82353 (2024). Hon Jo Luxton to the Minister of Agriculture

82353 (2024). Hon Jo Luxton to the Minister of Agriculture: How, if at all, does the Minister ensure that regulatory cuts, such as halting the rollout of freshwater farm plans and easing intensive winter grazing regulations will not undermine New Zealand’s long-term environmental goals, particularly in freshwater health and biodiversity?

Hon Todd McClay: The Government is committed to improving freshwater quality for the benefit of all New Zealanders. We are making changes to make the system more integrated and streamlined and reduce duplication for farmers and councils. In the meantime, risks to freshwater will continue to be mitigated by industry initiatives, market assurance programmes, and regional plan rules. We see freshwater farm plans as a key tool for supporting farmers and growers to manage freshwater risks and the environmental effects of farming. While we improve the system, we are encouraging farmers to continue the good work they have started on farm plans.