Overview
This training forms part of the freshwater farm plan certifier /auditor appointment process in the Waikato region. It has been designed to complement the national freshwater farm plan training. Find out more about National training here. This training is also available to farmers and rural professionals who are supporting development of freshwater farm plans.
This online training is split into courses or topics of learning. Each course will take from 30 – 90 minutes to complete and are divided up into bite-sized portions of learning of around 15 – 20 minutes each. Each course has accompanying knowledge checks and includes an assessment at the end for certifiers / auditors (that must be passed). In addition to the online training there will be a requirement to complete a practical on farm training component for certifiers.
As further topics are developed, additional training will be required to fulfil Waikato regional certifier / auditor requirements will be necessary.
Please note - there is small charge for signing up to the training. For certifiers / auditors this is $80 (including GST) and for farmers / developers $20 (including GST).
Background :
Freshwater farms plans are part of a regulated farm planning system for farmers and growers.
A freshwater farm plan must identify:
- the risks of adverse effects of farming activities on freshwater or freshwater ecosystems
- actions that avoid, remedy or mitigate those risks.
The plan must also set a timeframe for each action to be implemented.
Over time, freshwater farm plans are expected to become the central tool for farmers and growers to manage all their freshwater regulatory requirements.
The Freshwater Farm Plan Regulations came into effect in parts of the Waikato and Southland from 1 August 2023. Other regions will follow over the next two years.
In order to work as a certifier or auditor in the Waikato region, you’ll need to complete regional training to build and demonstrate your understanding of the key issues in our region.
Online training overview
The first course introduces the Waikato region and provides a high-level overview of the topics that need to be considered in a freshwater farm plan in the Waikato region. It is important to complete this first.
The individual training courses that follow, outline the Waikato regional context in more detail and introduce the legislative, cultural and physical environments our farming enterprises operate in.
Please note that further courses may be added over time.
To learn more about each course click the boxes.
Signup/Registration Form
Acknowledgements
Thank you to the numerous persons and teams within Waikato Regional Council who have given time and thought on content, and content review, in the development of the Waikato Regional Training. Thank you also to those persons in the primary industry and USER groups who have done the same. Particular thanks to the Waikato Regional Council science team, compliance team, and Primary Industry Engagement team.