NZFAP+ Compliance for a Waikato Dairy Farm
Maplands helped a 450-hectare Waikato dairy farm achieve NZFAP+ certification through farm planning, waterway mapping, and on-farm support — all within a tight processor deadline.
Project Overview
A family-owned 450-hectare dairy farm in the Waikato faced a tight deadline to achieve NZFAP+ certification and meet new regional freshwater requirements.
Maplands delivered farm planning, waterway mapping, and certification support — keeping the farm compliant and its processor supply contract secure.
Client Objectives
The engagement was guided by clear, measurable objectives that defined success for both business leadership and IT operations.
NZFAP+ Certification
Meet all NZFAP+ requirements to maintain processor supply contract.
Freshwater Compliance
Develop a certified freshwater farm plan meeting regional council requirements.
Farm Mapping
Create accurate maps of waterways, effluent areas, and exclusion zones.
Environmental Outcomes
Identify practical on-farm changes to improve freshwater and biodiversity outcomes.
Project Details
Industry
Dairy Farming
Company Size
450 ha, 800 cows
Duration
6 Months
Services Provided
Complex Legacy Systems Hindering Growth
Complex Waterway Network
Extensive natural waterways required fencing and riparian planting plans.
Tight Deadline
Processor required NZFAP+ certification within the season to maintain supply.
Outdated Farm Records
Existing farm maps were insufficient for compliance purposes.
Dual Compliance Requirements
Farm had to satisfy both Waikato Regional Council and NZFAP+ requirements.
Certification Achieved
Waterways Mapped
Plan to Certification
Compliance Achieved
Farm Plan & Certification
A practical, farmer-first approach to achieving compliance without disrupting farm operations
On-Farm Assessment
Property walkover to assess waterways, effluent infrastructure, and environmental risks.
Farm Mapping
GIS maps of all waterways, exclusion zones, effluent areas, and land use boundaries.
Plan Development
Drafted the NZFAP+ and freshwater farm plans with action lists and timelines.
Certification Support
Supported the audit process and provided follow-up advice on plan implementation.
Technologies Implemented
GIS Farm Mapping
Waterway Assessment
NZFAP+ Framework
Council Compliance
Aerial Imagery
Compliance Achieved, Supply Contract Secured
The farm achieved full NZFAP+ certification on time, protecting its processor relationship
Financial Impact
Processor supply contract
Compliance penalties
Delivered on time
Operational Impact
Waterways mapped
NZFAP+ actions completed
Assessment to certification
Environmental Impact
Freshwater outcomes
NZFAP+ and Freshwater Plan
Annual review support in place
Maplands made the whole process straightforward. They came out to the farm, understood our operation, and had us certified well within the deadline.
Farm Owner
Waikato Dairy Farm
