Submission on National Environmental Standards drinking water

The NZKGI Submission on the NES‑Drinking Water supports strengthening the protection of drinking‑water sources but raises practical concerns about how proposed Source Water Risk Management Area (SWRMA) rules would apply to kiwifruit orchards. NZKGI argues that a mandatory 5‑metre exclusion zone around bores is unnecessary given existing bore‑construction standards, secure abstraction requirements, and regional plan controls, and questions whether growers could be forced to remove productive vines. The submission supports fertiliser limits that align with current practice, but opposes new prohibitions and high‑risk activity bans that duplicate existing regional consenting frameworks. NZKGI also backs updating NZS 4411:2001 to improve bore management and supports decommissioning unused or poor‑quality bores, while noting the need for clearer definitions and practical implementation. Overall, NZKGI asks for alignment with Freshwater Farm Plans and more detailed consultation to ensure regulations are workable and proportionate for horticulture.