INZ has developed a set of principles that guide its advocacy activities:
- Ownership Nobody "owns" water in New Zealand, instead a permit is granted for its use.
- Good Management Practice All users of water have a responsibility to use it efficiently through the adoption of "Good Management Practice"
- Managing river flows and groundwater levels Water is plentiful in New Zealand, however its efficient use requires sound planning, investment and management.
- Managing water quality Water quality must not be unacceptably altered through irrigation.
- Integrated catchment management Integrated catchment management underpinned by audited self-management is the optimal approach to water management.
- Science and knowledge Water management decision making must be informed by robust science and reflect community values.
- Water infrastructures and communities There are multiple benefits from water infrastructure - its development and funding must reflect this.
- Water charges Water charges in new Zealand should only be set to recover water supply and resource management costs.
IrrigationNZ Principles : download this pdf to read a more detailed explanations of those principles.