Welcome to the October 2019 edition of On-Stream
This month, read ORC's submission on MfE's proposed water reforms, have your say on changes to our Water Plan, check out our new Good Water in Otago web portal, and get an update about what's happening in your area.
There’s a lot going on at the moment and we want to make sure you have all the information you need from us, so if there’s anything else you’d like us to cover in On-Stream please let us know by emailing water@orc.govt.nz.
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ORC's submission on "Action for Healthy Waterways"
Today we made a submission on the Ministry for the Environment's water reforms. The submission supports the proposals in principal, but it also outlines some concerns. You can read ORC's full submission here, and there's some Q&A about how to make a submission here based on Qs submitted to our live Facebook events (if you missed this, watch part 1 and part 2). If you're planning to make a submission, a reminder that they close on 31 October. Find out more at MfE's website. |
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Proposed water plan change to extend rule timeframes
ORC has notified a plan change to postpone the date when certain rules controlling discharge contaminant concentration (Schedule 16) and rules on nitrogen leaching come into force, from 1 April 2020 to 1 April 2026.
At its simplest, it means farmers will not need to apply for consents if they cannot meet the requirements of 6A that commence in the water plan on 1 April 2020. This requirement will be pushed out to 2026 and ultimately taken over by the second plan change proposed, which will establish strong, clear, enforceable rules around sediment run-off from new subdivisions or developments, farm effluent management, discharge of waste oil on roads, and requiring and facilitating good management practices.
However, you will still need to:
- Collect data for your property
- Have controls in place to stop sediment (soil) or gross contaminant discharges from entering waterways.
Find out what it means for you here.
Anyone can make a submission on this plan change before 5pm, Monday 4 November 2019. Find out more and about how to make a submission.
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Good Water in Otago web portal launched
 We know that you want to quickly and easily find information about water in Otago. To make it easier, we’ve built a water-specific site that will help you find what you need to know faster. There’s a lot of change happening in our region and nationally when it comes to water, and the new site provides an integrated water resource at your fingertips. Visit the new siteWe’ll also be shouting out about some of Otago’s “Everyday Water Heroes” on the new site – please email us if you know someone who is going the extra mile to protect or enhance a river, stream, wetland or lake near you. We want to make sure the new website is helpful to you, so we welcome your feedback and ideas. Tell us what you think in the feedback section at the bottom of each page, or email us.
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| Updates from your Rural Liaison Team |
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Firstly, a big welcome to the folk from West and South Otago who signed up to On-Stream at the ORC executive roadshow recently, hosted by the Pomahaka Watercare Group and the Otago South Rivercare Group. It was great to see you all out during a busy time of year! In between Tapanui and Balclutha, the team visited two farms that have wetland and sediment initiatives being  developed and had some great discussion about the farmer-led innovation happening in Otago. We've had positive feedback and will be out and about with the executive team again next year.
I know you'll all be feeling at saturation point on the Essential Freshwater proposal, but I'd like to point you in the direction of your catchment groups down this way (Pomahaka Water Care Group and Otago South River Care Group). If the job of preparing your own submission is daunting, I highly recommend catching up with these guys and being heard through their catchment group submissions.
On a personal note, and with my farmer hat on, I am really enjoying the Understanding Your Farming Business (UYFB) course with Agri-Women's Development Trust in Clinton. This is an awesome opportunity for ladies in the farming sector to get more information and skills, particularly for measuring production and understanding accountant and banker talk. There are numerous opportunities to get involved in Otago next year so find out more here.
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Bruce is having a well-earned holiday this month but will back in action for the next edition of On-Stream.
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I have spent considerable time away from my desk over the past month attending events across the region and with this inevitably comes serious conversations about the proposed NPS Freshwater.
While I enjoy hearing people's ideas, concerns and issues generally, I've been especially heartened to hear personal stories about the activities and management practices that are already occurring on-farm to maintain or enhance water quality and the wider farm environment.
I've heard the Kiwi can-do attitude shining bright from those that see a way forward and the recognition that farm management may need to change. Thoughts such as "maybe I will only graze the ewes on that paddock and keep the cattle on the top side of the farm". For some these thoughts will be old news, for others, the NPS Freshwater is prompting some new and positive thoughts and actions.
The proposals are in the consultation phase so have your voice heard by the government; submit on the positives and communicate how the proposals will impact your farming operation. Keep up the discussions and actions and be sure to have your farm story considered by putting in a submission on this proposal here.
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In the last month, I've been to several meetings about “Action for Healthy Waterways” and watched meetings from around the region on Facebook. Firstly, what great innovation by organisations to have these meetings broadcasted – something “Spark Sport” and the rugby coverage could learn from.
I thought it would be useful to explain how water policies and plans work. Ultimately all these changes can be done by the Government through section 360 of the Resource Management Act (RMA) 1991. This section allows for additions to the RMA and the introduction of National Policy and Standards. When councils receive these, we must make sure our own plans meet the new policy and standards. We are already making changes to our Water Plan and further changes will be announced in the early part of 2020. Rules are not the only thing that bring about change however, and I encourage people to continue to innovate and work on positive changes.
What’s next? Well, if the proposal goes through without major changes, we'll need to look at our Freshwater Management Unit (FMU) timetable and work through them quicker than previously planned. North Otago has been selected by ORC as one of five FMUs and this will be the basis for the community to outline its water values and objectives. |
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Welcome our to new council and Chairperson
The new council was sworn-in at the inaugural council meeting on Wednesday, with Cr Marion Hobbs elected as the new Chairperson, and Cr Michael Laws voted in as Deputy Chairperson. Read more |
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New email contact for Rural Liaison Team
The Rural Liaison Team are out and about a lot of the time, so if you would like a prompt answer to your question, or are not sure who is best to contact, please email rural@orc.govt.nz. The first person to be in the office will respond as soon as they can. |
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Thinking ahead to 2020
Read an article about the importance of careful planning now, in spring, for successful wintering next year by DairyNZ's Tony Finch. Read more |
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What's coming up?
October 31st - submissions on MfE's Action for Healthy Waterways proposals close.
November 4 - submissions close on ORC's proposal to extend date by which rules for discharge contaminant concentration and nitrogen leaching come into force (Proposed Plan Change 6AA).
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Feel free to forward this email to anyone who might like to read it. If you have been forwarded this email and would like to subscribe, please email us at water@orc.govt.nz.
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