Almost a year since the new government halted land and water regional plans, Otago Regional Council (ORC) has extended the expiry date of short-term water permits.

After legislation was passed in October 2024 preventing the notification of the draft Land and Water Regional Plan (LWRP), ORC has been proactively working with the government to find a way to provide certainty for farmers, growers, and water permit holders until a new plan is in place.

ORC councillor Gary Kelliher has been against the LWRP being notified for a long time, and was pleased ORC was finally listening to water permit holders.

He said that should have happened when Plan Change 7 forced everyone with 2021 expiring deemed permits into a “horrifically expensive” reduction of rights.

“That ridiculous process cost the region’s farmers and council millions and left everyone with total uncertainty, huge bills, reduced consents, and sleepless nights,” Gary said.

“Now a five year extension can be granted at no cost and no effort required. That’s what should have happened last time, and was basically what then Minister [David] Parker and Professor Skelton had recommended.”

ORC said, in a statement this week, when the legislative change was made by the government, several previously identified issues with the current plan could not be resolved through the new LWRP.

The consequences of delaying notification of the LWRP included uncertainty around achieving compliance with existing discharge rules, resulting in the need for many farmers to apply for resource consents. 

Water permit holders would also be faced with a complex planning regime when replacing expiring water permits.

Council requested the government consider a legislative fix for these known issues, that would extend the expiry date of existing short-term water permits and override certain discharge provisions of the Regional Plan:Water for Otago – thus providing short term clarity for the region’s produce growers, primary producers, and water permit holders.

ORC chair Gretchen Robertson said she was pleased the council had gained support from the government to address these known issues through a change in legislation. 

“While this only provides some further short-term certainty for the Otago community, it ensures we avoid unnecessary costs and regulation until new freshwater rules are in place.”

Professor Peter Skelton was appointed in 2019 to look into the regional council’s consent process, and two directives from then minister David Parker to meet strict deadlines on the draft LWRP.

ORC has supplied FAQs on the issue here. People with questions relating to their own consents can email: [email protected]

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