AFA operates under a number of guidelines. These guidelines define our group, how we operate and what we will or will not campaign for.

Below our guidelines and explained;

• We are actively pro-animal rights/animal liberation. We will actively fight and campaign for animal liberation.
  
  
• We operate under non-hierarchical principles and address issues of power. We use consensus decision-making to ensure everyone's opinion counts.
  
  
• All animals (human or non-human) are equal. We absolutely reject any opinions or actions which aim to exploit non-human animals or use them for human benefit.
  
  
• We support all forms of direct action aimed at stopping or reducing animal abuse or exploitation.
  
  
• We will always support one another in the fight for animal liberation.
  
  
• We recognise that there are a wide range of tools and tactics used by activism to fight forms of exploitation.
  
  
• We will actively enable the involvement of anyone who agrees and acts in accordance with our guidelines. That means you! Go on! Get involved! We are here to support and help you as you get involved in the fight for animal freedom.
  
  
• We will be an accessible resource for those who wish to understand animal exploitation. We will make sure that anyone who wishes to get involved in the fight for animal liberation has the tools required.
  
  
• We feel it is vital to understand that all forms of exploitation are inter-linked. Exploitation of our natural environment, indigenous peoples, racial exploitation, age, gender and sexual preference based discrimination are all part of the system which also exploits animals. A system which we are fighting against.
  
  
• We recognise Maori as the indigenous peoples of Aotearoa and recognise their right to self-determination and freedom.