New Zealand laws and regulations of biodiversity management

Introduction

These laws and regulations govern the management of biodiversity in New Zealand.

Several of these are also included in the legislation that guides the work of DOC, or DOC contributes to.

Each one is described in full on the New Zealand Legislation website.

Protected lands, waters, and species

  • Conservation Act 1987
  • Forests Act 1949
  • Fisheries Act 1996
  • Marine Reserves Act 1971
  • Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Act 2011
  • Marine Mammals Protection Act 1934
  • National Parks Act 1980
  • Native Plants Protection Act 1934
  • Reserves Act 1977
  • Trade in Endangered Species Act 1989
  • Wildlife Act 1953

Sustainable management

  • Customary Fisheries Regulations
    • Fisheries (South Island Customary Fishing) Regulations 1998
    • Kaimoana Customary Fishing Regulations 1998
    • Regulation 27 of the Fisheries (Amateur Fishing) Regulations 1986
    • Recreational Fisheries Regulations
  • Natural and Built Environment Act 2023
  • Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA)
  • Wild Animal Control Act 1977

Other laws and regulations

  • Biosecurity Act 1993
  • Crown Pastoral Land Act 1998
  • Dog Control Act 1996
  • Environment Act 1986
  • Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act 1996 (HSNO)
  • Te Ture Whenua Maori Act 1993