Vision, objectives and principles for freshwater management

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VISION: Freshwater is managed wisely to provide for the present and future social, cultural, environmental and economic wellbeing of New Zealand

CHALLENGES

• Not all expectations and needs for freshwater are currently being met and demands are growing
• Water quality is declining in many areas and is unacceptable in some catchments
• Given the range of people's interests in water it is difficult to establish priorities for action

Sustainable development: Sustain the health of freshwater ecosystems

• Protect public health
• Facilitate economic growth and innovation
• Facilitate public use, access, and enjoyment
• Enhance environmental protection
• Manage freshwater in the context of Maori cultural values and the Treaty relationship between Crown and Maori

Key principles to achieve these objectives

• Decision making should be transparent, participatory and timely
• Manage within the constraints of uncertainty and cost
• Respect existing rights, interests and values, and future options
• Maintain environmental bottom lines and avoid, remedy, or mitigate adverse environmental effects
• Decision making should occur at the appropriate level and balance local and national interests
• Decision making is underpinned by adequate information
• Water is made available over time for its highest value use*

* Value is defined in its holistic sense and not just in reference to economic value. 'Highest value use' encompasses all aspects of sustainable development: environmental, social, cultural and economic.