Helping to shape policy from the ground up

Even well-informed policy makers can’t always predict what a rule will mean for a specific farm system, in a particular catchment, at a certain time of year. The practical impacts – cost, time, trade-offs, workability – often only become clear when policy meets the paddock.

This is why DairyNZ gets involved in policy and advocacy. We make sure decisions are based on science and real-world farming practice by helping develop plans, submitting on draft policies, working with council staff, and building shared understanding of what works.

The government sets the overall direction through laws and policies like the Resource Management Act (RMA), the National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management (NPS-FM) and emissions targets. These set the rules of the game – improving water quality, cutting greenhouse gases, or protecting biodiversity.

Regional councils put national policies into action locally. They develop regional plans, issue consents and monitor compliance.

An example is Waikato Plan Change 1 (PC1), which aims to improve water quality in the Waikato and Waipā catchments through new rules. First notified in 2016, it followed early input from communities, iwi and farmers. DairyNZ has been involved from the start, providing expertise in science, economics and farm systems, as well as policy support.

We appealed the 2020 decision because we saw more practical, cost-effective ways to achieve the same outcomes. After mediation, we joined Fonterra in a case highlighting farmers’ ongoing efforts to improve water quality. The Environment Court process delivered its interim decision in late May, which marks an important step forward, and we expect a final decision towards the end of 2025.

The Southland Water and Land Plan has followed a similarly long and complex path since 2016. DairyNZ submitted on the plan and jointly appealed key parts of the council’s decision to ensure dairy farmers’ interests were represented in the Environment Court. The court considered our expert evidence and issued several interim decisions before mostly finalising the plan in 2024.

A major focus was keeping standard farming as a permitted activity. DairyNZ worked with Fonterra and others to provide a united voice, showing how farmers are managing risks and highlighting the unnecessary costs of requiring consents for everyday farming. Our regional policy team led this work to help shape practical rules.

In cases like these, our regional policy team collaborates with stakeholders, coordinates with experts and gathers key information. These processes take time, and DairyNZ stays involved throughout.

Our team covers 14 regional councils. While the work can take years, we focus on making sure our efforts benefit farmers where it matters.

There are a few ways to get involved in regional policy. One of the most powerful is simply joining a catchment group, which connects you with local farmers, helps you stay informed, and gives you a say in how water and land are managed. These groups often have strong farmer leaders who bring farming views to broader forums. And good farming practice is still the strongest response to criticism of the sector.

Another way to get involved is by turning up to consultation events. Even if you’re just there to listen, it makes a difference. You don’t need to know all the details – being in the room helps make sure farming voices are heard, especially when more farmers take part.

And when it’s time to make formal submissions, explaining how the rules would impact you and sharing the good work you’re doing on-farm can influence better policies.

Local body elections are coming in September, too. Farmers can have a big impact by voting – and by standing, or encouraging others to stand, for election – to ensure decision-makers understand farming and environmental challenges.

Making sense of the policy system

A quick guide to the people and terms behind the rules shaping your farm and environment.

Policy is about the rules and plans set by central government or councils that guide how things should be done – like how we manage water, land or emissions.

Advocacy is about speaking up to make sure farmers’ voices, science and practical knowledge are part of shaping those rules.

District councils look after local services and infrastructure like roads, rubbish collection and building consents. They focus on what’s happening in towns and communities.

Regional councils manage natural resources like water, land and air. They set environmental rules based on national policy and what’s happening in their region.

Central government sets the big-picture laws and policies for the whole country, such as freshwater goals, climate targets, or the Resource Management Act. Regional and district councils then work within that framework.

The Environment Court is a special court that deals with disputes about environmental rules and decisions, such as regional plans or resource consents. People can appeal to the court if they disagree with a council decision or how a rule has been made.