Lake Rotorua Incentives Scheme Policy Incentives Scheme Policy

Lake Rotorua Incentives Scheme Policy

Incentives Scheme Policy Framework agreed by Council To RTALSG on 27 th September Success of framework depends on incentives scheme – including Central Government funding Cabinet meeting in December – information due October Seeking St. AG views and endorsement of approach

Previous policy and design Draft principles and design presented Allocation framework was delayed Incentives policy restructured to fit the approved framework Incentives design to follow at later date

Overview

Hypothetical farm scenarios

Incentives Scheme Policy Aim Approach Principles of funding allocation High level criteria Exclusions Conditions of funding

Aim Provide financial assistance above the line to assist pastoral farmers to meet their NDAs (up to $5. 5 million) and Incentivise land use change and land management change below the line to reduce the nitrogen discharge to the lake by 100 t/year (up to $40 million)

Approach Run according to the following approach: An open and transparent process Fair access Well governed Based on efficient administration Responsive to opportunities

Principles of Funding Allocation When selecting funding recipients we will favour The most nitrogen reduction per dollar Proposals with co-benefits Actions that commit to significant change

Criteria for Funding Allocation Only actions with a high degree of certainty of nutrient reduction will be funded Funding below the line will only be provided for actions demonstrated to achieve reductions below the NDA for the property Landowners must be compliant with Regional Water and Land Plan rules

Exclusions Funding will not be provided for Actions to get to good farming practice Any nutrient reduction actions already completed Gorse control Nutrient reduction activities that are cost neutral to do or that are financially positive

Conditions of Funding Clear, quantifiable and measurable Perpetuity Legal mechanisms to enforce reductions e. g. caveats, contracts Funding paid when work is completed or at agreed milestones All limits and targets, set at the time of legal binding