Agricultural reforms in New Zealand are gaining momentum, with vegetable growers expressing strong support for proposed changes to the Resource Management Act and freshwater regulations. The reforms aim to ease the regulatory burden by making commercial vegetable production a permitted activity and streamlining resource consent processes.
John Murphy, chair of Vegetables NZ, says current rules have created uncertainty, especially in areas like Horowhenua and North Waikato, where ongoing litigation complicates operations. The revisions under discussion include greater flexibility for councils, simplified nitrogen fertiliser rules, and eased regulations for practices such as crop rotation, irrigation, and water acquisition. Changes to wetland regulations would also exclude unintended "induced" wetlands and allow certain farming activities unlikely to cause harm.
Agriculture Minister Todd McClay and Associate Environment Minister Andrew Hoggard have emphasized a balanced approach that protects both environmental health and the interests of food producers. Kate Scott, CEO of Horticulture New Zealand, believes the reforms will reduce the need for resource consents, improving certainty for growers.
Potatoes New Zealand has welcomed the changes, calling them a vital step toward securing the country's food future. CEO Kate Trufitt highlights that policies removing unnecessary red tape and acknowledging the importance of vegetable production will boost grower confidence and productivity. With the potato industry alone contributing over $1 billion annually, the sector plays a crucial role in domestic supply and export growth.
Trufitt also supports the government's intention to better manage highly productive land through practical planning. She stresses that true productivity depends on more than soil—it also requires access to water, climate resilience, labour, and market proximity. Losing these due to poor policy undermines food security.
Industry leaders appreciate the government's willingness to engage and respond to sector needs, viewing the reforms as a long-overdue shift toward ensuring that New Zealanders continue to have access to fresh, locally grown food.
Source 1: FarmersWeekly
Source 2: Potatoes New Zealand