INZ HAS DEVELOPED AND REGULARLY REVIEWS A SET OF PRINCIPLES THAT GUIDE OUR ADVOCACY ACTIVITIES:
- Nobody owns water in New Zealand – instead a permit is granted for its use.
- All users of water have a responsibility to use it efficiently through the adoption of Good Management Practice.
- Water is plentiful in New Zealand – however its efficient use requires sound planning, investment and management.
- Water quality must not be unacceptably altered through irrigation.
- Integrated catchment management underpinned by audited self-management is the optimal approach to water management.
- Decision making must be informed through robust science and reflect community values.
- There are multiple benefits from water infrastructure - its development and funding must reflect this.
- Water charges in New Zealand should only be set to recover water supply and resource management.
More detailed explanation of each principle: INZ Principles