New Zealand’s Sustainable Water Programme of Action - Water and Agriculture: Sustainability, Markets and Policies - page 319

Chapter 21.
New Zealand's Sustainable Water Programme of Action

Rebecca Martel 1

In 2003, New Zealand commenced a Sustainable Water Programme of Action, under the
umbrella of the Sustainable Development Programme of Action. New Zealand's
management of freshwater occurs within the framework of the Resource Management Act
1991, which focuses on the sustainable management of natural and physical resources.
Gaps in the Act framework, and its implementation, have become apparent as New
Zealand's freshwater resource comes under pressure from competition between uses,
users and the differing values New Zealanders hold for freshwater. These gaps are
challenges for the Sustainable Water Programme of Action. There is also concern that
diffuse agricultural discharges are inadequately addressed and are having negative
impacts on lowland streams and rivers. New approaches may be needed to assist the
development of water allocation frameworks that address the pressures. Public
consultation on ideas for improving water management occurred between December
2004 and March 2005. A focus for the next stage of the Sustainable Water Programme of
Action is to assess new tools, approaches and initiatives to better manage water
allocation and quality issues.

Introduction

The sustainable development programme of action
In 2003, the New Zealand government launched a Sustainable Development
Programme of Action (SDPoA). Sustainable development in New Zealand has economic,
environment, social and cultural dimensions. The SDPoA seeks to better provide for
New Zealand's current and future well-being in a range of critical issues — energy,
freshwater, cities, and child and youth development. The SDPoA describes the
sustainable development direction for New Zealand and outlines initial actions for the
government to protect the well-being of New Zealanders and the natural capital of the
environment (Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet 2003).

1.

Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Wellington, New Zealand.