Practice
1. The New Zealand Māori Council says national water policy should provide for the interests of the natural environment, the general public and Maori.
2. The Maori interest is based on prior use. An interest based on prior use is not presently recognised in national policy.
3. In addition all people should have free access to reasonable water supplies for personal domestic needs as a basic human right and reasonable access to natural water bodies for recreation.
4. Recognition of the environmental, general public and Maori interests should be founded on an ethic of responsibility in resource use, the concept of the common good and the preservation of natural resources for future generations.
5. Current polices do not balance the necessary responsibilities.
6. The utility of water has been appropriated from the traditional Maori custodians. It has been treated as a limitless, free resource for domestic use, waste disposal and commercial profit. This is inconsistent with the common good and Maori interests and has led to over-
utilisation and pollution of water bodies, and losses for Maori communities.
7. As described below, the Council proposes an independent Commission to restore the balance. The Commission is to manage water allocation and fund its activities from a levy on commercial uses.
