Freshwater Farm Plans (FW FPs) were introduced with the addition of Part 9A to the Resource Management Act 1991. This established that FW FPs must be certified and audited.

Following a competitive procurement process, AsureQuality was engaged by the Ministry for Cities, Environment, Regions, and Transport (the Ministry, formerly known as the Ministry for the Environment) as the Appointment Process Manager (APM). In this role, we were responsible for designing, establishing, and operating the national appointment process to ensure the quality and consistency of FW FP Certifiers and Auditors.

Design phase

Working closely with the Ministry and key stakeholders (including Councils and Te Uru Kahika – Regional and Unitary Councils Aotearoa), delivery requirements were defined, and the programme was scoped. We established a Technical Advisory Group to provide expert input and ensure the programme was grounded in best practice. 

We developed a detailed project plan, a user experience design and testing approach, and clearly defined IT system specifications for both minimum viable product (MVP) and full-service delivery. System rules, processes, criteria, and content requirements for national and regional training courses were designed in alignment with Ministry guidance.

Establishment phase

We transitioned from design into delivery: core services were stood up, including the MVP IT system using Esri's ArcGIS platform (now retired), and the launch of a dedicated programme website(external link) to support applicants and stakeholders.

System rules, processes, and criteria were finalised. National training and regional training courses (where required) were co-designed. Supporting documentation - including information for applicants and a detailed operations manual - ensured clarity and consistency in how the service would be delivered across the country.

Operational phase

The programme transitioned fully into operational delivery. We began receiving applications from prospective Certifiers and Auditors. The full-service IT system was developed; the portal(external link) is connected to a Microsoft Dynamics system with Power BI reporting to support transparency and performance monitoring. The Freshwater Farm Plans Regulations 2023 came into effect in parts of Waikato and Southland. Farmers in these areas had 18 months to submit a FW FP for certification. 

Since late 2024, the national FW FP system has been paused with the exception of the Southland region. 

Changes were introduced by the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Act, which affect how the new system will work. These changes allow for closer integration with industry assurance programmes and limit which FW FPs must be certified. Details of further changes to the FW FP system are yet to be released.