will be introduced over several years to give regional councils enough time to implement them.

We have also developed Auckland's Water Strategy. This strategy will help us coordinate and resource the Essential Freshwater package in the Auckland region.

Freshwater compliance for farmers

Visit PerrinAg - EFC Resources for the 'Empowering Farmer Compliance resource guide'. This guide includes rules for farmers about freshwater-use and activities in and around fresh water.

Managing natural inland wetlands

Find out about regulations in and around natural inland wetlands.

Works in and around rivers and streams

The Government has introduced new regulations to protect rivers and streams.

Reporting water use on rural properties

Find out about new rural water data reporting rules.

Freshwater Farm Plans

Find out about the new freshwater planning requirements for farms.

Freshwater stock exclusion regulations

Find out how recent changes to the Auckland Unitary Plan are designed to protect and regulate freshwater in Auckland and New Zealand.

Using synthetic nitrogen fertilisers

There are limits on how much synthetic nitrogen fertiliser you can use.

Feedlots and stockholding areas

Find out about Government's new regulations for feedlots and stockholding areas.

Implementing the National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management (NPSFM) in Auckland

Find out what the National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management (NPSFM) will mean for Auckland.

Related topics

Resource consents

https://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/building-and-consents/resource-consents

Resource consents

Find information on types of resource consents, how to apply, subdivisions, fees, earthworks, access ways, water permits, road naming, appeals, conditions, ongoing monitoring and more.

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Building and consents

National Environmental Standards for Freshwater - permitted activities

https://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/building-and-consents/permitted-activities/nes-fw-permitted-activities

National Environmental Standards for Freshwater - permitted activities

Certain activities near or in rivers, wetlands, lakes and streams may be permitted under the National Environmental Standards for Freshwater, but they must comply with the relevant conditions.

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Environment consultation Building and consents

Is your beach safe for swimming?

https://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/environment/looking-after-aucklands-water/Pages/is-your-beach-safe-for-swimming.aspx

Is your beach safe for swimming?

We provide water quality information for beach and freshwater locations so you can check when and where to swim.

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Water quality

Caring for waterways

https://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/environment/looking-after-aucklands-water/looking-after-our-waterways/Pages/caring-for-waterways.aspx

Caring for waterways

Manage your stream by adding plants and rocks to slow down the flow of water and reduce erosion. Keep the stream free of rubbish and chemicals. Avoid spreading freshwater pests.

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Water quality

Report a water quality issue

https://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/environment/looking-after-aucklands-water/looking-after-our-waterways/Pages/report-water-quality-issue.aspx

Report a water quality issue

Contact us for water quality issues or oil spills. We advise when the water is unsafe due to flooding, erosion, pollution and unhealthy practices.

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Water quality

Water permit to take, use, dam, or divert water

https://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/building-and-consents/resource-consents/types-resource-consents/regional-resource-consents/Pages/water-permit-dam-divert-water.aspx

Water permit to take, use, dam, or divert water

Find out how to apply for a water permit (or water consent).

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Resource consents