The change in Government in 2023 has led to a pause and reconsideration of freshwater farm planning, presenting an opportunity for the Government and sector leaders to evaluate performance to date and identify improvements to optimise future outcomes. The previous regime provided significant funding to Regional Councils, catchment communities, environmental groups, and iwi to initiate nationwide environmental restoration programs but ostensibly without a clearly defined plan and objectives. The failure to follow basic planning processes appears to stem from several factors including weak leadership, confusion between public agencies and an obsession towards enforcing freshwater farm plans and meeting greenhouse gas targets.

Tightening of government spending now threatens the continued existence of CG, and their loss would represent an irresponsible waste of public investment in their establishment, especially considering their recognized value in promoting practical farming system and land use changes to achieve improved environmental outcomes. The paper which contains 8 recommendations argues for a strategic overhaul of environmental restoration efforts in New Zealand's primary industry. It proposes a way forward via a collaborative framework involving Industry, Catchment Groups and aligned nature positive stakeholder roles which is believed will achieve much faster implementation of Land Environmental Plans by Farmers at significantly lower taxpayer expense.