This note has been updated for 2017 and 2020 amendments but not updated for best practice.
There are many methods and tools that can be used for monitoring. In choosing and using these, it is important to ensure the information produced is of good quality, useful for the monitoring purpose and consistent over time. These requirements should govern the way you collect and manage your data.
Key messages
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There are many different monitoring methods that can be used.
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Don't reinvent the wheel, and think about what other people can do for you.
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Indicator selection should reflect the monitoring purpose and how the information will be used.
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Don't get bogged down in detail or feel you need to measure everything.
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Data management needs to ensure data is consistent, of high quality, easy to collect and record, and suitable for analysis.
The requirement to monitor is prescribed by section 35 RMA. In addition, national regulations may be set under section 360, that specify particular indicators, standards, methods or requirements applying to monitoring, which may differ depending on what is being monitored.
