Horizons amends One Plan policies

Horizons Regional Council will make minor amendments to its One Plan to bring it in line with the National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management (NPSFM).

A new policy means that, in issuing discharge consents, council will have to give consideration to the effect on fresh water quality.

But Horizons strategy and policy manager Tom Bowen said while it was a broad direction, the One Plan rules, which came into effect before the NPSFM, meant the goal of the new policy was mostly already being achieved.

There were other minor "administrative" changes to the plan.

Horizons chief executive Michael McCartney said in many cases Horizons had higher standards for managing freshwater than the national policy.

"This change is required under national legislation but it is unlikely to have any effect on Horizons' consenting process," he said.

The change is yet to be voted in by council but is expected to take effect in early May.

It is part of the programme of staged implementation to ensure the One Plan is fully aligned with national standards for freshwater management by 2025.

Meanwhile, Horizons has asked for feedback from people and organisations about the implementation of the One Plan, to be reported to council in August.