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Land and Water Forum

The Land and Water Forum is a diverse group comprising primary industry representatives, environmental and recreational NGOs, iwi and other organisations with an interest in freshwater and land management.

The role of the Land and Water Forum

In 2009, the Forum was asked by the Government to conduct a stakeholder-led collaborative process to consider reform of New Zealand’s freshwater management system. In September 2010, the Forum reported back to Ministers identifying shared outcomes and goals, and options to achieve them. It then undertook public engagement on its recommendations throughout New Zealand and in April 2011 provided Ministers with its findings, recommendations and thoughts.

The Government’s response to LAWF’s initial findings and recommendations

In response to LAWF’s first report of September 2010, the Government launched a package of water policy initiatives in May 2011 in line with the Forum’s recommendations, to improve the way we manage water. These included:

  • the National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management (which provides central government direction to regional councils)
  • a $35 million Irrigation Acceleration Fund
  • the $15 million Fresh Start for Freshwater Clean-up Fund.

The Government also asked the Forum to continue its valuable and successful role as a consensus builder among water stakeholders and provide further, more detailed, recommendations on the remaining policy issues in 2012.

Land and Water Forum reports

In 2012, the Forum delivered the next two of its three reports. The April 2012 report provides advice on setting limits for water quality and quantity, and improvements to decision-making. The October 2012 report provides advice on how to manage to limits, including allocation of fresh water resources, and additional tools to manage the effects of land use on water.

All three reports are available on the Land and Water Forum’s website.

Freshwater reforms 2013 and beyond

In March 2013, the Government released 'Freshwater reform 2013 and beyond'. This paper sets out proposed reforms to freshwater management in New Zealand and builds on the recommendations of the Land and Water Forum.

Key information

Last updated: 9 March 2013