Image: DOC
Image of a wetland.
Wetland action plan 2026-2035
The action plan sets out DOC’s strategic direction for conserving and restoring New Zealand’s wetlands over the next decade

About the plan

The Wetland action plan provides an integrated framework to align DOC operational work, science, policy, advocacy, Treaty partnership obligations, and cross sector collaboration to halt continued wetland loss and enable large-scale, long-term recovery.

It outlines how DOC will work in partnership with iwi/hapū, and alongside government agencies, councils, industry, NGOs, and local communities to deliver wetland conservation outcomes.

The plan encompasses inland freshwater wetlands and coastal wetlands, and describes the priority actions required to:

  • protect and restore peatlands and coastal wetland ecosystems as part of New Zealand’s climate mitigation and adaptation response
  • improve the health of threatened and culturally significant wetlands
  • mobilise partnerships, resources, and cross-agency action to influence system-wide change
  • meet DOC’s responsibilities under the Conservation Act 1987, Treaty settlements, and international commitments such as the Convention on Wetlands (Ramsar Convention).

Download the plan

Wetland action plan 2026-2035 (PDF, 34,932K)