What is conservation advocacy?
What is wildlife management area?
What are the key functions of the Act?
What are protected areas?
What is a watercourse area?
Why are stewardship areas disposed of?
What is wilderness area?
See 4 more
About this website
What law covers all conservation issues in New Zealand?
The Conservation Act 1987 establishes the Department of Conservation, and defines its mandate for managing and promoting the conservation of New Zealand's natural and historic resources on Crown-owned land.
What is the Resource Management Act New Zealand?
The Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA) is the main law governing how people interact with natural resources.
What is the Conservation Act?
About the Williamson Act The Williamson Act, also known as the California Land Conservation Act of 1965, enables local governments to enter into contracts with private landowners for the purpose of restricting specific parcels of land to agricultural or related open space use.
What does the Resource Management Act do?
The Resource Management Act 1991 (usually called the RMA) is the main piece of legislation that sets out how we should manage our environment. It's based on the idea of the sustainable management of our resources, and it encourages us (as communities and as individuals) to plan for the future of our environment.
What is the main legislation that governs environmental issues in NZ?
Resource Management Act 1991 The RMA is New Zealand's main piece of legislation that sets out how we should manage our environment.
What are national environmental standards NZ?
National Environmental Standards (NES) are nationally consistent regulations made under the Resource Management Act 1991. They set out planning requirements and technical standards on a variety of specified activities that affect the environment.
What does the conservation regulations 1994 do?
The Regulations enable the country agencies to enter into management agreements on land within or adjacent to a European site, in order to secure its conservation. If the agency is unable to conclude such an agreement, or if an agreement is breached, it may acquire the interest in the land compulsorily.
What are the three important environmental laws?
The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981. The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974. The Environment Protection Act, 1986.
What is required of Conservation Act 1999?
The Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) is the Australian Government's environmental legislation. It covers environmental assessment and approvals, protects significant biodiversity and integrates the management of important natural and cultural places.
Who enforces the Resource Management Act?
local authoritiesUnder the Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA), local authorities (councils) are responsible for monitoring to ensure activities meet requirements under the RMA, plan rules and resource consents.
Which court hears matters concerning the Resource Management Act 1991?
The Environment CourtThe Environment Court is an appellate court, meaning that it will consider matters afresh. The majority of the court's work involves hearing appeals about issues that arise under the Resource Management Act 1991, with most of its workload coming from appeals brought against decisions of local authorities.
How does the Treaty of Waitangi impact the Resource Management Act?
Under the Resource Management Act 1991, Maori values and the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi must now be taken into account when making decisions about resource management and there is greater provision for Maori to have input into resource management issues concerning the harbour.
What are the three main principles of the Resource Management Act?
There are three sets of principles: Matters of national importance - which decision makers must 'recognise and provide for'; Other matters - which decision makers must 'have particular regard to''; and. The principles of the Treaty of Waitangi - which decision makers are required to 'take into account'.
How does the Treaty of Waitangi impact the Resource Management Act?
Under the Resource Management Act 1991, Maori values and the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi must now be taken into account when making decisions about resource management and there is greater provision for Maori to have input into resource management issues concerning the harbour.
What is replacing the Resource Management Act?
Natural and Built Environments Act (NBA) is the main replacement for the RMA. Strategic Planning Act (SPA) will require the development of long-term regional spatial strategies.
Why is the RMA being replaced?
Water quality is deteriorating, biodiversity is diminishing and there is an urgent need to reduce carbon emissions and adapt to climate change,” David Parker said.
Basic principles: Conservation Act 1987
NMCB DOC - 6303161 alternative sites that might not be as well known and are robust enough for increased numbers of visitors. • Assess carrying capacity and if necessary bring in mechanisms to control or cap numbers.
Conservation Act 1987 No 65 (as at 12 April 2022), Public Act – New ...
sale includes every method of disposition for valuable consideration, including barter; and includes the disposition to an agent for sale on consignment; and also includes offering or attempting to sell, or receiving or having in possession for sale, or exposing for sale, or sending or delivering for sale, or causing or permitting to be sold, offered, or exposed for sale; and also includes ...
Conservation Act 1987 No 65 (as at 12 April 2022), Public Act 2 ...
sale includes every method of disposition for valuable consideration, including barter; and includes the disposition to an agent for sale on consignment; and also includes offering or attempting to sell, or receiving or having in possession for sale, or exposing for sale, or sending or delivering for sale, or causing or permitting to be sold, offered, or exposed for sale; and also includes ...
Principles of the Treaty of Waitangi and DOC: Apply for permits
The Conservation Act states, ‘This Act shall so be interpreted and administered as to give effect to the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi’. The Treaty principles we have identified as most important in our work and how we apply them are described below. Partnership – mutual good faith and ...
What is conservation in New Zealand?
Conservation in New Zealand. Conservation in New Zealand has a history associated with both Māori and Europeans. Both groups of people caused a loss of species and both altered their behaviour to a degree after realising their effect on indigenous flora and fauna.
What is the Conservation Act of 1987?
The Conservation Act 1987 is New Zealand's principal legislation concerning the conservation of indigenous biodiversity. The Act established the Department of Conservation, Fish and Game, and complements the National Parks Act 1980 and the Reserves Act 1977 . The Wildlife Act 1953 covers the protection and control of wild animals, ...
Why are some species under threat?
Many extant species are under threat because of past and ongoing human activities. One example is the Cromwell chafer beetle ( Prodontria lewisi ), which is on the IUCN Red List of critically endangered species. A reserve was created in 1983 to protect its habitat.
How much land has been cleared in New Zealand?
Main article: Deforestation in New Zealand. Most of the current 11.9 million hectares of agricultural land had been cleared, representing around 44% of the total land area of New Zealand.
How many pairs of kkako are there in North Island?
The North Island kōkako population has increased from a low point of around 350 pairs to over 1600 pairs in 23 populations around the North Island.
How many protected areas are there in New Zealand?
Protected areas. Main article: Protected areas of New Zealand. New Zealand has thirteen national parks, forty four marine reserves and many other protected areas for the conservation of biodiversity. The introduction of many invasive species is threatening the indigenous biodiversity, since the geographical isolation of New Zealand led to ...
Why are native species endangered in New Zealand?
During the relatively short occupation of New Zealand by humans a large number of species have been made extinct due to predation by introduced species, hunting, and the loss of habitat. Many extant species are under threat because of past and ongoing human activities.
Outline of work in the roadmap
Work is already underway to reclassify stewardship land, modernise the Trade in Endangered Species Act 1989 and advance marine protected areas reform.
Public involvement
There will be plenty of opportunity for the public to have a say in any changes.
Conservation is about people and values
The main issues in conservation aren’t animals, plants and places – or biodiversity and environmental stewardship. Conservation is really about people. It is about our values in relation to natural and historic resources.
Dealing with controversy and complexity
Sometimes the science is incomplete or uncertain. In such cases, policy decisions can result in controversy and reputational damage to DOC.
Indigenous conservation values
Māori, as tāngata whenua, can be strong voices for conservation. They have a special relationship with ancestral lands and waters, taonga species and wāhi tapu in the conservation estate.
Collaboration with iwi and communities
There are examples of effective conservation collaborations throughout New Zealand. They tend to be operational. Some have been controversial, including corporate sponsorships and community volunteers taking up the slack left by budget cuts.
Where to from here
The upcoming review presents an opportunity to do things differently, but this will require a willingness to continue to experiment with participatory processes and move beyond mere consultation.
How does New Zealand protect its marine environment?
Protection of New Zealand’s marine environment from pollution is provided by regulations, standards, legislation and international conventions. This is part of the global framework for combating marine pollution.
What is the EPA in New Zealand?
Maritime New Zealand also assesses applications for dumping of wastes on the high seas by New Zealand flagged vessels. The Environment Protection Authority (EPA) manages environmental effects from offshore minerals activities that take place over the New Zealand exclusive economic zone or extended continental shelf.
What is annex VI of the New Zealand Law?
Prevention of air pollution from ships – annex VI. New Zealand law gives effect to annex I, II, III, and V and thus regulates discharges of oil, chemicals, marine pollutants (in packaged form), and garbage.
What is maritime New Zealand?
Maritime New Zealand monitors and enforces compliance of ships with marine protection legislation beyond the New Zealand territorial sea. Visiting foreign ships must also meet the international standards adopted by New Zealand. Maritime New Zealand also assesses applications for dumping of wastes on the high seas by New Zealand flagged vessels.
How far from shore is New Zealand?
Within 12 miles from shore (the New Zealand territorial sea), discharges from ships and offshore installations are regulated by the Resource Management Act 1991 and regional coastal plans and marine pollution regulations made under this Act. Monitoring and enforcement is carried out by regional councils.
What is the Biosecurity Act?
This act sets out the requirements for the discharge in New Zealand waters of ships’ ballast water from overseas. View the Biosecurity Act 1993 [New Zealand Parliamentary Counsel Office]
What is the marine environment in New Zealand?
New Zealand’s marine environment protection legislation is provided by the Resource Management Act, the Maritime Transport Act 1994 and the Exclusive Economic Zone and Extended Continental Shelf Act. There are associated coastal plans, marine protection rules and regulations under these three acts that provide much of the detail on marine ...
What is conservation advocacy?
Conservation advocacy; Promotion of the benefits of international co-operation on conservation matters; Promotion of the benefits of the conservation of natural and historic resources in New Zealand, the subantartic islands, the Ross Dependency and Antarctica;
What is wildlife management area?
Wildlife Management Areas - managed for the protection of the areas' wildlife, wildlife habitat and genetic material of indigenous plants and wildlife; and for the protection of indigenous natural and historic resources.
What are the key functions of the Act?
Under the Act the Department of Conservation has a number of functions. These include:
What are protected areas?
Specially Protected Areas (Part IV Sections 18-23) 1 Conservation Parks - managed for protection of their natural and historic resources and to facilitate public recreation and enjoyment. 2 Wilderness Areas - managed for preservation of indigenous natural resources. Buildings, machinery, livestock, vehicles, aircraft, roads and tracks are excluded from such areas except for management, scientific or safety purposes. 3 Ecological Areas - managed for protection of the particular values of each area. 4 Sanctuary Areas - managed to preserve indigenous plants and animals in their natural state and for scientific and other similar purposes. 5 Watercourse Areas - land already under some form of protection whether under the Conservation Act, Reserves Act or QEII National Trust Act which adjoins inland waters also under some form of protection. The land together with the adjoining waters also has outstanding natural or recreational characteristics and is managed to protect these characteristics. 6 Amenity Areas - managed for protection of their indigenous natural and historic resources; and to contribute and facilitate the public's appreciation of those resources and to foster recreational attributes of the areas. 7 Wildlife Management Areas - managed for the protection of the areas' wildlife, wildlife habitat and genetic material of indigenous plants and wildlife; and for the protection of indigenous natural and historic resources.
What is a watercourse area?
Watercourse Areas - land already under some form of protection whether under the Conservation Act, Reserves Act or QEII National Trust Act which adjoins inland waters also under some form of protection. The land together with the adjoining waters also has outstanding natural or recreational characteristics and is managed to protect these characteristics.
Why are stewardship areas disposed of?
These are managed to protect the natural and historic values of the areas. Stewardship areas can be disposed of but disposal is subject to a public process and it must be clear that their retention and continued management would not materially enhance the conservation or recreational values of adjacent land.
What is wilderness area?
Wilderness Areas - managed for preservation of indigenous natural resources. Buildings, machinery, livestock, vehicles, aircraft, roads and tracks are excluded from such areas except for management, scientific or safety purposes. Ecological Areas - managed for protection of the particular values of each area.
Overview
Legislation
The Conservation Act 1987 is New Zealand's principal legislation concerning the conservation of indigenous biodiversity. The Act established the Department of Conservation, Fish and Game, and complements the National Parks Act 1980 and the Reserves Act 1977.
The Wildlife Act 1953 covers the protection and control of wild animals, and provides for wildlife sanctuaries, refuges and management reserves.
Protected areas
New Zealand has thirteen national parks, forty four marine reserves and many other protected areas for the conservation of biodiversity. The introduction of many invasive species is threatening the indigenous biodiversity, since the geographical isolation of New Zealand led to the evolution of plants and animals that did not have traits to protect against predation. New Zealand has a high proportion of endemic species, so pest control is generally regarded as a high priority.
Conservation successes
The black robin (Petroica traversi) was saved from the brink of extinction by a conservation effort led by Don Merton of the New Zealand Wildlife Service. However all black robins that survive today are descended from a single female, therefore the species has little genetic diversity.
The two species of saddleback had each been reduced to a small population o…
Conservation issues
Most of the current 11.9 million hectares of agricultural land had been cleared, representing around 44% of the total land area of New Zealand. Initial attempts to decrease the scale of further deforestation, such as Forestry Rights Registration Act 1983 that created 'forestry rights', have been argued to only be moderately successful. However, they created world class structures of data collection and property rights that made way first for an amendment to the 1949 Forests A…
Funding
As well as government funding for conservation efforts money also comes from numerous NGOs and private individuals. The Nature Heritage Fund and the Community Conservation Fund are both government funded.
Conservation organisations
Conservation organisations began to form from the 19th century. Scenery Preservation Societies formed in some of the Provinces.
An early conservation lobby group was the Royal Forest and Bird Protection Society of New Zealand, which is now the foremost environmental organisation involved in conservation advocacy in New Zealand. In recent years numerous conservation, landcare and activist groups …
Conservation awards
• Loder Cup
• Wellington Conservation Awards
• The Don Merton Conservation Pioneer Award (named after Don Merton)
Preparing For Conservation Law Reform
- We are beginning to prepare to reform the full suite of conservation law. An important part of this is examining how the laws currently function. We are also beginning to build an understanding of the conservation aspirations of New Zealanders.
Trade in Endangered Species Act 1989
- The Trade in Endangered Species Act 1989 (TIES Act) has not kept up with new developments and best practice. This makes it difficult to implement effectively. Cabinet approved changes to the TIES Act in 2020. We are working on a draft Bill to repeal and replace the TIES Act. Cabinet material about the Trade in Endangered Species Act 1989 review.
Conservation Management and Processes Amendments
- The Conservation Management and Processes (CMAP) Bill will improve targeted areas of conservation legislation. Navigating management planning and concessions processes can be slow and challenging. This affects conservation values and people engaging with public conservation lands and waters. The proposals in the CMAP Bill aim to make the legislatio...
Wildlife Act 1953 Review
- We are undertaking a first principles review of the Wildlife Act 1953. The current act is not fit for modern conservation management. It lacks the tools we need to protect threatened species. It also prevents fulfilment of some obligations under Te Tiriti o Waitangi. Engaging with tangata whenua and stakeholders is an important part of reviewing the Wildlife Act. Together, we will ex…
Stewardship Land Reclassification
- The Minister of Conservation is proposing changes to make it easier to reclassify stewardship land. Reclassifying stewardship land will ensure land with conservation and cultural values is protected for future generations. Most stewardship land has not yet been reclassified due to the scale and complexity of the task. The Government has announced measures to improve the pro…
Hauraki Gulf Marine Protection
- Revitalising the Gulf: Government action on the Sea Change Planis the Government’s strategy for managing one of the country’s most valued and intensively used coastal areas. DOC and Fisheries New Zealand are implementing an integrated package of fisheries management and marine conservation actions to improve the health and mauri of the Hauraki Gulf.
Marine Protected Areas Reform
- There are multiple issues with the Marine Reserves Act and the current approach for establishing marine reserves and other marine protected areas (MPA). Updating MPA legislation is a key part of the Cabinet-agreed oceans and fisheries work programme. MPA reform can create a strategic, nationally coordinated framework for marine protection. Modernised legislative tools and proce…