Land Management
WAI Wānaka are assisting farmers and growers to respond to pressures such as freshwater quality, soil health, pests, climate change and shifting consumer demand, encouraging land management and land use practices that align with nature.
Below is the list of actions related to land management and rural development as identified in the Community Catchment Plan. The actions show the current status of progress and who is responsible for their achievement.
Farm Environment Plans programme
Development of a farm-scale Farm Environment Plans programme that aligns with the governments National Environmental Standards (NES) and National Policy Statement (NPS) for Freshwater.
Otago Regional Council (ORC) and rural industry develop a farm-scale Farm Environment Plans programme to reflect the upcoming government’s National Environmental Standards (NES) and National Policy Statement (NPS for Freshwater which:
- Sets out clear expectations for farmers on the plans’ content and quality assurance.
- Explicitly states roles of industry bodies, catchment groups, and ORC, in supporting the development of Farm Environment Plans
- Identifies regional priorities in promoting farm environment plans.
Such a programme would:
- Provide for the diversity of farming operations and receiving environments in the Upper Clutha (& Otago)
- Implement new legislative requirements as required (NES and NPS for Freshwater)
- Be based on the work currently being undertaken at a national level
Progress
ORC will collaborate in the development of the programme and audit specific parameters. To be aligned with National Policy.
Advocate for good management practices by all landowners
This will assist with minimising sediment, pathogen, nutrient and pollutant discharges from properties.
Implementation
Through consultation and notification on the new Land and Water Plan for the region.
Assist development of landowner environment groups
Assist with development of landowner environment groups (e.g Wānaka Catchment Group, Hāwea, Hāwea Flat, Luggate & Cardrona) so that landowners can work together and support each other in development of LEPs (Land Environment Plans) and implementing water quality mitigation measures collectively where appropriate.
Obtaining funding or providing a resource to assist with this may be appropriate, particularly where baseline research is absent. These groups will also further develop integrated initiatives such as biodiversity protection and carbon zero along with engagement and collaboration with the wider community.
Progress
There are now 5 active large landowner catchment groups in the Upper Clutha, all focusing on environmental outcomes on farms. These groups have all completed a WAI Carbon 101 workshop. 4 small landowner groups (properties 20-100ha) have been established.
Implementation
Funding sought through ORC’s and QLDC’s Long-Term Plan and Annual Plan consultation process and other sources.
Identify high risk areas of catchment in terms of landslide, erosion and sediment loss
Advocate for a project to identify high risk areas of catchment in terms of landslide, erosion and sediment loss. Look at using local knowledge, satellite and/or LIDAR technology to do this.
Implementation
As part of ORC’s and QLDC’s Long-Term Plan and Annual Plan consultation process.
Minimise sediment runoff from high risk areas
Facilitate the engagement, communication and education of landowners on how to minimise sediment runoff from high risk areas.
Implementation
ORC Rural Liaison. WAI Wānaka communication and engagement strategy.
Farm system change and environmental initiatives
Collaborative engagement and communication with the wider community on farm system change and environmental initiatives.
Progress
ORC Rural Liaison. WAI Wānaka communication and engagement strategy.
Advocate for flexible resource consent conditions
Advocate for flexible resource consent conditions that allow for compliance to still be achieved while supporting the trialling of alternative or adaptive management approaches or innovation, while also recognising the need to mitigate risk.
Implementation
Through submissions process for notified consent applications.
EXPLORE THE OTHER ACTIONS
URBAN DEVELOPMENT
ECOSYSTEM ACTIONS
COLLABORATION
