Stock exclusion regulations

The national regulations require stock exclusion from lakes, rivers more than 1 metre wide, and wetlands of 0.05 hectares or more.  If the riverbed measures more than 1 metre bank-to-bank anywhere in the land parcel, the rules will apply to the whole river. The bed is measured at the point which the water reaches at its fullest flow, rather than during dry periods. 

There are also specifically identified waterways and wetlands identified in our NRP, which are known as Category 1 and 2 waterbodies. Stock access to other waterbodies and the coast is also subject to controls in the NRP.

If you are unsure about which type of waterbody you have on your property, please get in touch with us via your usual Land Management Advisor or info@gw.govt.nz.

The Ministry for the Environment has introduced a low slope land map. This outlines areas where beef cattle and deer must be excluded from the waterbodies included in the national regulations.

The national regulations do not include sheep, but they are included in our NRP, which requires them to be excluded from Category 1 rivers and wetlands. National regulations and NRP rules for waterbodies other than Category 1 apply to cattle, dairy cows, farmed deer and farmed pigs.

The national regulations require setbacks for stock including beef cattle, dairy cattle, dairy support cattle, farmed deer or pigs. 

Stock will need to be setback by three metres from the beds of specified lakes, rivers and wetlands. If you are break feeding, cultivating, or intensive winter grazing, the required setback is five metres. 

A fence or riparian planting that was already in place on 3 September 2020 can remain in place if it meets the minimum standards and effectively excludes stock from a required waterway, even if it is less than 3 metres from the edge of the waterway. However, it will need to be maintained. 

A five metre setback is required for intensive winter grazing of stock regardless of any existing fencing. This could be achieved using a temporary fence. 

Water races –are not included in the national regulations, but our NRP requires stock to be excluded from them because they are classed as a Category 2 Surface water body. Stock can drink from a water race, but not be in the water race. 

There is no specified setback for this unless you are break feeding stock, which requires a five metre setback. 

Highly modified watercourses - are included in the national regulations and NRP rules but may appear as drains. 

Cattle and pigs may only cross a river or lake by using a dedicated bridge or culvert, unless they are: 

• Supervised, and; 
• Driven across the waterbody, and; 
• Cross the waterbody no more than twice in any month. 

Setback rules do not apply to stock accessing dedicated bridges or culverts. 

Exceptions 

Cattle and pigs can cross without a dedicated culvert or bridge if it is too difficult to install one because the river has a highly mobile bed. However, they must be supervised AND actively driven across the river. These requirements do not apply to sheep or farmed deer.