National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management outcomes, targets and action plans

Freshwater values

There are four compulsory values for freshwater management and each region may add extra values. The compulsory values are:

• Ecosystem health: How much a freshwater body can support a healthy ecosystem, including its water quality, water quantity, habitat, aquatic life and ecological processes.
• Human contact: Can Aucklanders use water for activities like swimming, waka, boating or fishing.
• Threatened species: The degree a population of endangered species has the essential habitats and conditions needed for them to live, thrive, survive and recover.
• Mahinga kai: Whether Mahinga kai is safe to harvest and eat, traditional resources are accessible, customary practices can be followed, and tikanga can be practiced.

We can set environmental outcomes as objectives for each value and include them in the proposed plan change to the Auckland Unitary Plan.

Attributes and management targets

We have to identify attributes and set management targets for specific environmental outcomes and objectives.

An attribute is something we can measure and monitor, which can tell us about the state of a river or lake.

The attributes that we must use are outlined in NPSFM (Appendix 2A and 2B). We may, where necessary, define more attributes and set more targets.

Action plans

We have to develop action plans that address the methods and approaches we will use to achieve a stated environmental outcome. Action plans can describe:

• regulatory measures, such as the rules in the Auckland Unitary Plan
• non-regulatory measures such as council strategies, asset management activities, monitoring work or support for community work.

More information

Visit National Objectives Framework for information about the NOF.

Email freshwaterplanning@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz if you have any questions.