NPS Amendments: Recommendations for Freshwater Management Report 2018

This report examines the National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management (NPS) in New Zealand, highlighting its shortcomings and proposing recommendations for amendments. The author, Dong Wang, from the Faculty of Law at Victoria University of Wellington, identifies issues such as ambiguity, impractical attributes, and lack of guidance in the current NPS, leading to confusion and inefficiency in local administration. The report advocates for a systematic structure with clear objectives, policies, and measures, emphasizing consultation with regional councils. It also recommends concise content to avoid ambiguity and improve the NPS's effectiveness. The report aims to reduce judicial uncertainty, improve efficiency, and facilitate the sustainable management of freshwater resources, considering technical, legal, scientific, financial, and social factors. The recommendations include a structured approach to freshwater management, incorporating accounting of water quality, quantity, and ecosystem health, and a streamlined, unambiguous text to improve implementation and effectiveness.