Summary of Feedback Phase 2

This report summarises feedback received during the public consultation period of 3 November to 4 December 2023 on setting our direction for improving freshwater in Tāmaki Makaurau / Auckland. This report aims to capture key themes regarding the views and preferences of those that submitted feedback, rather than detail every point of feedback received. This report does not include any advice or recommendations for decision making.

We received a total of 3,500 submissions. The council’s consultation was held to check back in with the community and get their views on proposed measures to protect, use, and allocate freshwater.

After this consultation, the government decided to review the NPSFM, and our implementation timeframe has changed. Please see the National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management implementation timeline.

This work is driven by the current National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management (NPS-FM), which will affect how Aucklanders manage their land and water use.

The NPS-FM applies to rivers, streams, lakes, wetlands, aquifers (groundwater) and springs. It is a government policy that requires councils to put the health of freshwater first, then consider the needs of people and other demands for water use.

The council must currently notify changes to the Auckland Unitary Plan by 31 December 2024 and must also prepare action plans to support stakeholders and community groups to improve the region’s freshwater resources as soon as practical. The new government’s changes would extend the deadline by three years to 31 December 2027 and amend how Te Mana o te Wai provisions apply.

Early in 2024, the council will work through the government’s initiative to review and replace the National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management 2020, the implications on roll-out timing and advise the impact on its own planning and implementation approaches.

There is more information here on Auckland Council’s current plan to implement the National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management in Tāmaki Makaurau.

Supporting documents and tools

To support this engagement, we have developed: