New Zealand is among 41 countries that abstained from voting on Wednesday on a United Nations resolution supporting the right for everyone to have safe drinking water and sanitation.
The non-binding measure says the right to safe and clean drinking water and sanitation is a human right that is essential for the full enjoyment of life and all human rights.
It passed with 122 votes in favour, none against and the 41 abstentions.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs says New Zealand had not had time to fully consider the implication of the resolution.
A water rights group, Blue Planet Project, says it does not understand why New Zealand would not support the resolution because there's no obligation on nations to share water or financially assist others.
