Resource Management Amendment Act (No. 30 of 2020).

This Act makes several amendments to the principal Act of 1991. In particular it adds Part 9A and 9B.
Part 9A concerns Freshwater farm plans and its purpose is to better control the adverse effects of farming on freshwater and freshwater ecosystems within specified districts, regions, or parts of New Zealand through the use of certified freshwater farm plans. This Part applies only to a region, district, or part of New Zealand specified in an Order in Council under this section. Art. 217D rules that a farm must have certified freshwater farm plan under Art. 217G if it meets certain land use thresholds. Art. 217F establishes that a freshwater farm plan must identify any adverse effects of activities carried out on the farm on freshwater and freshwater ecosystems; specify clear and measurable requirements that are appropriate for the purpose of avoiding, remedying, or mitigating the adverse effects of those activities; demonstrate how any outcomes prescribed in regulations are to be achieved. Under Art. 217M, the Governor-General may, by Order in Council made Regulations relating to freshwater farm plans.
Part 9B, Effect of nitrogenous fertiliser on freshwater quality and freshwater ecosystems, has the purpose to enable better monitoring of the actions being taken to improve freshwater quality and freshwater ecosystems, through the collection of sales information on nitrogenous fertiliser.