Ongoing delays and uncertainty with national freshwater regulation have been challenging for the Council and a decision was made on 9 May 2025 to pause the Land and Freshwater Plan Change (PC84) until clear Government direction and new legislation is received. However, Council has obligations under the Water Conservation Order (WCO) for Te Waikoropupū Springs and aquifer, as well as other priority issues to address that cannot wait.

As a result, PC84 will be refocused on freshwater protections to support the WCO. This change will put in place policy and rules to manage water and land use activities, and their associated discharges, in the recharge area for the Wharepapa Arthur Marble Aquifer to help protect the flows and water quality at the Springs. It will also create a nutrient management framework for farming and forestry in the recharge area to help achieve nitrate reduction at the Springs.

Work is now underway to get PC84 notified this year before the Local Government elections to avoid further delay.

Once the plan change is notified, community members will have the chance to share their views and participate in the process by making formal submissions.

Further information on the WCO and workstreams to support protection of the Springs is available on Council’s website, as well as further information on the PC84 and PC87 processes.

Contact the team at freshwater.plan@tasman.govt.nz