Aotearoa New Zealand’s new Government proposal to remove hard-won protection for waterways will worsen the country’s freshwater crisis

Like many parts of the world, Aotearoa New Zealand’s waterways are under immense pressure from anthropogenic impacts that will be amplified by the effects of climate change. After decades of rising public concern, progress had been made on freshwater policy for the protection and restoration of the country’s waterbodies. However, a new Government elected at the end of 2023 threatens to undo that progress by implementing economic policies that will worsen the country’s freshwater crisis. This article was prompted by an open letter, signed by 51 freshwater experts and national and regional leaders on freshwater issues, urging the new Government not to reverse or undermine the progress made. It describes the state of the country’s waterways, provides a brief history of developments for freshwater in Aotearoa New Zealand, and highlights the influence of the country’s agricultural sector on its environmental policy.