Background and Legislation
Background
The Department of Conservation was formed in 1987, when the Conservation Act was passed, to integrate conservation management functions.
Legislation
The Conservation Act 1987 sets out the majority of the Department's responsibilities and roles.
In addition, the Department administers 24 other Acts and has functions under several others. The other main Acts it administers are the:
- Marine Mammals Protection Act, 1978
- Marine Reserves Act, 1971
- National Parks Act, 1980
- Reserves Act, 1977
- Wildlife Act, 1953
The main Acts under which the Minister of Conservation and Department have powers or duties are the:
- Biosecurity Act, 1993
- Crown Minerals Act, 1991
- Fisheries Act, 1983 and 1996
- Resource Management Act, 1991
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