Freshwater farm plan certifiers may come from a range of backgrounds provided they have the necessary skills and experience (competencies) set out in the regulations.
The type of people that make a good FW FP certifier
Critical and lateral thinkers – every farm will be different and certifiers will need to think how the risks on a particular property are best managed for those set of unique circumstances
Great communicators - you will need to be able to communicate effectively with a variety of stakeholders such as farmers, iwi/hapū, regional council, certifiers and freshwater farm plan developers
Ethical and empathetic - you will need strong interpersonal skills
You will need to demonstrate the professional conduct standards
Integrity - being honest and avoiding bias and the influence of others
Professional competence - maintaining professional knowledge and skills through continuing professional development
Confidentiality - keeping personal details and information secure, private, and confidential
Appropriate behaviour - complying with the law and behaving in a professional manner
Management of conflict of interest - identifying and managing any matters that compromise the exercise of professional judgment.
Competencies for FW FP certifiers
The competencies for certifiers are set out in Part 1 of Schedule 2 of the Regulations and focus on three key areas of knowledge:
Understanding of relevant freshwater legislation and regulation at a national level as well as plans, statements, and documents at a regional level
Considerations relating to Māori that includes and understanding of Treaty of Waitangi, Te Ao Māori, matters of cultural significance and the concept of Te Mana o Te Wai
Strong farm systems knowledge with an understanding of contaminants specific to freshwater and freshwater ecosystems.
FW FP Certifier appointment process
The appointment process for the certifier involves:
an assessment of their experience and qualifications
training on the freshwater farm plan system
a practical on-farm assessment.
Read more about the FW FP Certifier Appointment Process.
Note: The FW FP certifier appointment process does not include training on how to develop a freshwater farm plan; check here instead Developing a freshwater farm plan | Ministry for the Environment
Freshwater farm plan certifiers work alongside farm operators to assess whether a freshwater farm plan meets regulatory requirements and therefore is able to be certified.
Freshwater farm plans can be developed by anyone but must be certified by an appointed FW FP certifier. The certifier is responsible for:
working with the farm operator to administer the certification process
assessing and documenting whether a freshwater farm plan meets certification requirements (is fit for purpose)
reporting certification information to the relevant council.