Principles

INZ HAS DEVELOPED AND REGULARLY REVIEWS A SET OF PRINCIPLES THAT GUIDE OUR ADVOCACY ACTIVITIES:

1. Nobody owns water in New Zealand – instead a permit is granted for its use.
2. All users of water have a responsibility to use it efficiently through the adoption of Good Management Practice.
3. Water is plentiful in New Zealand – however its efficient use requires sound planning, investment and management.
4. Water quality must not be unacceptably altered through irrigation.
5. Integrated catchment management underpinned by audited self-management is the optimal approach to water management.
6. Decision making must be informed through robust science and reflect community values.
7. There are multiple benefits from water infrastructure - its development and funding must reflect this.
8. Water charges in New Zealand should only be set to recover water supply and resource management.

More detailed explanation of each principle: INZ Principles