Appendix 1: Principles of the Programme
The programme's vision, objectives and underlying principles are:
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 Māori cultural values and the Treaty relationship between Crown and Māori
Key principles to achieve these objectives
- Decision-making is 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 occurs at the appropriate level and balances local and national interests
- Decision-making is underpinned by adequate information
- Water is made available over time for its highest value use*
