Hon Dr Nick Smith
Minister for the Environment
Hon David Carter
Minister of Agriculture
9 May 2011 Media Statement
A fresh start for fresh water
Environment Minister Nick Smith and Agriculture Minister David Carter today announced the Government's fresh water
policy package saying improved water management is needed to grow the economy while better caring for our rivers, lakes
and aquifers.
“This balanced package is about getting the right rules and funding in place to support irrigation development and
economic growth, while ensuring protection of the environment,” the Ministers said.
The package comprises:
A National Policy Statement on fresh water management to set a consistent, nationwide regulatory framework for setting
water quantity and quality limits to govern the allocation and use of freshwater
An Irrigation Acceleration Fund of $35 million over five years to support the development of irrigation infrastructure
proposals to the ‘investment-ready’ prospectus stage which could unlock the economic growth potential of our primary
sectors through the development of more efficient and effective water infrastructure, such as storage and distribution
A Fresh Start for Fresh Water Clean Up Fund to assist councils with historic pollution problems with reprioritised
funding of $15 million over two years, and a total clean-up programme commitment of $2648 million
The Government will also consider in a future Budget investing up to $400 million of equity in water infrastructure
schemes.
“This water reform package is the Government's initial response to the Land and Water Forum's final report presented to
the Government in April. More work will be required by officials on the wide range of other recommendations made by the
Forum. We want to continue to work with the Forum and iwi on the Government's ongoing programme on water,” Dr Smith
said.
Mr Carter said New Zealand's abundant fresh water resources were a real competitive advantage for our primary and
tourism industries.
“These steps are about improving the management of water to support a growing economy and the great Kiwi lifestyle of
swimming, boating and fishing.”
The Ministers said: “This water package demonstrates the Government’s commitment to maximising the economic growth
opportunities of water – our most plentiful natural resource – while protecting our environment.”
ENDS