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Part 9AFreshwater farm plans

217EMain duties of farm operators

  1. A farm operator who is required to have a freshwater farm plan must submit the plan for certification if—

  2. the farm is undertaking activities identified in activity-based criteria prescribed in regulations; or
    1. the farm is located in a catchment prescribed in regulations; or
      1. the operator is required to submit the freshwater farm plan for certification to meet other regulatory requirements.

        1. A farm operator of a farm that is required to have a freshwater farm plan must—

        2. prepare a freshwater farm plan in accordance with this Part and regulations; and
            1. ensure that the farm operates in compliance with the freshwater farm plan; and
              1. arrange for the farm to be audited in accordance with this Part and regulations for compliance with the freshwater farm plan.

                1. A farm operator must keep the certified freshwater farm plan fit for purpose by—

                2. amending the plan as necessary to reflect any changes in the farm; and
                  1. amending the plan as necessary to comply with this Part and regulations.

                    1. A farm operator must amend and recertify a certified freshwater farm plan if any circumstances prescribed by regulations apply.

                    2. A farm operator must comply with the same freshwater farm plan certification requirements under this Act as a farm operator referred to in subsection (1AAA) if—

                    3. the farm operator is not required under subsection (1AAA) to have the farm’s freshwater farm plan certified; but
                      1. the farm operator chooses to have the farm’s freshwater farm plan certified.

                        Notes
                        • Section 217E: inserted, on , by section 64 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2020 (2020 No 30).
                        • Section 217E(1AAA): inserted, on , by section 63(1) of the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 41).
                        • Section 217E(1): amended, on , by section 63(2) of the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 41).
                        • Section 217E(1)(b): repealed, on , by section 63(3) of the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 41).
                        • Section 217E(4): inserted, on , by section 63(4) of the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 41).