The Government is likely to set up a national commission to drive the clean-up of waterways and better use of fresh water supplies.
The proposal is one of more than 50 recommendations from the Land and Water Forum, which was set up by the Government 14 months ago to resolve disputes over fresh water between almost 60 farmer, industry, iwi and environmental groups.
The forum's final report recommends that a National Land and Water Commission should be established with new national policy statements and environmental standards for water quality, allocation and use.
The forum is also proposing a waterway restoration fund to coordinate lake and river clean-ups.
Environment Minister Nick Smith has previously said he is likely to adopt the forum's main recommendations.
