The industry good body goes a step further.
They advocate for some tightening up on the measurements being put in place for maintaining water quality.
DairyNZ general manager of policy and advocacy, Kimberly Crewther, said the group supports the National Objectives Framework as a way to provide increased transparency and community participation in freshwater management.
“In some areas, we believe the proposed National Objectives Framework could be more robust,” she said.
“For example, including invertebrates such as aquatic insects would give us a direct measure of ecosystem health that can be applied in all waterways.”
DairyNZ has suggested a tighter compliance test to ensure that human health is protected when bodies of water are used for recreation.
DairyNZ has made all these points in its submission on the Government’s proposed National Objectives Framework and amendments to the National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management (2011).
Public submissions on the proposals closed last month.
Government officials are now analysing all submissions.
The Minister for the Environment and the Minister for Primary Industries expect to take advice to Cabinet by the middle of the year.
Crewther said all industries that have impact on water have to be considered in the framework.
“Dairy farming is one of many activities that impact on water quality, alongside other land uses and urban waste.
“We need to ensure that all activities play their part.”
Crewther said dairy farmers see the benefits of strong water quality.
“We farm and live next to many waterways and have families that swim, fish and play in our natural environment just like everyone else in our communities.
“We also depend on water for the sustainability of our businesses.
“So we are united with everyone else on the need to set and achieve clear freshwater objectives based on robust science.
“What we want to focus on is ensuring the framework being put in place by the Government is helping communities work out the best way of getting there and finding the right measures to monitor our progress and set targets that can suit different situations,” she said.
