The Minister Responsible for RMA Reform acting for the Minister for the Environment hereby gives notice of amendments made under section 53(1) of the Resource Management Act 1991 to the National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management 2020 (New Zealand Gazette, 5 August 2020, Notice No. 2020-go3443).

Pursuant to section 52(2) of the Resource Management Act 1991, Her Excellency the Governor-General, acting on the advice and with the consent of the Executive Council and on the recommendation of the Minister Responsible for RMA Reform acting for the Minister for the Environment (having satisfied the requirements of that Act), approves the National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management Amendment 2025.

1. Title

This is the National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management Amendment 2025.

2. Commencement

This amendment to the National Policy Statement comes into force on 15 January 2026.

3. Principal Instrument

This instrument amends the National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management 2020.

4. Subpart 3 Specific Requirements

Amend clause 3.22(1)(d)(iii) to insert the words “or operational need” after the words “there is a functional need”.

Amend clause 3.22(1)(e)(viii) to insert the words “or operational need” after the words “there is a functional need”.

Dated at Wellington this 15th day of December 2025.

Hon CHRIS BISHOP for the Minister for the Environment.