Our values are guided by the following principles that underpin our work, and support our vision and mission of creating a just world. In addition, as a non-governmental organisation based in Aotearoa New Zealand we are striving to reflect a set of Maori values. This process is informed by our organisational initiative: A Just Aotearoa and will be a focus of this strategic planning period.

Human Rights and Development
An international human rights framework recognises that all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights, and we value and respect individual and collective human rights.

Our work is underpinned by a human rights approach and we provide information to increase the knowledge, understanding and realisation of human rights.

This also means that we recognise the inherent dignity and worth of all people, we respect and support diversity, and we are committed to creating a positive working environment.

Te Tiriti o Waitangi
A principle of international law stipulates that treaties are to be interpreted using the indigenous language version. Therefore, we recognise Te Tiriti o Waitangi, the Maori language version of the Treaty of Waitangi, as a founding document of Aotearoa New Zealand .

Te Tiriti o Waitangi informs our perspective of development both in Aotearoa New Zealand and internationally.

This also means that we strive to reflect our responsibilities under Te Tiriti o Waitangi in our practices and policies through our organisational initiative: A Just Aotearoa .

People-centred development
Everyone has a right to own their development without having it prescribed by others.

This means that development is participatory in nature and empowers people to make positive change in their lives.

To facilitate this, we provide and promote a wide range of development voices including civil society organisations, indigenous people(s), and those offering alternative solutions to development.

This also means that we encourage and support the input of people involved in the organisation in our decision-making processes, work practices and organisational culture.

An holistic and sustainable approach to development
A holistic and sustainable approach to development balances the relationship between human livelihoods, environmental resource use, and the needs of future generations. It encompasses human rights, cultural, social, political, economic, environmental and spiritual aspirations and initiatives.

To facilitate this, we provide a wide array of development information and global education perspectives.

This also means that we foster a strong sense of collaboration amongst people involved in the organisation, encourage diversity, and that we strive to implement sustainable practices.

Transparency
Transparency is central to good development practice and includes access to freely available information. Transparency enables informed participation in decisions and actions and facilitates accountability to our stakeholders.

We provide a wide range of resources from a variety of perspectives that help promote transparency.

This also means that we communicate clearly who we are, and what we do, by publishing our values, objectives, policies, activities, organisational structure, alliances, and sources and uses of funds.

In addition the DRC subscribes to the Council for International Development’s Code of Ethics and the principles and aims of the Development Education Association UK.