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Draft oceans policy framework

Towards sustainable development of New Zealand’s oceans

PDF version for printing (PDF 31KB)

Vision

Healthy oceans, wisely managed for the greatest benefit to New Zealand, now and in the future

Objectives that need to be balanced to achieve the vision:

  • Economic growth
  • Social and cultural wellbeing
  • Improved environmental performance

Conditions - what we must do when achieving the vision:

  • Ensure the integrity of oceans ecosystems
  • Take appropriate account of the Treaty of Waitangi
  • Manage in the context of international rights, responsibilities and strategic interests

Operating principles

The way we should operate when achieving the vision:

  • Respect established rights, interests, and values
  • Consider the needs of future generations
  • Consider and address adverse environmental effects
  • Use cost effective mechanisms to achieve objectives
  • Allow for oceans space and other resources to be made available, over time, for their highest use returns
  • Obtain appropriate returns from the use of Crown resources
  • Where appropriate, recover government costs of managing oceans resources

Process principles

  • Work with Maori to empower them in decisions that affect them
  • Manage in a transparent, participatory and timely way
  • Make decisions at the appropriate level
  • Use appropriate information to support decision making
  • Manage within the constraints of uncertainty

Last updated: 17 September 2007