The FW FP Certifier and Auditor Programme
Freshwater farm plans are a key delivery tool of the 2020 Essential Freshwater Package, which gives effect to the concept of Te Mana o Te Wai, aiming to help deliver healthy freshwater ecosystems within a generation. Under the freshwater farm plan system, farmers and growers create a plan that identifies risks of adverse effects from farming activities on freshwater ecosystems and actions to mitigate those risks.
For more information about freshwater farm plans, see [Freshwater farm plans | Ministry for the Environment].
Farm Plan Certification and Auditing
Certification and auditing are important steps in the freshwater farm plan system to ensure that plans are fit for purpose.
The certifier’s role is to assess whether a plan meets certification requirements.
The auditor’s role is to audit a farm for compliance with its certified freshwater farm plan.
There is a third role – the assessor (invite only). The assessor’s role is to undertake the on-farm practical assessments, file reviews and quality assurance.
In areas where freshwater farm plans are in effect, farmers and growers have 18 months to prepare their first plan for certification. Freshwater farm plans need to be audited within 12 months of the initial certification. Plans will need to be re-certified every five years.
Freshwater farm plan certifiers and auditors are appointed by regional councils. Each Council will make a list of certifiers and auditors available as the freshwater farm plan system comes into effect in their region.
AsureQuality - Certifier and Auditor Appointment Programme
AsureQuality manages the appointment programme for people to become certifiers and auditors. The programme consists of an application stage, national and regional training and a practical assessment. Successful applicants are then appointed by their regional council.
Application opening dates by region
Applications for certifiers and auditors are opening in each region as the freshwater farm plan system comes into effect for those regions. The phased roll-out is likely to happen in the following order.
To receive updates on becoming a freshwater farm plan certifier or auditor within your region, you can sign up to our mailing list here.
