Central government expects New Zealanders and their regional councils to halt the decline of the country's freshwater quality and restore it within a generation. But what will it take to get there? 🤔

We have identified provisional freshwater targets for the region that will not only halt the decline of the region’s water quality but will also help make our communities' visions for freshwater a reality.

We are seeking feedback on those targets – which are provisional and by no means set in stone – as we work towards updating our One Plan, which sets rules around natural resource use in the region.

We want to know:

• What you think about how the targets are set
• Whether you think the draft visions and community outcomes which influence the targets are ambitious but reasonable
• Your thoughts on timeframes and actions that need to be taken to achieve the targets and the possible impacts (eg. social and economic) these may have.

While we are presenting the best available information through this engagement, we understand that some information gaps (for example around the social and economic impacts) might make our communities feel uncertain.

We are still conducting research in this space and will share further information as it’s completed - this is not the last opportunity for you to have your say, and Horizons has yet to make any decisions about the water quality targets that are in this engagement.

Finally, we recognise this is a complex topic, so our website has all the supporting information you need to answer the questions in our survey.

Rural Roadshow Reminder 

Please note the new date for the Levin event. 

Come along to hear Horizon staff talk about how proposed targets have been created, what they mean in practice and how you can have your say on them.

If you're unable to make these meetings, get in touch with the rural advice team on freephone 0508 800 800 to discuss alternative options.
 
Details for the meetings are as follows:

• 2.30pm Thursday 2 November, Āpiti Tavern, Āpiti
• 2.30pm Friday 3 November, Te Matapihi - Bulls Community Centre, Bulls
• 2.30pm and 6pm Monday 6 November, Whanganui Jockey Club, Whanganui
• 10.30am Thursday 9 November, Woodville-Pahiatua Racing Club, Woodville
• 2.30pm Monday 13 November, Rangatira Golf Club, Hunterville
• 6pm Monday 13 November, Ohakune RSA, Ohakune
• 10.30am Tuesday 14 November, Taumarunui RSA, Taumarunui
• 2.30pm Wednesday 22 November, Levin RSA, Levin
• 6pm Wednesday 22 November, Palmerston North Cosmopolitan Club, Palmerston North 

Presentations will start at those times, but people are welcome to arrive up to 30 minutes early, when refreshments will be available. There will also be time for further questions and conversations afterwards over refreshments.