Submission on freshwater policy review Bay of Plenty Regional Council

The NZKGI Freshwater Policy Review Submission highlights the kiwifruit industry’s strong reliance on secure, reliable access to freshwater and the importance of aligning new policy with both Te Mana o te Wai and the region’s economic realities. NZKGI notes growing pressure on water allocation, rising nitrate trends in some aquifers, and the challenges growers face obtaining consents, while emphasising the industry’s proactive investment in nutrient‑ and irrigation‑efficiency research, workshops, and the sector‑wide Water Strategy. The submission supports a catchment‑specific, science‑based approach that recognises industry efforts, avoids blunt region‑wide rules, and provides realistic timeframes for change. NZKGI signals a desire to work closely with BOPRC to better understand local issues, ensure growers’ interests are represented, and collaboratively develop solutions that protect freshwater while enabling continued kiwifruit industry growth and community wellbeing.