Final Environment Court decision issued on Waikato Regional Council Plan Change 1

The Environment Court has directed Waikato Regional Council to make 20 specific changes to finalise a landmark plan to improve water quality in the Waikato and Waipā rivers.

PC1 is the bold first step in an 80-year journey to achieve rivers with improved water quality, that are safe for food gathering along their entire length and meet the requirements of Te Ture Whaimana o Te Awa o Waikato (Vision and Strategy for the Waikato River).

It is a change to the Waikato Regional Plan, developed with the community, to allow for the management of nitrogen, phosphorus, sediment and bacteria in the Waikato and Waipā rivers.

A total of 24 appeals were lodged with the Environment Court, covering over 1000 points, in 2020.

The decision on proposed Waikato Regional Plan Change 1 (PC1) was issued by the court on Monday, 8 June 2026, giving the council until 21 July to make the changes. Once the court confirms the amendments meet its intent, the plan will be finalised. Appeals on the court’s decision, limited to matters of law, are only able to be made to the High Court.