Environment Canterbury welcomes PCE report on the use of Overseer

Environment Canterbury has welcomed the Overseer report released on 12 December by the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment.

“Regional Council Uses of Overseer” was completed by the PCE as an independent investigation of the Overseer model, which is used to estimate nitrogen leaching from farm-land into fresh water catchment systems.

“We welcome the report which helps to inform the debate around the role of Overseer both as a method to improve fresh water quality as well as its use as a regulatory tool,” said Stefanie Rixecker, Environment Canterbury’s Director Science.

“Of most interest are the recommendations made in the report on how to improve Overseer as a regulatory tool, which are timely and useful.”

The PCE has recommended a comprehensive evaluation of Overseer, including an independent peer review, as well as undertaking a sensitivity and uncertainty analysis.

In addition, the report recommends greater transparency on how the Overseer model works, as well as better alignment of the ownership, governance and funding. There may also be a bigger role for central government in providing guidance around how models are used in environmental regulation.

“While we’re aware of the limitations of Overseer as a regulatory tool, we are also encouraged by the culture of continuous improvement around the model to make it more relevant for both farmers and regional councils.

“We have been using Overseer for around 10 years. Our latest update to the Canterbury Land and Water Regional Plan, Plan Change 5, eliminates reliance on a fixed Overseer estimate and replaces it with a threshold based on irrigated area or the use of winter grazing of stock.

“We look forward to continuing our work in the Overseer space, including working with our communities, industry and central government to implement any actions that come out of the PCE’s recommendations.

“In our view the PCE’s recommendations on transparency, validation and Government involvement in funding and management of Overseer will enhance its value as a regulatory tool and increase public confidence in its use,” concludes Dr Rixecker.

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