41043 (2026). Lan Pham to the Minister for the South Island

Written Question

Published date: 28 Sep 2026

Metadata

Document type:	Written Question
Parliament number:	54
Question number:	41043 (2026)
Question asked:	16 Sep 2026
Member asking:	Lan Pham
Portfolio:	Minister for the South Island
Minister replying:	Hon James Meager
Answer received:	22 Sep 2026
Status:	Question Answered
Reply type:	Reply
Document ID:	WQ_41043_2026
Document guid:	782efbd5-7252-4535-aacb-8d12edf8a52a

41043 (2026). Lan Pham to the Minister for the South Island: Following Reply 39333 (2026), does the Minister consider reducing pollution from South Island farms to be one of the "solutions to fix any water levels that exceed the maximum acceptable value" for nitrate?

Hon James Meager: Yes. Reducing pollution from any source can be one way of addressing nitrate levels. However, as I have previously stated, it is possible to increase farming intensity while reducing pollution levels. For example, by adopting new biotechnology and investing in on-farm improvements.