Submission on Freshwater policy review Waikato Regional Council

The NZKGI Waikato Freshwater Policy Review Submission emphasises the kiwifruit industry’s need for reliable access to water for irrigation, frost protection and nutrient application, and highlights concerns about overallocation and rising nitrogen trends in parts of the region. While growers have a relatively small footprint in Waikato, NZKGI stresses that emerging freshwater rules could significantly affect orchard viability and future land‑use options. The submission outlines the industry’s proactive efforts – such as the Water Strategy, nutrient‑efficiency research, irrigation trials and grower training – and calls for a catchment‑specific, collaborative approach that recognises existing good practice, provides realistic timeframes for change, and ensures policy settings enable both environmental improvement and sustainable industry growth.