Update: August 2026

Details on timing of the new system are expected late 2026

Since 2024, the national FW FP system has been paused, with the exception of the Southland Region. During this time, the government has been working on changes to the national FW FP system.

In August 2026, the government released details on changes to the FW FP system.

Key changes include:

·   Allowing approved industry organisations to provide FW FP certification and/or audit services for their members through existing farm planning programmes. Approved organisations will operate in addition to certifiers and auditors appointed by Regional Councils

·   Simplifying certifier and auditor competencies to focus on applying the FW FP requirements and farm systems knowledge

·   Removal of requirements for certifiers and auditors to undergo regional training and practical assessments prior to being appointed

·   Only higher-risk farms will need to be certified and audited

·   Where certification is required only because a high-risk activity is being undertaken, certification and auditing will focus only on the parts of the FW FP specific to that activity

·   Changes to certification and audit timings, and simplification of audit grades. Where certification is required, farmers will have five years from the date the system is switched on to prepare their plans and have them certified. Audits will occur between two and three years after certification

·   Changes to the required content of FW FPs.

While we know this pause is frustrating for those who have committed time and resources to this process, AsureQuality continues to advocate for a consistent national training and appointment process for certifiers and auditors, to ensure a robust FW FP system.

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Regional training - Council updates

Environment Southland: The FW FP system remains active in Southland, and the Regional Council are receiving certifier and auditor applications.
Email: farmplans@es.govt.nz