In this section:

Review of the Marine Reserves Act 1971 - Summary of activities and how they are managed in the Bill

Summary of activities and how they are managed in the Bill

Activity Status under Bill How managed in Bill
Activities allowed in all marine reserves
  • Recreational activities
  • Educational activities
  • Anchoring
Allowed, subject to prohibited activities. Order in Council, Regulation, or short-term notice may limit if necessary to protect reserve's values.
  • Scientific research
  • Research for Te Ira Tangaroa
  • Commercial operators (tourism etc)
Allowed, but requires a concession beforehand.
  • Activities for safety, preventing damage
Allowed. Not controlled
  • Normal ship operations
  • Passage through a reserve
Allowed. Not controlled if activity is within the relevant specified definitions.
  • Mining (all within 12-mile limit, and for petroleum in the EEZ)
Allowed only if has "minimum impact" and is authorised Authorised and managed under Crown Minerals Act, not MRA.
Pest control If manager authorises Manager authorises
  • NZ Defence Force activities
Act does not apply to enforcement activities, or to operational activities in the EEZ, or to operational activities in the Territorial Sea where there is a written agreement
Activities prohibited in all marine reserves (both within the 12-mile limit and in the EEZ)
  • Fishing
Not allowed No provision for allowing
  • Mining in EEZ (non-petroleum)
Not allowed unless authorised By concession
  • Take material;
  • Take, modify, damage historic material
  • Damage, disturb, marine life, seabed etc
  • Introduce marine life
  • Erect a structure
  • Dump or incinerate
  • Use explosive or firearm
Not allowed unless authorised. By concession.

Order in Council, regulation, or management plan may guide if and how concessions are granted.

Activities prohibited in reserves within the 12-mile limit (in addition to those prohibited in all reserves)
  • Littering
  • Discharge of oils, noxious liquids, garbage, fishing waste, untreated sewage, other potentially harmful substances
  • Discharge sewage from outfalls
  • Discharge of ballast (unless for the immediate safety of the ship)
  • Land aircraft (except for emergency or for a navigational aid)
Not allowed unless authorised

Aircraft landing is allowed if it is operated by the NZ Defence Force or Civil Aviation Authority

By concession.

Order in Council, regulation or management plan may guide if and how concessions are granted.

Activities prohibited in reserves in the EEZ (in addition to those prohibited in all reserves)
  • Discharge of oils, noxious liquids, garbage, sewage
Allowed only if within international standards Seek international agreement to higher standards if required

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Conservation for prosperity. Tiakina te taiao, kia puawai