Wetland rule changes will help farmers

• Published date: 18 January 2023
• Publication title: Central Rural Life

The amended Essential Freshwater 2020 wetland regulations, which come into effect this year, provide better wetland restoration, maintenance and water storage options for farmers

‘‘We were concerned about initial Government proposals that had regulations applying to constructed wetlands,’’ DairyNZ sustainable dairy general manager David Burger said.

‘‘It made getting consents for constructed wetlands difficult for farmers and could have discouraged them from creating wetlands that would benefit the environment. This has now changed, which is positive for farmers and the environment.

‘‘The changes are timely, as more farmers are looking to reduce their environmental impact, and there’s growing interest in re-establishing and constructing new wetlands,’’ Dr Burger said.

DairyNZ continues to encourage farmers to invest in wetland restoration due to the environmental benefits. Its water science team works with other science organisations to increase understanding of wetland performance and how farmers can best place new wetlands in catchments.

Wetlands can significantly reduce nutrient and sediment losses on farms and improve water quality. They also boost biodiversity and can provide a habitat for birds and fish.

A constructed wetland about 1% of the catchment size can remove an average 20% to 25% of nitrogen and 50% of sediment.

In initial regulations, resource consents were not obtainable for construction of any water storage infrastructure that could adversely impact the extent or values of a wetland.

The new consenting pathway has several conditions, including that the water storage infrastructure...