Office of the Chief Freshwater Commissioner Overseeing robust and efficient freshwater planning
The Chief Freshwater Commissioner plays a key role in the Freshwater Planning Process.
Regional councils and unitary authorities are expected to have plans in place to protect and restore waterways by 2026. These plans will give effect to Te Mana o Te Wai by prioritising the health and well-being of freshwater. This is in line with the National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management 2020 and other national direction under the Resource Management Act.
The Freshwater Planning Process sets out how decisions will be made on what is in the plans. The views of tangata whenua, communities and other interested people will be considered.
Find out more about the Freshwater Planning Process (Ministry for the Environment)