Wildlife Act 1953
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Version as at 27 November 2025
Wildlife Act 1953
Public Act |
1953 No 31 |
|
Date of assent |
31 October 1953 |
|
Commencement |
see section 1(2) |
Note
The Parliamentary Counsel Office has made editorial and format changes to this version using the powers under subpart 2 of Part 3 of the Legislation Act 2019.
Note 4 at the end of this version provides a list of the amendments included in it.
This Act is administered by the Department of Conservation.
Contents
An Act to consolidate and amend the law relating to the protection and control of wild animals and birds, the regulation of game shooting seasons, and the constitution and powers of acclimatisation societies
1 Short Title and commencement
(1)
This Act may be cited as the Wildlife Act 1953.
(2)
This Act shall come into force on 1 April 1954.
2 Interpretation
(1)
In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires,—
activity includes a trade, business, or occupation
animal means any mammal (not being a domestic animal or a rabbit or a hare or a seal or other marine mammal), any bird (not being a domestic bird), any reptile, or any amphibian; and includes any terrestrial or freshwater invertebrate declared to be an animal under section 7B and any marine species declared to be an animal under section 7BA; and also includes the dead body or any part of the dead body of any animal
aquatic life means any species of plant or animal life which, at any time in the life history of the species, must inhabit water; and includes seabirds (whether or not in an aquatic environment)
associated products means goods or services produced or supplied in association with game bird habitat stamps as part of the game bird habitat stamp programme
bird means any bird, whether native, introduced, or imported, or that has migrated to New Zealand or has arrived in New Zealand and become established there; but does not include any domestic bird
buy includes barter, exchange for consideration, offer to buy, or attempt to buy
close season, with respect to any game, means any period during which the hunting or killing of that game is not expressly permitted, either generally or in any specified district or place
closed game area means a part of a district that is for the time being excluded from the operation of an open season in the district; but does not include a wildlife sanctuary or a wildlife refuge or any area in which the shooting or hunting or killing of animals is prohibited under or pursuant to paragraph (j) of subsection (2) of section 9 of this Act or any other Act
concession or concession document—
(a)
means—
(i)
a lease; or
(ii)
a licence; or
(iii)
a permit; or
(iv)
an easement—
granted under section 14AA; and
(b)
includes any activity authorised by the concession document
concessionaire means a person who is—
(a)
a lessee; or
(b)
a licensee; or
(c)
a permit holder; or
(d)
the grantee of an easement—
under section 14AA
conservation management plan means a conservation management plan approved under section 14E
conservation management strategy means a conservation management strategy approved under the Conservation Act 1987
council, in relation to any acclimatisation society, means the governing body of the society, by whatever name it is called
day means a period of 24 hours commencing from midnight
Department means the Department of Conservation
Director means the manager of the New Zealand Fish and Game Council
Director-General means the Director-General of Conservation
domestic animal means any cattle, sheep, horse, mule, ass, dog, cat, pig, or goat; but does not include any such animal that is living in a wild state, or any other animal not referred to in this definition notwithstanding that it may be living in a domestic state
domestic bird means any domestic fowl, duck, goose, or turkey, or any pheasant kept, held, raised, or bred on premises for which the predominant purpose is the sale of pheasant meat or live pheasants for human consumption; but does not include any such bird that is living in a wild state, or any other bird not referred to in this definition notwithstanding that it may be living in a domestic state; and for the avoidance of doubt—
(a)
any pheasant that is fed on any land or premises but is not confined within an enclosure shall be deemed to be living in a wild state:
(b)
any pheasant that is held pursuant to a permit under section 23, section 53, or section 56 for the purposes of liberating at large as game shall be deemed not to be a domestic bird:
(c)
any pheasant which is made available for hunting shall be deemed to be living in a wild state
financial year means the period of 12 months commencing on 1 September and ending with the 31 August next following
firearm means any gun, rifle, or air gun; and includes any kind of weapon or device from which any shot, bullet, arrow, stone, or other missile can be discharged; and shoot has a corresponding meaning
Fish and Game Council means a Fish and Game Council established under section 26P of the Conservation Act 1987
fish and game ranger means a fish and game ranger appointed pursuant to section 26FA of the Conservation Act 1987 or deemed to be appointed under that section
fishing—
(a)
means the catching, taking, or harvesting of fish, aquatic life, or seaweed; and
(b)
includes—
(i)
any activity that may reasonably be expected to result in the catching, taking, or harvesting of fish, aquatic life, or seaweed; and
(ii)
any operation in support of or in preparation for any activities described in this definition
fishing-related mortality means the accidental death or incidental death of any protected species that occurs in the course of fishing
game means all animals and game birds for the time being specified in Schedule 1
game bird habitat stamp means a stamp or mark in a form approved by the Minister under section 19A
game hunting guide means a person whose services are actively promoted or advertised for hire or reward with the express purpose of organising and assisting persons to undertake game hunting
game licence means a licence to hunt or kill game issued by the Department or a Fish and Game Council under regulations made under this Act
human-induced mortality means the death of any marine wildlife that can be attributed directly or indirectly to any human activity
hunt or kill, in relation to any wildlife, includes the hunting, killing, taking, trapping, or capturing of any wildlife by any means; and also includes pursuing, disturbing, or molesting any wildlife, taking or using a firearm, dog, or like method to hunt or kill wildlife, whether this results in killing or capturing or not; and also includes every attempt to hunt or kill wildlife and every act of assistance of any other person to hunt or kill wildlife
infringement fee, in relation to an infringement offence, means the infringement fee for the offence prescribed in regulations made under this Act
infringement offence means—
(a)
an offence in sections 70B to 70T; or
(b)
an offence against regulations made under this Act that is declared by regulations to be an infringement offence
lease—
(a)
means—
(i)
a grant of an interest in land that—
(A)
gives exclusive possession of the land; and
(B)
makes provision for any activity on the land that the lessee is permitted to carry out:
(ii)
any document purporting to be a lease (whether or not the document gives the lessee exclusive possession of the land concerned) and issued under any enactment passed before the commencement of section 2 of the Wildlife Amendment Act 1996:
(iii)
any document purporting to be a lease (whether or not the document gives the lessee exclusive possession of the land concerned) and issued under this Act before the commencement of the said section 2; but
(b)
does not include a licence referred to in paragraph (b)(ii) of the definition of the term licence;—
and lessee has a corresponding meaning
licence—
(a)
means—
(i)
a profit à prendre or any other grant that gives a non-exclusive interest in land; or
(ii)
a grant that makes provision for any activity on the land that the licensee is permitted to carry out; and
(b)
includes—
(i)
any document purporting to be a licence (whether or not the licence gives an interest, or makes any provision, referred to in paragraph (a)) and issued under any enactment relating to wildlife that was passed before the commencement of section 2 of the Wildlife Amendment Act 1996; and
(ii)
any document purporting to be a licence and purporting to grant an exclusive interest in land, and issued under this Act before the date of commencement of the said section 2 or issued under any other enactment relating to wildlife that was passed before that date; and
(iii)
any document purporting to be a licence (whether or not the licence gives an interest, or makes any provision, referred to in paragraph (a)) and issued under this Act before the commencement of the said section 2;—
and licensee has a corresponding meaning
marine species means any species inhabiting or found in or on the sea or foreshore
marine wildlife means any marine species, or individual of a species, defined as wildlife under this Act
Minister means the Minister of Conservation
New Zealand Fish and Game Council means the New Zealand Fish and Game Council established by section 26B of the Conservation Act 1987
New Zealand fisheries waters has the same meaning as in section 2(1) of the Fisheries Act 1996
New Zealand Game Bird Habitat Trust Board or Board means the New Zealand Game Bird Habitat Trust Board established by section 44B
notification means a notice under this Act that is secondary legislation
occupier means,—
(a)
in relation to any land, other than unoccupied land of the Crown, the person by whom or on whose behalf the land is actually occupied, if that person is in occupation by virtue of the fact that he is the owner or one of the owners of the fee simple of the land or of a lease or licence of the land:
(b)
in relation to unoccupied land of the Crown, the Minister for the time being charged with the administration of the department of State that has the control of the land
open season means a period declared under section 15 to be an open season for game
permit, in relation to section 14AA,—
(a)
means a grant of rights to carry out an activity for a purpose referred to in that section that does not require an interest in land; and
(b)
includes any authorisation or licence granted before the commencement of this definition that granted similar rights;—
and permit holder has a corresponding meaning
population management plan means a plan approved under section 14F
ranger means a ranger appointed or deemed to be appointed under this Act; and includes a fish and game ranger
sale includes barter and exchange for consideration; and also includes offering or attempting to sell, or receiving for sale, or having in possession for sale, or exposing for sale, or sending or delivering for sale, or causing or allowing to be sold, offered, or exposed for sale; and sell has a corresponding meaning
take, and all references thereto, includes taking, catching, or pursuing by any means or device, and also includes the attempt to take
threatened species means any marine wildlife that is for the time being declared by a notice under subsection (1A) to be a threatened species
wildlife means any animal that is living in a wild state; and includes any such animal or egg or offspring of any such animal held or hatched or born in captivity, whether pursuant to an authority granted under this Act or otherwise; but does not include any animals of any species specified in Schedule 6 (being animals that are wild animals subject to the Wild Animals Control Act 1977)
wildlife district means a wildlife district under this Act
wildlife management reserve means a wildlife management reserve declared under section 14A; and includes any reserve under the Reserves Act 1977 classified as a Government purpose reserve for a wildlife management reserve
wildlife refuge means a wildlife refuge declared under section 14; and includes any reserve under the Reserves Act 1977 classified as a Government purpose reserve for a wildlife refuge
wildlife sanctuary or sanctuary means a wildlife sanctuary declared under section 9; and includes any reserve under the Reserves Act 1977 classified as a Government purpose reserve for a wildlife sanctuary.
(1A)
The Minister, after having regard to any relevant international standards and any relevant standards applying within New Zealand, may from time to time, by notice, declare any species of marine wildlife to be a threatened species for the purposes of this Act.
(2)
A declaration under subsection (1A) is secondary legislation (see Part 3 of the Legislation Act 2019 for publication requirements).
(2)
[Repealed]Compare: 1921–22 No 57 s 2
| Legislation Act 2019 requirements for secondary legislation made under this section | ||||
| Publication | PCO must publish it on the legislation website and notify it in the Gazette | LA19 s 69(1)(c) | ||
| Presentation | The Minister must present it to the House of Representatives | LA19 s 114, Sch 1 cl 32(1)(a) | ||
| Disallowance | It may be disallowed by the House of Representatives | LA19 ss 115, 116 | ||
| This note is not part of the Act. | ||||
Section 2(1) activity: inserted, on 1 July 1996, by section 2(1) of the Wildlife Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 2).
Section 2(1) animal: amended, on 1 October 1996, by section 316(1) of the Fisheries Act 1996 (1996 No 88).
Section 2(1) animal: amended, on 19 September 1980, by section 2(1) of the Wildlife Amendment Act 1980 (1980 No 17).
Section 2(1) aquatic life: inserted, on 1 October 1996, by section 316(1) of the Fisheries Act 1996 (1996 No 88).
Section 2(1) associated products: inserted, on 17 May 1993, by section 2(2) of the Wildlife Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 39).
Section 2(1) associated products: amended, on 16 December 2017, by section 86(1) of the Electronic Interactions Reform Act 2017 (2017 No 50).
Section 2(1) concession or concession document: inserted, on 1 July 1996, by section 2(1) of the Wildlife Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 2).
Section 2(1) concessionaire: inserted, on 1 July 1996, by section 2(1) of the Wildlife Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 2).
Section 2(1) conservation management plan: inserted, on 10 April 1990, by section 65 of the Conservation Law Reform Act 1990 (1990 No 31).
Section 2(1) conservation management strategy: inserted, on 10 April 1990, by section 65 of the Conservation Law Reform Act 1990 (1990 No 31).
Section 2(1) Department: amended, on 1 April 1987, by section 65(1) of the Conservation Act 1987 (1987 No 65).
Section 2(1) Director: inserted, on 25 November 1994, by section 2(1) of the Wildlife Amendment Act 1994 (1994 No 109).
Section 2(1) Director-General: inserted, on 1 April 1987, by section 65(1) of the Conservation Act 1987 (1987 No 65).
Section 2(1) district: repealed, on 10 April 1990, by section 65 of the Conservation Law Reform Act 1990 (1990 No 31).
Section 2(1) domestic bird: replaced, on 1 October 1993, by section 168(1) of the Biosecurity Act 1993 (1993 No 95).
Section 2(1) Fish and Game Council: inserted, on 10 April 1990, by section 65 of the Conservation Law Reform Act 1990 (1990 No 31).
Section 2(1) fish and game ranger: inserted, on 25 November 1994, by section 2(1) of the Wildlife Amendment Act 1994 (1994 No 109).
Section 2(1) fishing: inserted, on 1 October 1996, by section 316(1) of the Fisheries Act 1996 (1996 No 88).
Section 2(1) fishing-related mortality: inserted, on 1 October 1996, by section 316(1) of the Fisheries Act 1996 (1996 No 88).
Section 2(1) game: amended, on 17 May 1993, by section 2(1) of the Wildlife Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 39).
Section 2(1) game bird habitat stamp: inserted, on 17 May 1993, by section 2(2) of the Wildlife Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 39).
Section 2(1) game bird habitat stamp: amended, on 16 December 2017, by section 86(2) of the Electronic Interactions Reform Act 2017 (2017 No 50).
Section 2(1) game hunting guide: inserted, on 13 March 1996, by section 2(3) of the Wildlife Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 2).
Section 2(1) game licence: inserted, on 16 December 2017, by section 86(3) of the Electronic Interactions Reform Act 2017 (2017 No 50).
Section 2(1) human-induced mortality: inserted, on 1 October 1996, by section 316(1) of the Fisheries Act 1996 (1996 No 88).
Section 2(1) infringement fee: inserted, on 21 December 2018, by section 65 of the Conservation (Infringement System) Act 2018 (2018 No 61).
Section 2(1) infringement offence: inserted, on 21 December 2018, by section 65 of the Conservation (Infringement System) Act 2018 (2018 No 61).
Section 2(1) lease: inserted, on 1 July 1996, by section 2(1) of the Wildlife Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 2).
Section 2(1) licence first definition: inserted, on 1 July 1996, by section 2(1) of the Wildlife Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 2).
Section 2(1) licence second definition: repealed, on 16 December 2017, by section 86(4) of the Electronic Interactions Reform Act 2017 (2017 No 50).
Section 2(1) marine species: inserted, on 1 October 1996, by section 316(1) of the Fisheries Act 1996 (1996 No 88).
Section 2(1) marine wildlife: inserted, on 1 October 1996, by section 316(1) of the Fisheries Act 1996 (1996 No 88).
Section 2(1) Minister: amended, on 1 April 1987, by section 65(1) of the Conservation Act 1987 (1987 No 65).
Section 2(1) New Zealand Fish and Game Council: inserted, on 17 May 1993, by section 2(2) of the Wildlife Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 39).
Section 2(1) New Zealand fisheries waters: inserted, on 1 October 1996, by section 316(1) of the Fisheries Act 1996 (1996 No 88).
Section 2(1) New Zealand Game Bird Habitat Trust Board or Board: inserted, on 17 May 1993, by section 2(2) of the Wildlife Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 39).
Section 2(1) notification: replaced, on 28 October 2021, by section 3 of the Secondary Legislation Act 2021 (2021 No 7).
Section 2(1) open season: replaced, on 13 March 1996, by section 2(2) of the Wildlife Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 2).
Section 2(1) permit: inserted, on 1 July 1996, by section 2(1) of the Wildlife Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 2).
Section 2(1) population management plan: inserted, on 1 October 1996, by section 316(1) of the Fisheries Act 1996 (1996 No 88).
Section 2(1) ranger: amended, on 25 November 1994, by section 2(2) of the Wildlife Amendment Act 1994 (1994 No 109).
Section 2(1) Secretary: repealed, on 1 April 1987, by section 65(1) of the Conservation Act 1987 (1987 No 65).
Section 2(1) society: repealed, on 10 April 1990, by section 65 of the Conservation Law Reform Act 1990 (1990 No 31).
Section 2(1) threatened species: inserted, on 1 October 1996, by section 316(1) of the Fisheries Act 1996 (1996 No 88).
Section 2(1) threatened species: amended, on 26 March 2015, by section 4 of the Wildlife Amendment Act 2015 (2015 No 39).
Section 2(1) wildlife: replaced, on 19 September 1980, by section 2(2) of the Wildlife Amendment Act 1980 (1980 No 17).
Section 2(1) wildlife management reserve: inserted, on 19 September 1980, by section 2(3) of the Wildlife Amendment Act 1980 (1980 No 17).
Section 2(1) wildlife refuge: replaced, on 19 September 1980, by section 2(4) of the Wildlife Amendment Act 1980 (1980 No 17).
Section 2(1) wildlife sanctuary or sanctuary: replaced, on 19 September 1980, by section 2(4) of the Wildlife Amendment Act 1980 (1980 No 17).
Section 2(1A): inserted, on 1 October 1996, by section 316(1) of the Fisheries Act 1996 (1996 No 88).
Section 2(1A): amended, on 28 October 2021, by section 3 of the Secondary Legislation Act 2021 (2021 No 7).
Section 2(2): inserted, on 28 October 2021, by section 3 of the Secondary Legislation Act 2021 (2021 No 7).
Section 2(2): repealed, on 17 November 1964, by section 2(2)(a) of the Wildlife Amendment Act 1964 (1964 No 63).
2A Meaning of possession
(1)
Subject to the provisions of subsections (2) and (3), any animal or thing shall be deemed to be in the possession of any person when that person has, alone or jointly or in association with any other person, possession of or control over the animal or thing, or possession of or control over any vessel, vehicle, container, package, or place in or on which the animal or thing is.
(2)
In any proceedings for an offence against this Act or any regulations under this Act, being an offence relating to the possession by the defendant of more than a specified number of animals, then, in any case where the defendant is acting jointly or in association with 1 or more other persons, the number of animals deemed pursuant to subsection (1) to be in the possession of the defendant for the purposes of those proceedings shall be ascertained by dividing by the number of persons acting jointly or in association the total number of animals found in the possession or under the control of the defendant and the other person or persons or in or on any vessel, vehicle, container, package, or place in the possession or under the control of the defendant and the other person or persons.
(3)
In any proceedings for an offence against this Act or any regulations under this Act, being an offence relating to the possession of any animal or thing found in or on any vessel, vehicle, container, package, or place in the possession or under the control of the defendant, alone or jointly or in association with any other person, it shall be a good defence if the defendant satisfies the court that—
(a)
he did not know and had no reasonable opportunity of knowing that the animal or thing was in or on the vessel, vehicle, container, package, or place; or
(b)
in the case of any animal or thing found in or on any vessel or vehicle or place, the animal or thing was in the possession or under the control of some other person in or on that vessel or vehicle or place; or
(c)
in the case of an offence relating to the possession of more than a specified number of animals, he did not know and had no reasonable opportunity of knowing that the number of those animals in or on any vehicle, vessel, container, package, or place exceeded that specified number.
Section 2A: inserted, on 17 November 1964, by section 2(1) of the Wildlife Amendment Act 1964 (1964 No 63).
2AA Transitional, savings, and related provisions
The transitional, savings, and related provisions set out in Schedule 1AA have effect according to their terms.
Section 2AA: inserted, on 14 May 2025, by section 5 of the Wildlife (Authorisations) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 22).
2B Application of certain provisions restricted
Section 2B: inserted, on 1 October 1996, by section 316(1) of the Fisheries Act 1996 (1996 No 88).
Part 1 Protection of wildlife
3 Wildlife to be protected
Subject to the provisions of this Act, all wildlife is hereby declared to be subject to this Act and (except in the case of wildlife for the time being specified in Schedule 1, Schedule 2, Schedule 3, Schedule 4, or Schedule 5) to be absolutely protected throughout New Zealand and New Zealand fisheries waters.
Compare: 1921–22 No 57 s 3(1)
Section 3: amended, on 1 October 1996, by section 316(1) of the Fisheries Act 1996 (1996 No 88).
4 Certain wildlife declared to be game
The wildlife for the time being specified in Schedule 1 is hereby declared to be game for the purposes of this Act.
Compare: 1921–22 No 57 s 8(1), (2)
5 Certain wildlife partially protected
(1)
The wildlife for the time being specified in Schedule 2 is hereby declared to be partially protected, and that protection shall apply throughout New Zealand, except where that schedule otherwise provides.
(2)
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Act, when any injury or damage to any land or to any property on any land has arisen owing to the presence on the land of any wildlife for the time being specified in Schedule 2, the occupier of the land or any other person with the authority of the occupier may hunt or kill on the land any such wildlife, subject to any regulations for the time being in force under this Act:
provided that nothing in this subsection shall authorise the hunting or killing of any wildlife in a wildlife sanctuary or wildlife refuge except pursuant to an authority granted under section 11 or section 14 or section 54.
Compare: 1921–22 No 57 s 4(1)
6 Certain wildlife may be hunted subject to conditions imposed by the Minister
(1)
The Minister may from time to time in his discretion, by notice, declare that any wildlife for the time being specified in Schedule 3 may be hunted or killed or had in possession subject to such conditions as he prescribes, and any such wildlife may be hunted or killed or had in possession accordingly.
(2)
Without limiting the general power to prescribe conditions conferred by subsection (1), the Minister may prescribe under that subsection any of the following conditions:
(a)
prescribing the persons or classes of persons who may hunt or kill or be in possession of any such wildlife:
(b)
restricting the numbers of any such wildlife that may be hunted or killed or had in possession by any one person in any one day:
(c)
prescribing the parts of New Zealand in which any such wildlife may be hunted or killed or had in possession:
(d)
prescribing the times of day or the periods of the year during which any such wildlife may be hunted or killed or had in possession:
(e)
prescribing the methods by which any such wildlife may be hunted or killed, or prohibiting the use of any specified method.
(3)
Every person who hunts, kills, or has in his or her possession any wildlife to which any notice under subsection (1) refers, otherwise than in accordance with any conditions prescribed by the Minister under this section, commits an offence against this Act and is liable on conviction to the penalty set out in section 67F(3).
(4)
A notice under this section is secondary legislation (see Part 3 of the Legislation Act 2019 for publication requirements).
| Legislation Act 2019 requirements for the Wildlife (Chatham Islands) Notice 2015 and amendments to it | ||||
| Publication | PCO must publish it on the legislation website and notify it in the Gazette | LA19 ss 67(d)(iii), 69(1)(c), Sch 1 cl 23 | ||
| Presentation | The Minister must present it to the House of Representatives | LA19 s 114, Sch 1 cl 32(1)(a) | ||
| Disallowance | It may be disallowed by the House of Representatives | LA19 ss 115, 116 | ||
| This note is not part of the Act. | ||||
| Legislation Act 2019 requirements for all other secondary legislation made under this section | ||||
| Publication | The maker must publish it in the Gazette | LA19 ss 73, 74(1)(a), Sch 1 cl 14 | ||
| Presentation | It is not required to be presented to the House of Representatives because a transitional exemption applies under Schedule 1 of the Legislation Act 2019 | LA19 s 114, Sch 1 cl 32(1)(a) | ||
| Disallowance | It may be disallowed by the House of Representatives | LA19 ss 115, 116 | ||
| This note is not part of the Act. | ||||
Section 6(1): amended, on 28 October 2021, by section 3 of the Secondary Legislation Act 2021 (2021 No 7).
Section 6(3): replaced, on 15 October 2000, by section 8 of the Wildlife (Penalties and Related Matters) Amendment Act 2000 (2000 No 43).
Section 6(3): amended, on 28 October 2021, by section 3 of the Secondary Legislation Act 2021 (2021 No 7).
Section 6(4): inserted, on 28 October 2021, by section 3 of the Secondary Legislation Act 2021 (2021 No 7).
7 Certain wildlife not protected
(1)
The wildlife for the time being specified in Schedule 4 is hereby declared to be unprotected throughout New Zealand, except where that schedule otherwise provides:
provided that, where the Minister considers that hunting by other persons is likely to interfere with studies and investigations of or campaigns against the wildlife specified in that schedule carried out by the Department, he may from time to time in his discretion, by notice, declare that any wildlife for the time being specified in that schedule may not be hunted or killed or had in possession in such area and during such period as are specified in the notification.
(2)
Every person who in any area and during any period specified in any notification under subsection (1) hunts, kills, or has in his or her possession any wildlife to which the notification refers, commits an offence against this Act and is liable on conviction to the penalty set out in section 67F(3).
(3)
The wildlife for the time being specified in Schedule 5 is hereby declared to be unprotected throughout New Zealand, except where that schedule otherwise provides.
(4)
A notice under this section is secondary legislation (see Part 3 of the Legislation Act 2019 for publication requirements).
| Legislation Act 2019 requirements for secondary legislation made under this section | ||||
| Publication | The maker must publish it in the Gazette | LA19 ss 73, 74(1)(a), Sch 1 cl 14 | ||
| Presentation | It is not required to be presented to the House of Representatives because a transitional exemption applies under Schedule 1 of the Legislation Act 2019 | LA19 s 114, Sch 1 cl 32(1)(a) | ||
| Disallowance | It may be disallowed by the House of Representatives | LA19 ss 115, 116 | ||
| This note is not part of the Act. | ||||
Section 7(1): amended, on 28 October 2021, by section 3 of the Secondary Legislation Act 2021 (2021 No 7).
Section 7(2): replaced, on 15 October 2000, by section 8 of the Wildlife (Penalties and Related Matters) Amendment Act 2000 (2000 No 43).
Section 7(4): inserted, on 28 October 2021, by section 3 of the Secondary Legislation Act 2021 (2021 No 7).
7A Wild animals
(1)
Animals of any of the species for the time being specified in Schedule 6 are hereby declared to be wild animals, and shall be subject to the Wild Animal Control Act 1977.
(2)
The Governor-General may from time to time, by Order in Council,—
(a)
amend Schedule 6 by including a reference to any other species of animal, or by omitting the reference to any species of animal for the time being included therein:
(b)
amend any other schedule of this Act by omitting the reference to any species of animal included in Schedule 6 under paragraph (a), or by including the reference to any species of animal excluded from Schedule 6 under that paragraph.
(3)
An order under this section is secondary legislation (see Part 3 of the Legislation Act 2019 for publication requirements).
| Legislation Act 2019 requirements for secondary legislation made under this section | ||||
| Publication | PCO must publish it on the legislation website and notify it in the Gazette | LA19 s 69(1)(c) | ||
| Presentation | The Minister must present it to the House of Representatives | LA19 s 114, Sch 1 cl 32(1)(a) | ||
| Disallowance | It may be disallowed by the House of Representatives | LA19 ss 115, 116 | ||
| This note is not part of the Act. | ||||
Section 7A: inserted (with effect on 1 April 1956), on 10 May 1956, by section 2(1) of the Wildlife Amendment Act 1956 (1956 No 5).
Section 7A heading: replaced, on 17 December 2016, by section 112(1) of the Statutes Amendment Act 2016 (2016 No 104).
Section 7A(1): amended, on 17 December 2016, by section 112(2)(a) of the Statutes Amendment Act 2016 (2016 No 104).
Section 7A(1): amended, on 17 December 2016, by section 112(2)(b) of the Statutes Amendment Act 2016 (2016 No 104).
Section 7A(1): amended, on 17 December 2016, by section 112(2)(c) of the Statutes Amendment Act 2016 (2016 No 104).
Section 7A(3): inserted, on 28 October 2021, by section 3 of the Secondary Legislation Act 2021 (2021 No 7).
7B Terrestrial and freshwater invertebrates
(1)
The terrestrial and freshwater invertebrates specified in Schedule 7 are hereby declared to be animals.
(2)
The Governor-General may from time to time, by Order in Council,—
(a)
include, in Schedule 7, any terrestrial or freshwater invertebrate not for the time being specified in that schedule:
(b)
omit, from Schedule 7, any terrestrial or freshwater invertebrate for the time being specified in that schedule.
(3)
Any such Order in Council may be expressed to operate throughout New Zealand or in such part or parts of New Zealand and for such period or periods as may be specified.
(4)
An order under this section is secondary legislation (see Part 3 of the Legislation Act 2019 for publication requirements).
| Legislation Act 2019 requirements for secondary legislation made under this section | ||||
| Publication | PCO must publish it on the legislation website and notify it in the Gazette | LA19 s 69(1)(c) | ||
| Presentation | The Minister must present it to the House of Representatives | LA19 s 114, Sch 1 cl 32(1)(a) | ||
| Disallowance | It may be disallowed by the House of Representatives | LA19 ss 115, 116 | ||
| This note is not part of the Act. | ||||
Section 7B: inserted, on 19 September 1980, by section 3(1) of the Wildlife Amendment Act 1980 (1980 No 17).
Section 7B(4): inserted, on 28 October 2021, by section 3 of the Secondary Legislation Act 2021 (2021 No 7).
7BA Marine species
(1)
The marine species listed in Schedule 7A are hereby declared to be animals.
(2)
The Governor-General may from time to time, by Order in Council,—
(a)
include, in Schedule 7A, the name of any marine species not for the time being listed in that schedule:
(b)
omit, from Schedule 7A, the name of any marine species for the time being listed in that schedule.
(3)
Any such Order in Council may be expressed to operate throughout New Zealand or New Zealand fisheries waters or such parts thereof, and for such period or periods, as may be specified.
(4)
An order under this section is secondary legislation (see Part 3 of the Legislation Act 2019 for publication requirements).
| Legislation Act 2019 requirements for secondary legislation made under this section | ||||
| Publication | PCO must publish it on the legislation website and notify it in the Gazette | LA19 s 69(1)(c) | ||
| Presentation | The Minister must present it to the House of Representatives | LA19 s 114, Sch 1 cl 32(1)(a) | ||
| Disallowance | It may be disallowed by the House of Representatives | LA19 ss 115, 116 | ||
| This note is not part of the Act. | ||||
Section 7BA: inserted, on 1 October 1996, by section 316(1) of the Fisheries Act 1996 (1996 No 88).
Section 7BA(4): inserted, on 28 October 2021, by section 3 of the Secondary Legislation Act 2021 (2021 No 7).
7C Farming certain unprotected animals
(1)
No person shall farm, breed, or sell, or capture or convey or keep in captivity for the purposes of farming, breeding, or selling, any wildlife specified in Schedule 8 unless any such activity is authorised by the Minister pursuant to section 41 or by regulations made under this Act.
(2)
Every person who contravenes subsection (1) commits an offence against this Act and is liable on conviction to the penalty set out in section 67F(3).
Section 7C: inserted, on 6 December 1983, by section 2(1) of the Wildlife Amendment Act 1983 (1983 No 48).
Section 7C(2): replaced, on 15 October 2000, by section 8 of the Wildlife (Penalties and Related Matters) Amendment Act 2000 (2000 No 43).
8 Alteration of schedules
(1)
The Governor-General may from time to time, by Order in Council, declare—
(a)
any wildlife not for the time being specified in any schedule of this Act to be included in such of the schedules of this Act as may be specified in the Order in Council:
(b)
any wildlife for the time being specified in any schedule of this Act to cease to be included in that schedule and to be included in any other schedule of this Act:
(c)
any wildlife for the time being specified in any schedule of this Act to cease to be included in any schedule of this Act, in which case the wildlife shall be deemed to be absolutely protected under this Act:
(d)
any species of animal to cease to be wildlife for the purposes of this Act.
(2)
Any Order in Council made under the authority of subsection (1) may be expressed to operate throughout New Zealand or in such part or parts of New Zealand and for such period or periods as may be specified in the Order in Council.
(3)
Every Order in Council made under the authority of subsection (1) shall have effect according to its tenor, and in particular may provide in the case of any wildlife declared to be game under that subsection for vesting in the Department the control of that game in any area that does not form part of an area under the jurisdiction of a Fish and Game Council, for the issue of game licences to hunt or kill any such wildlife, and for payment to a Crown Bank Account of any fees in respect of those game licences.
(4)
An order under this section is secondary legislation (see Part 3 of the Legislation Act 2019 for publication requirements).
Compare: 1921–22 No 57 ss 3(2), (5), 5, 8(3)–(6)
| Legislation Act 2019 requirements for secondary legislation made under this section | ||||
| Publication | PCO must publish it on the legislation website and notify it in the Gazette | LA19 s 69(1)(c) | ||
| Presentation | The Minister must present it to the House of Representatives | LA19 s 114, Sch 1 cl 32(1)(a) | ||
| Disallowance | It may be disallowed by the House of Representatives | LA19 ss 115, 116 | ||
| This note is not part of the Act. | ||||
Section 8(3): amended, on 16 December 2017, by section 87 of the Electronic Interactions Reform Act 2017 (2017 No 50).
Section 8(3): amended, on 25 January 2005, pursuant to section 83(7) of the Public Finance Act 1989 (1989 No 44).
Section 8(3): amended, on 10 April 1990, by section 66 of the Conservation Law Reform Act 1990 (1990 No 31).
Section 8(4): inserted, on 28 October 2021, by section 3 of the Secondary Legislation Act 2021 (2021 No 7).
Wildlife sanctuaries
9 Wildlife sanctuaries
(1)
Notwithstanding anything in any other Act, the Governor-General may from time to time, by Order in Council made on the recommendation of the Minister, declare any area described in the Order and available for the purpose to be a wildlife sanctuary for the purposes of this Act, subject to such conditions as may be specified in the Order, and may in like manner revoke or vary any such Order:
provided that—
(a)
no Order issued under this subsection shall affect any land of the Crown unless it is issued on the joint recommendation of the Minister of Conservation and the Minister charged with the administration of the department of State having the control of the land:
(aa)
no Order issued under this subsection shall affect any waters of the sea or of any harbour unless it is issued on the joint recommendation of the Minister of Conservation and the Minister of Transport:
(b)
a conservation area within the meaning of the Conservation Act 1987 and any foreshore adjacent to any such area and required for a wildlife sanctuary shall be reserved as such pursuant to section 18 of that Act, and thereupon shall be subject to the provisions of this Act relating to sanctuaries, but otherwise shall be subject to that Act:
(c)
land held for a public work other than a wildlife sanctuary that is required for a sanctuary may be declared to be a wildlife sanctuary only pursuant to section 37 of the Public Works Amendment Act 1948.
(d)
[Repealed](2)
Without limiting the general power to prescribe conditions conferred by subsection (1), the Governor-General may from time to time, by Order in Council, impose conditions with respect to any wildlife sanctuary in relation to all or any of the following matters:
(a)
the prohibition or restriction of any right of entry to the sanctuary, including the exclusion from the sanctuary or from any specified portion thereof of any persons or classes of persons, and the prohibition or restriction of access by means of any or all animals or vehicles or aircraft:
(b)
the prohibition or restriction of the hunting or killing, taking for any purpose, molesting, capturing, disturbing, harrying, or worrying of any living creature in the sanctuary, the taking, destruction, or disturbance of the eggs or spawn of any such creature, the taking for any purpose of or interference with vegetation of any description in the sanctuary, the introduction or liberation in the sanctuary of any living creature or the eggs or spawn of any living creature, or the introduction or planting in the sanctuary of any vegetation of any description or the spores or seeds of any vegetation of any description:
(c)
the prohibition or restriction of the burning or clearing by any means whatsoever of any trees, shrubs, grasses, or other plant life on the sanctuary or on any specified portion thereof, either generally or for such period or by such persons or classes of persons, as may be specified in the Order:
(d)
the prohibition or restriction of camping or any other specified form of sport or relaxation in the sanctuary or in any specified portion thereof, either generally or for such period or by any persons or classes of persons, as may be specified in the Order:
(e)
the prohibition or restriction of the lighting of fires or the doing of anything likely to cause a fire on the sanctuary or on any specified portion thereof, either generally or for such period and by such persons or classes of persons, as may be specified in the Order:
(f)
the prohibition or restriction of the use of boats (including any launch, boat, canoe, or other similar craft, and whether propelled by mechanical power or not) and of vehicles in the sanctuary or in any portion thereof, and by any persons or classes of persons, as may be specified in the Order:
provided that nothing in any such prohibition or restriction relating to boats shall derogate from any provision of the Harbours Act 1950 or the Shipping and Seamen Act 1952:
(g)
the prohibition of the wilful disturbance of wildlife in the sanctuary by flying aircraft over the sanctuary or by noise in the vicinity or otherwise:
(h)
the prohibition or restriction of the use of firearms or explosives in the sanctuary or in any portion thereof, either generally or in respect of any type of firearms or explosives or by any persons or classes of persons or during any periods, as may be specified in the Order:
(i)
the prohibition or restriction of the taking or keeping of domestic animals or domestic birds into or in the sanctuary or any portion thereof either generally or in respect of any species of domestic animal or domestic bird or in respect of possession thereof by any persons or classes of persons, as may be specified in the Order:
(j)
with the consent of the occupier of the land concerned, the prohibition or restriction of the hunting or killing of any wildlife or the possession or discharge of firearms or explosives or the possession of specified species of wildlife within such area surrounding or adjoining the sanctuary as appears to the Governor-General to be necessary for the protection of the sanctuary:
(k)
with the consent of the occupier of the land concerned, the prohibition or restriction of the keeping or possession of stoats, ferrets, polecats, weasels, and other members of the family Mustelidae and other species harmful to wildlife within such area surrounding or adjoining the sanctuary as appears to the Governor-General to be necessary for the protection of the sanctuary:
(l)
the prohibition of the depositing of rubbish and the leaving of litter in the sanctuary:
(m)
the prohibition or restriction or control of the cutting, construction, or maintenance of private roads, tracks, tramways, or other means of access or communication in the sanctuary:
(n)
the prohibition or restriction of the pollution of any wildlife sanctuary by means of rubbish, sewage, industrial waste, mining debris, sawmill refuse, or any other means:
(o)
such other matters as may be considered necessary for the control of the sanctuary or for the protection and wellbeing of any wildlife or vegetation therein.
(3)
Any prohibition or restriction imposed by an Order in Council under this section may be absolute or conditional, and the Order may authorise the Minister or the Director-General to grant exemptions from any such prohibition or restriction.
(4)
Every person who does any act that is for the time being prohibited by an Order in Council issued under this section or fails to comply in any respect with any condition imposed in any such Order commits an offence against this Act and is liable on conviction to the penalty set out in section 67F(7).
(5)
Every person having any estate or interest in any land included without his consent in any wildlife sanctuary which is injuriously affected or damaged or reduced in value by its inclusion in the sanctuary shall be entitled to full compensation for the same from the Minister. All such claims for compensation shall, unless settled by agreement, be determined within the time and in the manner provided by the Public Works Act 1928, as in the case of land injuriously affected by a public work, and, subject to this section, the provisions of that Act relating to compensation shall, as far as they are applicable and with the necessary modifications, apply accordingly.
(6)
An order under this section is secondary legislation (see Part 3 of the Legislation Act 2019 for publication requirements).
(7)
If an order authorises under subsection (3) the granting of exemptions,—
(a)
the instrument granting an exemption is secondary legislation (see Part 3 of the Legislation Act 2019 for publication requirements) unless it applies only to 1 or more named persons, animals, vehicles, or aircraft; and
(b)
the order must contain a statement to that effect.
| Legislation Act 2019 requirements for secondary legislation referred to in subsection (6) | ||||
| Publication | PCO must publish it on the legislation website and notify it in the Gazette | LA19 s 69(1)(c) | ||
| Presentation | The Minister must present it to the House of Representatives | LA19 s 114, Sch 1 cl 32(1)(a) | ||
| Disallowance | It may be disallowed by the House of Representatives | LA19 ss 115, 116 | ||
| This note is not part of the Act. | ||||
| Legislation Act 2019 requirements for secondary legislation referred to in subsection (7)(a) | ||||
| Publication | See the relevant publication, presentation, and disallowance table in the secondary legislation referred to in subsection (6) | LA19 ss 73, 74, Sch 1 cl 14 | ||
| Presentation | The Minister must present it to the House of Representatives, unless a transitional exemption applies under Schedule 1 of the Legislation Act 2019 | LA19 s 114, Sch 1 cl 32 | ||
| Disallowance | It may be disallowed by the House of Representatives | LA19 ss 115, 116 | ||
| This note is not part of the Act. | ||||
Section 9(1): amended, on 24 May 2013, by section 4(1) of the Wildlife Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 18).
Section 9(1): amended, on 24 May 2013, by section 4(3) of the Wildlife Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 18).
Section 9(1): amended, on 24 May 2013, by section 4(7) of the Wildlife Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 18).
Section 9(1): amended, on 21 October 1959, by section 3(1) of the Wildlife Amendment Act 1959 (1959 No 49).
Section 9(1) proviso paragraph (a): amended, on 24 May 2013, by section 4(2) of the Wildlife Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 18).
Section 9(1) proviso paragraph (a): amended, on 1 April 1987, by section 65(1) of the Conservation Act 1987 (1987 No 65).
Section 9(1) proviso paragraph (aa): inserted, on 21 October 1959, by section 3(2) of the Wildlife Amendment Act 1959 (1959 No 49).
Section 9(1) proviso paragraph (aa): amended, on 24 May 2013, by section 4(2) of the Wildlife Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 18).
Section 9(1) proviso paragraph (aa): amended, on 24 May 2013, by section 4(4) of the Wildlife Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 18).
Section 9(1) proviso paragraph (aa): amended, on 1 April 1987, by section 65(1) of the Conservation Act 1987 (1987 No 65).
Section 9(1) proviso paragraph (aa): amended, on 1 September 1972, pursuant to section 6(2)(a) of the Ministry of Transport Amendment Act 1972 (1972 No 4).
Section 9(1) proviso paragraph (b): replaced, on 1 April 1987, by section 65(1) of the Conservation Act 1987 (1987 No 65).
Section 9(1) proviso paragraph (d): repealed, on 1 April 1987, by section 65 (1) of the Conservation Act 1987 (1987 No 65).
Section 9(2): amended, on 24 May 2013, by section 4(5) of the Wildlife Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 18).
Section 9(2)(c): amended, on 24 May 2013, by section 4(7) of the Wildlife Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 18).
Section 9(2)(d): amended, on 24 May 2013, by section 4(7) of the Wildlife Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 18).
Section 9(2)(e): amended, on 24 May 2013, by section 4(7) of the Wildlife Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 18).
Section 9(2)(f): amended, on 24 May 2013, by section 4(7) of the Wildlife Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 18).
Section 9(2)(h): amended, on 24 May 2013, by section 4(7) of the Wildlife Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 18).
Section 9(2)(i): amended, on 24 May 2013, by section 4(7) of the Wildlife Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 18).
Section 9(2)(n): replaced, on 19 September 1980, by section 4 of the Wildlife Amendment Act 1980 (1980 No 17).
Section 9(3): amended, on 24 May 2013, by section 4(6) of the Wildlife Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 18).
Section 9(3): amended, on 24 May 2013, by section 4(7) of the Wildlife Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 18).
Section 9(3): amended, on 1 April 1987, by section 65(1) of the Conservation Act 1987 (1987 No 65).
Section 9(4): replaced, on 15 October 2000, by section 8 of the Wildlife (Penalties and Related Matters) Amendment Act 2000 (2000 No 43).
Section 9(4): amended, on 25 October 2013, by section 19 of the Conservation (Natural Heritage Protection) Act 2013 (2013 No 89).
Section 9(4): amended, on 24 May 2013, by section 4(3) of the Wildlife Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 18).
Section 9(4): amended, on 24 May 2013, by section 4(6) of the Wildlife Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 18).
Section 9(6): inserted, on 28 October 2021, by section 3 of the Secondary Legislation Act 2021 (2021 No 7).
Section 9(7): inserted, on 28 October 2021, by section 3 of the Secondary Legislation Act 2021 (2021 No 7).
10 All wildlife in sanctuaries absolutely protected
Subject to any provision to the contrary in any Order in Council under section 9, and to section 11, all wildlife in any wildlife sanctuary shall while within the sanctuary be deemed to be absolutely protected, notwithstanding that the wildlife or any species thereof is elsewhere partially protected or is game or is unprotected under this Act.
Section 10: amended, on 24 May 2013, by section 5 of the Wildlife Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 18).
11 Destruction or seizure of certain animals found in sanctuaries
(1)
Where the Director-General considers that the presence in any sanctuary of any animal or bird or of animals or birds of any specified species is undesirable in the interests of other wildlife in the sanctuary, he may authorise any person in writing, either generally or in a specified case, and whether with or without other persons under his control, to destroy that animal or bird or animals or birds of that species, as the case may be. Any authority under this subsection may be at any time revoked by the Director-General.
(2)
The destruction of any animal or bird pursuant to an authority granted under subsection (1) shall not confer any right to compensation on any person.
(3)
In subsection (1) the expression animal or bird includes any animal or bird of any kind, whether wildlife or not and whether or not a domestic animal or domestic bird and whether protected or not; but does not include a domestic animal or domestic bird belonging to the occupier of any land included in the sanctuary or any animal of any of the species referred to in subsections (4) and (5).
(4)
All unbranded cattle, sheep, horses, mules, asses, pigs, or goats found in any wildlife sanctuary (not being animals belonging to the occupier of any land included in the sanctuary) may be seized by a ranger, and shall thereupon be deemed to be forfeited to the Crown, and any ranger may cause any such animals to be destroyed, sold, or otherwise disposed of if so authorised by the Director-General.
(5)
All branded cattle, sheep, horses, mules, asses, pigs, or goats found in any wildlife sanctuary (not being animals belonging to the occupier of any land included in the sanctuary) may be seized by a ranger authorised in writing by the Director-General to do so, either generally or in any specified case, and, on conviction of any person for causing or allowing the said animals to be in the sanctuary in breach of the provisions of this Act, may be adjudged by the court to be forfeited to the Crown.
Section 11(1): amended, on 1 April 1987, by section 65(1) of the Conservation Act 1987 (1987 No 65).
Section 11(4): amended, on 1 April 1987, by section 65(1) of the Conservation Act 1987 (1987 No 65).
Section 11(5): amended, on 1 April 1987, by section 65(1) of the Conservation Act 1987 (1987 No 65).
12 Mining privileges, coal mining rights, and public works
[Repealed]Section 12: repealed, on 1 April 1980, by section 268(2) of the Coal Mines Act 1979 (1979 No 21).
13 Seizure of wildlife, etc, illegally taken
Any officer of the Department, or any officer of any other department in which for the time being is vested the control of any wildlife sanctuary, or any other person acting with the written authority of the Director-General, may in any wildlife sanctuary exercise the powers conferred on rangers by subsection (1) of section 39.
Section 13: amended, on 1 April 1987, by section 65(1) of the Conservation Act 1987 (1987 No 65).
Wildlife refuges
14 Wildlife refuges
(1)
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the Conservation Act 1987, the Government Railways Act 1949, or any other Act affecting lands of the Crown, the Governor-General may from time to time, by Proclamation, declare any area described in the Proclamation and available for the purpose, subject in the case of any land other than unoccupied land of the Crown to the consent of the occupier, to be a wildlife refuge for the purposes of this Act, and may in like manner revoke or amend any such Proclamation:
provided that—
(a)
no Proclamation issued under this subsection shall affect any land of the Crown unless it is issued on the joint recommendation of the Minister of Conservation and the Minister charged with the administration of the department of State having the control of the land:
(aa)
no Proclamation issued under this subsection shall affect any waters of the sea or of any harbour within the meaning of the Harbours Act 1950 unless it is issued on the joint recommendation of the Minister of Conservation and the Minister of Transport:
(b)
land held for a public work other than a wildlife refuge that is required for a wildlife refuge may be declared to be a wildlife refuge only by a notice under section 191 of the Public Works Act 1981:
(c)
[Repealed](d)
any Proclamation issued under this subsection may be revoked without the consent of the occupier:
(e)
a conservation area within the meaning of the Conservation Act 1987 and any foreshore adjacent to any such area, required for a wildlife refuge shall be reserved as such pursuant to section 18 of that Act, and thereupon shall be subject to any or all of the provisions of this Act relating to wildlife refuges, but otherwise shall be subject to the Conservation Act 1987:
(f)
any Proclamation issued under this subsection may prohibit or restrict the pollution of any wildlife refuge by means of rubbish, sewage, industrial waste, mining debris, sawmill refuse, or any other means.
(1A)
Where a wildlife refuge has been declared under subsection (1), the Governor-General may, by the Proclamation or notice declaring the wildlife refuge, or by a subsequent Proclamation or notice, prohibit or restrict the use of boats (including any launch, boat, canoe, or other similar craft, whether propelled by mechanical power or not) in the wildlife refuge or in any portion thereof, and by any person or classes of persons, as may be specified in the Proclamation or notice:
provided that nothing in any such prohibition or restriction shall derogate from any provision of the Harbours Act 1950 or the Shipping and Seamen Act 1952.
(1B)
Any prohibition or restriction under subsection (1A) may be absolute or conditional, and the Proclamation or notice may authorise the Minister or the Director-General to grant exemptions from the prohibition or restriction.
(1C)
Every person commits an offence against this Act and is liable on conviction to the penalty set out in section 67F(5) who does any act that is for the time being prohibited by a Proclamation or notice under subsection (1A) or fails to comply in any respect with any condition imposed in any such Proclamation or notice.
(2)
Where a wildlife refuge has been declared under subsection (1), the Minister may authorise in writing the occupier of any land included in the wildlife refuge or any other person having the authority of the occupier—
(a)
to keep or bring domestic animals on or onto the land:
(b)
to keep or bring firearms or explosives on or onto the land:
(c)
to discharge firearms or explosives on the land:
(d)
to destroy any animals specified in Schedule 2 or Schedule 5 or Schedule 6 or any rabbits or hares on the land:
(e)
to do any other acts necessary for the carrying on of the normal use of the land, subject to such conditions as may be prescribed in the Proclamation.
(2A)
Any officer of the Department of Conservation appointed as a ranger under subsection (1) of section 38 or any ranger appointed under paragraph (c) of subsection (2) of that section or any other person authorised in writing in that behalf by the Director-General, either generally or in any particular case, may bring firearms or explosives on to any wildlife refuge for the purpose of destroying any animal specified in Schedule 2 or Schedule 5 or Schedule 6 or any rabbit or hare, where that animal or rabbit or hare is a nuisance or is causing damage to that wildlife refuge or to any wildlife in that wildlife refuge.
(3)
While any Proclamation or notice under subsection (1) remains in force, it shall not be lawful for any person, except as provided in subsection (2) or subsection (2A) or in subsection (2) of section 5 or pursuant to an authority granted under section 53 or section 54, to hunt or kill for any purpose, or molest, capture, disturb, harry, or worry any wildlife in the wildlife refuge, or to take, destroy, or disturb the nests, eggs, or spawn of any such wildlife, or for any person to bring onto the wildlife refuge or have in his possession or discharge in the wildlife refuge any firearm or explosive, or have in his possession or control in the wildlife refuge any dog or cat, or to do anything likely to cause any wildlife to leave the wildlife refuge.
(3A)
Every person who contravenes subsection (3) commits an offence against this Act and is liable on conviction to the penalty set out in section 67F(5).
(4)
Notwithstanding anything in this Act or in any regulations under this Act, the performance in any wildlife refuge by any person of any act authorised by the Minister under subsection (2) shall not be deemed a breach of this Act.
(5)
Every sanctuary constituted at the commencement of this Act by a warrant under section 6 of the Animals Protection and Game Act 1921–22 shall be deemed to be a wildlife refuge for the purposes of this Act.
(6)
The following are secondary legislation (see Part 3 of the Legislation Act 2019 for publication requirements):
(a)
a Proclamation under subsection (1) that includes a prohibition or restriction described in subsection (1A):
(b)
a Proclamation under subsection (1A).
(7)
If a Proclamation authorises under subsection (1B) the granting of exemptions,—
(a)
the instrument granting an exemption is secondary legislation (see Part 3 of the Legislation Act 2019 for publication requirements), unless it applies only to 1 or more named boats or persons; and
(b)
the Proclamation must contain a statement to that effect.
Compare: 1921–22 No 57 s 6
| Legislation Act 2019 requirements for secondary legislation referred to in subsection (6) | ||||
| Publication | The maker must publish it in the Gazette | LA19 ss 13, 73, 74(1)(a), Sch 1 cl 14 | ||
| Presentation | It is not required to be presented to the House of Representatives because a transitional exemption applies under Schedule 1 of the Legislation Act 2019 | LA19 s 114, Sch 1 cl 32(1)(a) | ||
| Disallowance | It may be disallowed by the House of Representatives | LA19 ss 115, 116 | ||
| This note is not part of the Act. | ||||
| Legislation Act 2019 requirements for secondary legislation referred to in subsection (7)(a) | ||||
| Publication | If the Proclamation under which it is made was made before 28 October 2021, the maker must comply with any requirements to publish, notify, or otherwise make it available that applied under this Act or the Proclamation immediately before that date | LA19 ss 69, 73, 74 | ||
| If the Proclamation under which it is made was made on or after 28 October 2021, the maker must publish it in accordance with the Legislation (Publication) Regulations 2021 | ||||
| Presentation | The Minister must present it to the House of Representatives, unless it is excluded by section 114(2) or clause 32 of Schedule 1 of the Legislation Act 2019 | LA19 s 114, Sch 1 cl 32 | ||
| Disallowance | It may be disallowed by the House of Representatives, unless it is excluded by section 115 of the Legislation Act 2019 | LA19 ss 115, 116 | ||
| This note is not part of the Act. | ||||
Section 14(1): amended, on 1 April 1987, by section 65(1) of the Conservation Act 1987 (1987 No 65).
Section 14(1) proviso paragraph (a): amended, on 1 April 1987, by section 65(1) of the Conservation Act 1987 (1987 No 65).
Section 14(1) proviso paragraph (aa): inserted, on 21 October 1959, by section 4(1) of the Wildlife Amendment Act 1959 (1959 No 49).
Section 14(1) proviso paragraph (aa): amended, on 1 April 1987, by section 65(1) of the Conservation Act 1987 (1987 No 65).
Section 14(1) proviso paragraph (aa): amended, on 1 September 1972, pursuant to section 6(2)(a) of the Ministry of Transport Amendment Act 1972 (1972 No 4).
Section 14(1) proviso paragraph (b): amended, on 6 December 1983, by section 3(1) of the Wildlife Amendment Act 1983 (1983 No 48).
Section 14(1) proviso paragraph (c): repealed, on 1 April 1987, by section 65(1) of the Conservation Act 1987 (1987 No 65).
Section 14(1) proviso paragraph (d): inserted, on 19 September 1980, by section 5 of the Wildlife Amendment Act 1980 (1980 No 17).
Section 14(1) proviso paragraph (e): replaced, on 1 April 1987, by section 65(1) of the Conservation Act 1987 (1987 No 65).
Section 14(1) proviso paragraph (e): amended, on 22 October 2003, by section 3 of the Wildlife Amendment Act 2003 (2003 No 103).
Section 14(1) proviso paragraph (f): inserted, on 19 September 1980, by section 5 of the Wildlife Amendment Act 1980 (1980 No 17).
Section 14(1A): inserted, on 10 May 1956, by section 3 of the Wildlife Amendment Act 1956 (1956 No 5).
Section 14(1A): amended, on 6 December 1983, by section 3(2) of the Wildlife Amendment Act 1983 (1983 No 48).
Section 14(1B): inserted, on 10 May 1956, by section 3 of the Wildlife Amendment Act 1956 (1956 No 5).
Section 14(1B): amended, on 1 April 1987, by section 65(1) of the Conservation Act 1987 (1987 No 65).
Section 14(1B): amended, on 6 December 1983, by section 3(2) of the Wildlife Amendment Act 1983 (1983 No 48).
Section 14(1C): inserted, on 10 May 1956, by section 3 of the Wildlife Amendment Act 1956 (1956 No 5).
Section 14(1C): amended, on 25 October 2013, by section 20(1) of the Conservation (Natural Heritage Protection) Act 2013 (2013 No 89).
Section 14(1C): amended, on 15 October 2000, by section 8 of the Wildlife (Penalties and Related Matters) Amendment Act 2000 (2000 No 43).
Section 14(1C): amended, on 6 December 1983, by section 3(2) of the Wildlife Amendment Act 1983 (1983 No 48).
Section 14(2)(d): replaced, on 17 November 1964, by section 3(1) of the Wildlife Amendment Act 1964 (1964 No 63).
Section 14(2A): inserted, on 21 October 1959, by section 4(3) of the Wildlife Amendment Act 1959 (1959 No 49).
Section 14(2A): amended, on 1 April 1987, by section 65(1) of the Conservation Act 1987 (1987 No 65).
Section 14(2A): amended, on 17 November 1964, by section 3(2) of the Wildlife Amendment Act 1964 (1964 No 63).
Section 14(3): amended, on 6 December 1983, by section 3(2) of the Wildlife Amendment Act 1983 (1983 No 48).
Section 14(3): amended, on 21 October 1959, by section 4(4) of the Wildlife Amendment Act 1959 (1959 No 49).
Section 14(3A): inserted, on 15 October 2000, by section 8 of the Wildlife (Penalties and Related Matters) Amendment Act 2000 (2000 No 43).
Section 14(3A): amended, on 25 October 2013, by section 20(2) of the Conservation (Natural Heritage Protection) Act 2013 (2013 No 89).
Section 14(6): inserted, on 28 October 2021, by section 3 of the Secondary Legislation Act 2021 (2021 No 7).
Section 14(7): inserted, on 28 October 2021, by section 3 of the Secondary Legislation Act 2021 (2021 No 7).
Wildlife management reserves
Heading: inserted, on 19 September 1980, by section 6(1) of the Wildlife Amendment Act 1980 (1980 No 17).
14A Wildlife management reserves
(1)
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the Conservation Act 1987, the Government Railways Act 1949, or any other Act affecting lands of the Crown the Governor-General may from time to time, by Proclamation, declare any area described in the Proclamation and available for the purpose, subject in the case of any land other than unoccupied land of the Crown to the consent of the occupier, to be a wildlife management reserve for the purposes of this Act subject to such conditions as may be specified in the Proclamation; and may in like manner revoke or amend any such Proclamation:
provided that—
(a)
no Proclamation issued under this subsection shall affect any land of the Crown unless it is issued on the joint recommendation of the Minister of Conservation and the Minister charged with the administration of the department of State having the control of the land:
(b)
no Proclamation issued under this subsection shall affect any waters of the sea or of any harbour within the meaning of the Harbours Act 1950 unless it is issued on the joint recommendation of the Minister of Conservation and the Minister of Transport:
(c)
no Proclamation issued under this subsection shall affect any land owned or leased by a Fish and Game Council without the consent of that Council:
(d)
land held for a public work other than a wildlife management reserve that is required for a wildlife management reserve may be declared to be a wildlife management reserve only pursuant to section 191 of the Public Works Act 1981:
(e)
a conservation area within the meaning of the Conservation Act 1987, and any foreshore adjacent to any such area, required for a wildlife management reserve shall be reserved as such pursuant to section 18 of that Act, and thereupon shall be subject to the provisions of this Act relating to wildlife management reserves, but otherwise shall be subject to that Act:
(f)
any Proclamation issued under this subsection may be revoked without the consent of the occupier.
(2)
Without limiting the general power to prescribe conditions conferred by subsection (1), the Governor-General may from time to time, by Proclamation, impose conditions with respect to any wildlife management reserve in relation to all or any of the matters specified in section 9(2) as if the reference to a wildlife sanctuary in that section were a reference to a wildlife management reserve.
(3)
Any prohibition or restriction imposed by a Proclamation under this section may be absolute or conditional, and the Proclamation may authorise the Minister or the Director-General to grant exemptions from any such prohibition or restriction.
(4)
Every person commits an offence against this Act and is liable on conviction to the penalty set out in section 67F(5) who does any act that is prohibited by a Proclamation issued under this section, or fails to comply in any respect with any condition imposed in any such Proclamation.
(5)
A Proclamation under this section is secondary legislation (see Part 3 of the Legislation Act 2019 for publication requirements).
(6)
If a Proclamation authorises under subsection (3) the granting of exemptions,—
(a)
the instrument granting an exemption is secondary legislation (see Part 3 of the Legislation Act 2019 for publication requirements), unless it applies only to 1 or more named persons; and
(b)
the Proclamation must contain a statement to that effect.
| Legislation Act 2019 requirements for secondary legislation referred to in subsection (5) | ||||
| Publication | The maker must publish it in the Gazette | LA19 ss 13, 73, 74(1)(a), Sch 1 cl 14 | ||
| Presentation | It is not required to be presented to the House of Representatives because a transitional exemption applies under Schedule 1 of the Legislation Act 2019 | LA19 s 114, Sch 1 cl 32(1)(a) | ||
| Disallowance | It may be disallowed by the House of Representatives | LA19 ss 115, 116 | ||
| This note is not part of the Act. | ||||
| Legislation Act 2019 requirements for secondary legislation referred to in subsection (6)(a) | ||||
| Publication | If the Proclamation under which it is made was made before 28 October 2021, the maker must comply with any requirements to publish, notify, or otherwise make it available that applied under this Act or the Proclamation immediately before that date | LA19 ss 69, 73, 74 | ||
| If the Proclamation under which it is made was made on or after 28 October 2021, the maker must publish it in accordance with the Legislation (Publication) Regulations 2021 | ||||
| Presentation | The Minister must present it to the House of Representatives, unless it is excluded by section 114(2) or clause 32 of Schedule 1 of the Legislation Act 2019 | LA19 s 114, Sch 1 cl 32 | ||
| Disallowance | It may be disallowed by the House of Representatives, unless it is excluded by section 115 of the Legislation Act 2019 | LA19 ss 115, 116 | ||
| This note is not part of the Act. | ||||
Section 14A: inserted, on 19 September 1980, by section 6(1) of the Wildlife Amendment Act 1980 (1980 No 17).
Section 14A(1): amended, on 1 April 1987, by section 65(1) of the Conservation Act 1987 (1987 No 65).
Section 14A(1) proviso paragraph (a): amended, on 1 April 1987, by section 65(1) of the Conservation Act 1987 (1987 No 65).
Section 14A(1) proviso paragraph (b): amended, on 1 April 1987, by section 65(1) of the Conservation Act 1987 (1987 No 65).
Section 14A(1) proviso paragraph (b): amended, on 6 December 1983, by section 3(1) of the Wildlife Amendment Act 1983 (1983 No 48).
Section 14A(1) proviso paragraph (c): replaced, on 10 April 1990, by section 67 of the Conservation Law Reform Act 1990 (1990 No 31).
Section 14A(1) proviso paragraph (d): amended, on 1 February 1982, pursuant to section 248(1) of the Public Works Act 1981 (1981 No 35).
Section 14A(1) proviso paragraph (e): replaced, on 1 April 1987, by section 65(1) of the Conservation Act 1987 (1987 No 65).
Section 14A(3): amended, on 1 April 1987, by section 65(1) of the Conservation Act 1987 (1987 No 65).
Section 14A(4): amended, on 25 October 2013, by section 21 of the Conservation (Natural Heritage Protection) Act 2013 (2013 No 89).
Section 14A(4): amended, on 15 October 2000, by section 8 of the Wildlife (Penalties and Related Matters) Amendment Act 2000 (2000 No 43).
Section 14A(5): inserted, on 28 October 2021, by section 3 of the Secondary Legislation Act 2021 (2021 No 7).
Section 14A(6): inserted, on 28 October 2021, by section 3 of the Secondary Legislation Act 2021 (2021 No 7).
14AA Granting of concessions in wildlife sanctuaries, wildlife refuges, and wildlife management reserves
(1)
The Minister may, in accordance with Part 3B of the Conservation Act 1987, grant a concession in respect of any wildlife sanctuary, wildlife refuge, or wildlife management reserve held or managed by the Minister; and the said Part 3B shall apply as if references in that Part to a conservation area were references to a sanctuary, refuge, or reserve under this Act and with any other necessary modifications.
(2)
The Minister may impose a reasonable charge for the use of any facilities (other than a path or track) provided by the Minister in or in respect of any such sanctuary, refuge, or reserve.
(3)
Any person who, in accordance with any concession or other consent of the Minister,—
(a)
has erected any structure or facility in any sanctuary, refuge, or reserve; or
(b)
uses for camping sites or for parking places for vehicles any part of any sanctuary, refuge, or reserve; or
(c)
carries on any activity in any sanctuary, refuge, or reserve—
may, subject to the relevant conservation management strategy or conservation management plan (if any) and the terms and conditions (if any) of the concession document or other consent concerned, impose a reasonable charge in respect of the carrying on or products of the activity.
(4)
Nothing in this section authorises any person to do anything on or in respect of any private land.
Section 14AA: inserted, on 1 July 1996, by section 3(1) of the Wildlife Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 2).
Management planning
Heading: replaced, on 10 April 1990, by section 68 of the Conservation Law Reform Act 1990 (1990 No 31).
14B Wildlife areas to be managed by Department
Subject to this Act, the Department shall manage all wildlife sanctuaries, wildlife refuges, and wildlife management reserves in accordance with—
(a)
any statements of general policy approved under section 14C; and
(b)
any conservation management strategy and any conservation management plan for the time being in force for the area concerned.
Section 14B: replaced, on 10 April 1990, by section 68 of the Conservation Law Reform Act 1990 (1990 No 31).
14C General policy
(1)
The Minister may approve statements of general policy for the implementation of this Act in any area or areas; and may from time to time amend any such statement in the light of changing circumstances or increased knowledge.
(2)
Nothing in any such general policy shall derogate from any provision in this Act or any other Act.
(3)
For the purposes of this section, sections 17B (except subsections (1) and (2)) and 17N of the Conservation Act 1987 shall, with any necessary modifications, apply with respect to such general policies.
Section 14C: replaced, on 10 April 1990, by section 68 of the Conservation Law Reform Act 1990 (1990 No 31).
14D Conservation management strategies
(1)
Every conservation management strategy shall establish objectives for the management of wildlife, including any species and any wildlife sanctuary, wildlife refuge, and wildlife management reserve in the area to which it relates.
(2)
No work (other than necessary work associated with the day-to-day administration and management of the wildlife sanctuary, wildlife refuge, or wildlife management reserve) shall be undertaken on any wildlife sanctuary, wildlife refuge, or wildlife management reserve before a conservation management strategy or conservation management plan for that area is approved.
Section 14D: inserted, on 10 April 1990, by section 68 of the Conservation Law Reform Act 1990 (1990 No 31).
14E Conservation management plans
(1)
The purpose of a conservation management plan under this section is to establish objectives for the management of any wildlife sanctuary, wildlife refuge, or wildlife management reserve, or any combination of them.
(2)
Nothing in section 41 of the Reserves Act 1977 shall apply in respect of the subject matter of any conservation management plan.
(3)
Subject to subsection (4), for the purposes of this section, sections 17E (except subsections (1), (4), and (6)), 17G, 17H, 17I, and 17N of the Conservation Act 1987 shall, with any necessary modifications, apply with respect to conservation management plans.
(4)
Where a draft conservation management plan under this section relates to a wildlife sanctuary, wildlife refuge, or wildlife management reserve established on land other than land of the Crown, the Director-General may determine that the provisions of paragraphs (a) to (j) of section 17F of the Conservation Act 1987 (as applied by section 17G(1) of that Act) shall not apply in respect of that plan.
(5)
All management plans approved under this Act before the commencement of this section shall be deemed to have been approved under this section.
Section 14E: inserted, on 10 April 1990, by section 68 of the Conservation Law Reform Act 1990 (1990 No 31).
Section 14E(3): amended, on 25 November 1994, by section 3 of the Wildlife Amendment Act 1994 (1994 No 109).
14F Population management plans
(1)
The Minister may from time to time approve a population management plan in respect of 1 or more species, being threatened species or other species of marine wildlife, containing all or any of the following matters in respect of each species:
(a)
an assessment of the biology and status of the species:
(b)
an assessment of any known fisheries interaction with the species:
(c)
an assessment of the degree of risk caused by fishing-related mortality and other human-induced sources of mortality to the species, whether within New Zealand fisheries waters or elsewhere within the range of the species:
(d)
an estimate of the range of human-induced mortality for the species which would allow the criteria specified in section 14G to be met:
(e)
an estimate of the range of fishing-related mortality for the species which would allow the criteria specified in section 14G to be met:
(f)
the maximum allowable level of fishing-related mortality for the species, in New Zealand fisheries waters, which would allow the criteria specified in section 14G to be met:
(g)
subject to section 14H, if a level has been set under paragraph (f), the maximum allowable level of fishing-related mortality for the species, in specified areas within New Zealand fisheries waters:
(h)
recommendations to the Minister of Fisheries on measures to mitigate the fishing-related mortality of the species:
(i)
recommendations to the Minister of Fisheries on the standard of information to be collected on fishing-related mortality.
(2)
In the case of any marine wildlife ranging outside New Zealand fisheries waters, the maximum allowable level of fishing-related mortality set under paragraph (f) or paragraph (g) of subsection (1) shall be based on a fair and equitable consideration of the proportion that the estimated fishing-related mortality of that species within those waters is to the total estimated fishing-related mortality of that species in all waters (including waters outside New Zealand fisheries waters).
Section 14F: inserted, on 1 October 1996, by section 316(1) of the Fisheries Act 1996 (1996 No 88).
14G Determining maximum allowable level of fishing-related mortality
In determining the maximum allowable level of fishing-related mortality for threatened species or any other marine wildlife under section 14F(1)(f), the Minister,—
(a)
in the case of any threatened species, shall determine a level of fishing-related mortality which should allow the species to achieve non-threatened status as soon as reasonably practicable, and in any event within a period not exceeding 20 years:
(b)
in the case of any other marine wildlife, shall determine a level of fishing-related mortality which should neither cause a net reduction in the size of the population nor seriously threaten the reproductive capacity of the species.
Section 14G: inserted, on 1 October 1996, by section 316(1) of the Fisheries Act 1996 (1996 No 88).
14H Determining area-based maximum levels of fishing-related mortality
(1)
Area-based limits set under section 14F(1)(g) shall be set only—
(a)
for populations of threatened species that are geographically or genetically discrete; and
(b)
for areas corresponding to areas having effect under the Fisheries Act 1996 as fisheries management areas or quota management areas.
(2)
In setting any area-based limit for a threatened species under section 14F(1)(g), the Minister shall determine a level of fishing-related mortality for a discrete population referred to in subsection (1) which should neither cause a net reduction in the size of the population nor seriously threaten the reproductive capacity of that population.
Section 14H: inserted, on 1 October 1996, by section 316(1) of the Fisheries Act 1996 (1996 No 88).
14I Procedure for preparation and approval of population management plans
(1)
Population management plans shall be prepared and approved as follows:
(a)
the Director-General shall prepare every population management plan in consultation with every Conservation Board affected by the proposal and with such persons as the Director-General considers are representative of those classes of persons interested in the plan, including such persons or organisations as the Director-General considers are representative of Maori, environmental interests, commercial interests, and recreational interests:
(b)
the Director-General shall then publish notice of the draft plan at least once in each of the daily newspapers published in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and Dunedin, respectively:
(c)
every notice under paragraph (b) shall—
(i)
state that the draft plan is available for inspection at the places and times specified in the notice; and
(ii)
call upon persons or organisations interested to lodge with the Director-General submissions on the draft before the date specified for the purpose in the notice, being a date not less than 40 working days after the date of the publication of the notice; and
(iii)
require any person who wishes to be heard in support of the person’s submission to so advise the Director-General:
(d)
any person or organisation may make written submissions to the Director-General on any draft plan, at the place and before the date specified for the purpose in the notice:
(e)
from the time of publication of a draft plan until public opinion on it has been made known to the Director-General, he or she shall make the draft available for public inspection during normal office hours, in such places and quantities as are likely to encourage public participation in the development of the proposal:
(f)
the Director-General shall give every person or organisation who or which, in making submissions on the draft, asked to be heard in support of his or her or its comments a reasonable opportunity of appearing before the Director-General or the Director-General’s representative or representatives:
(g)
the Director-General, or his or her representative or representatives, may hear submissions from any other person or organisation consulted on the draft:
(h)
the Director-General shall prepare a summary of the submissions received on the draft and public opinion made known on the draft:
(i)
after considering such submissions and public opinion, the Director-General may revise the draft:
(j)
the Director-General shall send to the Minister of Fisheries and to the New Zealand Conservation Authority a copy of the summary prepared under paragraph (h) together with a copy of the draft plan:
(k)
the New Zealand Conservation Authority shall consider the summary of submissions and the draft plan and send to the Minister and the Director-General any comments on the draft:
(l)
the Director-General, after having regard to any comments received under paragraph (k),—
(i)
may amend the draft:
(ii)
shall send to the Minister the summary prepared under paragraph (h) together with a copy of the draft plan:
(m)
after having regard to—
(i)
the provisions of sections 14F, 14G, and 14H; and
(ii)
all submissions made on the draft plan; and
(iii)
such other matters as the Minister considers relevant,—
the Minister may approve the plan subject to the concurrence of the Minister of Fisheries and refer it to that Minister for concurrence:
(n)
the Minister of Fisheries may concur to the draft plan after having regard to the impacts of implementing the maximum allowable level of fishing-related mortality on commercial fishing and such other matters as that Minister considers relevant:
(o)
the Minister, with the concurrence of the Minister of Fisheries, may approve the plan:
(p)
the approved plan shall be available for public inspection at the head office of the Department of Conservation at such times as may be specified in the notice given in respect of the plan under subsection (2).
(2)
The Director-General shall, by notice in the Gazette, specify—
(a)
the species to which the approved plan relates; and
(b)
the maximum allowable level of fishing-related mortality specified in the approved plan; and
(c)
the times at which the approved plan is available for public inspection at the head office of the Department of Conservation.
(3)
Any approved plan may be amended, and paragraph (a) and paragraphs (l) to (p) of subsection (1) and subsection (2) shall apply to every such amendment with any necessary modifications.
Section 14I: inserted, on 1 October 1996, by section 316(1) of the Fisheries Act 1996 (1996 No 88).
Part 2 Game
15 Open season for game
(1)
Every Fish and Game Council shall, through the New Zealand Fish and Game Council, recommend for approval by the Minister a draft set of conditions it considers should be included in the notice of an open season for game for its region under subsection (4).
(2)
The New Zealand Fish and Game Council shall, if satisfied as to the form of the notice, submit it for the Minister’s approval.
(3)
The Minister may—
(a)
approve the Council’s draft notice; or
(b)
require the Council to amend the draft notice in such manner as the Minister may specify.
(4)
As soon as practicable after the draft notice is approved by the Minister, the New Zealand Fish and Game Council must arrange for it to be published under the Legislation Act 2019.
(5)
At any time before or during an open game season declared under subsection (4), the notice published in respect of that season may in like manner—
(a)
be amended; or
(b)
be revoked and be replaced by a new notice.
(6)
Every person who hunts or kills any game during a close season commits an offence against this Act and is liable on conviction to the penalty set out in section 67E(3).
(7)
A notice under this section is secondary legislation (see Part 3 of the Legislation Act 2019 for publication requirements).
(8)
The Legislation Act 2019 applies as if—
(a)
the Minister were the maker of the notice; and
(b)
the notice were made by the Minister approving it.
| Legislation Act 2019 requirements for secondary legislation referred to in subsection (7) | ||||
| Publication | The New Zealand Fish and Game Council must publish it in the Gazette | LA19 ss 73, 74(1)(a), Sch 1 cl 14 | ||
| Presentation | It is not required to be presented to the House of Representatives because a transitional exemption applies under Schedule 1 of the Legislation Act 2019 | LA19 s 114, Sch 1 cl 32(1)(a) | ||
| Disallowance | It may be disallowed by the House of Representatives | LA19 ss 115, 116 | ||
| This note is not part of the Act. | ||||
Section 15: replaced, on 13 March 1996, by section 4 of the Wildlife Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 2).
Section 15(1): amended, on 28 October 2021, by section 3 of the Secondary Legislation Act 2021 (2021 No 7).
Section 15(4): amended, on 28 October 2021, by section 3 of the Secondary Legislation Act 2021 (2021 No 7).
Section 15(5): amended, on 27 November 2025, by section 165 of the Statutes Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 74).
Section 15(6): replaced, on 15 October 2000, by section 8 of the Wildlife (Penalties and Related Matters) Amendment Act 2000 (2000 No 43).
Section 15(7): inserted, on 28 October 2021, by section 3 of the Secondary Legislation Act 2021 (2021 No 7).
Section 15(8): inserted, on 28 October 2021, by section 3 of the Secondary Legislation Act 2021 (2021 No 7).
16 Notification as to conditions on which open season declared
(1)
Every notification of an open season for game, shall specify—
(a)
the particular species or sex of game that may be hunted or killed during that open season:
(b)
the areas (if any) declared to be closed game areas:
(bb)
the number of decoys that may be used by any person for the purpose of hunting or killing any game:
(c)
the number of game that may be taken or killed by any one person on any one day:
(cc)
the number of game which may be had in possession by any one person on any one day; but different numbers may be so specified in respect of different days in the open season:
(d)
such other conditions (if any) as he thinks fit to impose respecting the hunting or killing during that open season of game or any particular species or sex thereof.
(2)
Every person who hunts or kills game, or during any open season has in his or her possession any game, otherwise than in terms of a notification, commits an offence against this Act and is liable on conviction to the penalty set out in section 67E(3).
(3)
In any prosecution for an offence that the defendant has in his or her possession a number of game in excess of the number specified in a notification, it is a defence if the defendant proves that the excess game were taken by some other person or persons and all the game in the possession of the defendant have affixed or tied to the game a label on which the following particulars are legibly written:
(a)
the names and addresses of the persons by whom the game were taken; and
(b)
the numbers of the game licences held by those persons; and
(c)
the name of the Fish and Game Council by which those game licences were issued; and
(d)
the date or dates on which the game were taken.
Compare: 1921–22 No 57 s 10
Section 16(1): amended, on 13 March 1996, by section 5(1)(a) of the Wildlife Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 2).
Section 16(1)(bb): inserted, on 17 November 1964, by section 4(1) of the Wildlife Amendment Act 1964 (1964 No 63).
Section 16(1)(cc): inserted, on 21 October 1959, by section 5(1) of the Wildlife Amendment Act 1959 (1959 No 49).
Section 16(1)(cc): amended, on 13 March 1996, by section 5(1)(b) of the Wildlife Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 2).
Section 16(2): replaced, on 15 October 2000, by section 8 of the Wildlife (Penalties and Related Matters) Amendment Act 2000 (2000 No 43).
Section 16(3): replaced, on 15 October 2000, by section 8 of the Wildlife (Penalties and Related Matters) Amendment Act 2000 (2000 No 43).
Section 16(3)(b): amended, on 16 December 2017, by section 88(1) of the Electronic Interactions Reform Act 2017 (2017 No 50).
Section 16(3)(c): amended, on 16 December 2017, by section 88(2) of the Electronic Interactions Reform Act 2017 (2017 No 50).
17 Hunting or killing in game areas
(1)
In this section—
designated area means all that area contained within a distance of 100 metres from the margin of any waters together with the area covered by those waters
food means corn, wheat, barley, maize, or other grain, or any product of any grain, or peas or beans or other food
waterfowl means every species of the family Anatidae
waters includes any river, stream, lake, lagoon, pond, estuary, swamp, or other waters, whether natural or wholly or partly of artificial formation.
(2)
Every person who, without the consent of the Minister, hunts or kills waterfowl in any designated area where, during an open season for game or within the period of 30 days immediately preceding the open season, any food has been cast, thrown, placed, or planted commits an offence against this Act and is liable on conviction to the penalty set out in section 67E(3).
(3)
Every person who hunts or kills waterfowl in a designated area within which the waters were artificially formed during an open season for game or within the period of 30 days immediately preceding that open season commits an offence against this Act and is liable on conviction to the penalty set out in section 67E(3).
(4)
Every consent of the Minister under subsection (2) shall be given by notice, and may be given on the annual application of a Fish and Game Council or, where the control of the area concerned is vested in the Department of Conservation, on the application of the Director-General. Every notice may contain such conditions as the Minister may impose, including the manner in which waterfowl may be hunted or killed, and may be restricted in effect to 1 or more designated areas. Every notice may at any time, by further notice, be amended or revoked by the Minister.
(4A)
A notice under subsection (4) is secondary legislation (see Part 3 of the Legislation Act 2019 for publication requirements).
(5)
Where any Fish and Game Council has reason to believe that any food has been cast, thrown, placed, or planted, or any waters have been artificially formed, in any designated area within the period of 30 days immediately preceding an open season for game, the Fish and Game Council, with the consent of the occupier of the land on which that designated area is situated, may erect or affix a notice in, or in the near vicinity of, that designated area to the effect that food has been so cast, thrown, placed, or planted, or that the waters have been artificially formed, and there shall be displayed on the notice the date of its erection or affixing. If the occupier does not consent to the erection or affixing of a notice, the Fish and Game Council may serve written notice upon him requiring him to inform all persons entering on his land for the purpose of hunting or killing game that food has been cast, thrown, placed, or planted, or that the waters have been artificially formed, in the designated area on his land.
(6)
Every person commits an offence against this Act and is liable to the penalty set out in section 67E(3) who, during any open season, hunts or kills waterfowl in any designated area—
(a)
in which, or in the near vicinity of which, there is a notice under subsection (5) erected or affixed during that open season or within the period of 30 days immediately preceding that open season; or
(b)
in which the occupier of the land has informed him that food had been cast, thrown, placed, or planted, or that the waters have been artificially formed, during that open season or within the period of 30 days immediately preceding that open season; or
(c)
in which he otherwise knows that food has been cast, thrown, placed, or planted, or that the waters have been artificially formed, during that open season or within the period of 30 days immediately preceding that open season.
(7)
Every person commits an offence against this Act and is liable to the penalty set out in section 67F(1) who destroys, defaces, or tampers with any notice erected or affixed under subsection (5).
(8)
Every occupier of land commits an offence against this Act and is liable to the penalty set out in section 67E(1) who, having been served with a written notice under subsection (5), fails to comply with the terms of that notice.
| Legislation Act 2019 requirements for secondary legislation made under this section | ||||
| Publication | The maker must publish it in the Gazette | LA19 ss 73, 74(1)(a), Sch 1 cl 14 | ||
| Presentation | It is not required to be presented to the House of Representatives because a transitional exemption applies under Schedule 1 of the Legislation Act 2019 | LA19 s 114, Sch 1 cl 32(1)(a) | ||
| Disallowance | It may be disallowed by the House of Representatives | LA19 ss 115, 116 | ||
| This note is not part of the Act. | ||||
Section 17: replaced, on 20 October 1972, by section 2(1) of the Wildlife Amendment Act 1972 (1972 No 116).
Section 17(2): replaced, on 15 October 2000, by section 8 of the Wildlife (Penalties and Related Matters) Amendment Act 2000 (2000 No 43).
Section 17(3): replaced, on 15 October 2000, by section 8 of the Wildlife (Penalties and Related Matters) Amendment Act 2000 (2000 No 43).
Section 17(4): amended, on 28 October 2021, by section 3 of the Secondary Legislation Act 2021 (2021 No 7).
Section 17(4): amended, on 10 April 1990, by section 70(a) of the Conservation Law Reform Act 1990 (1990 No 31).
Section 17(4): amended, on 10 April 1990, by section 70(b) of the Conservation Law Reform Act 1990 (1990 No 31).
Section 17(4): amended, on 1 April 1987, by section 65(1) of the Conservation Act 1987 (1987 No 65).
Section 17(4A): inserted, on 28 October 2021, by section 3 of the Secondary Legislation Act 2021 (2021 No 7).
Section 17(5): amended, on 10 April 1990, by section 70(c) of the Conservation Law Reform Act 1990 (1990 No 31).
Section 17(6): amended, on 15 October 2000, by section 8 of the Wildlife (Penalties and Related Matters) Amendment Act 2000 (2000 No 43).
Section 17(7): amended, on 15 October 2000, by section 8 of the Wildlife (Penalties and Related Matters) Amendment Act 2000 (2000 No 43).
Section 17(8): amended, on 15 October 2000, by section 8 of the Wildlife (Penalties and Related Matters) Amendment Act 2000 (2000 No 43).
18 Restrictions on the taking of game
(1)
Save as otherwise expressly provided in this Act or except in such circumstances and at such times, areas, and places and subject to such conditions as may from time to time be authorised pursuant to a notice given by the Minister, no person shall—
(a)
trap game in any manner whatever or take any game by means of traps or by any means other than by shooting with a shotgun:
provided that a dog may be used in conjunction with a shotgun for the purpose of finding, flushing, or retrieving any game:
(b)
erect or set any trap, net, snare, or other device for the purpose of taking any game:
(c)
hunt or kill any game with—
(i)
any swivel gun or punt gun; or
(ii)
any rifle; or
(iii)
any shotgun having a magazine of any type, unless the magazine is so adjusted in accordance with regulations made under this Act that the magazine is incapable of holding more than 1 shell; or
(iv)
any shotgun other than a shoulder gun; or
(v)
any shotgun the gauge of which is greater than that known as 12 gauge:
(d)
use any apparatus for the purpose of silencing the report of a shotgun being used for the purpose of hunting or killing game:
(e)
in hunting or killing any game from any stand, hide, shelter, maimai, mudhole, boat, louvre, or other contrivance, use more than 1 shotgun:
provided that any person so engaged may have 1, and not more than 1, further shotgun in a condition not immediately suitable for use and held for use only in the event of the first shotgun becoming damaged or otherwise unfit for use:
(f)
for the purpose of hunting or killing any game use—
(i)
any live decoy; or
(ii)
[Repealed](iii)
any cylinder or mudhole or similar device in any lake, lagoon, pond, river, estuary, or other open water, whether natural or artificially constructed, unless the sides of the cylinder or mudhole or device project not less than 60 centimetres above the surface of the water; or
(iv)
any aircraft, motor vehicle, or other vehicle propelled by mechanical power:
provided that nothing in this subparagraph shall be deemed to prevent any person from using any aircraft or vehicle for the purpose of travelling generally or to any place where he intends to hunt or kill game or of returning from any such place; or
(v)
on any lake, lagoon, pond, river, estuary, or other water (whether natural or artificially constructed), any vessel (other than a row boat) in driving, chasing, unduly disturbing, putting to flight, or stalking any game, whether by himself or by any other person:
provided that nothing in this subparagraph shall be deemed to prevent any person from using any vessel for camping purposes or for the purpose of travelling generally or to any place where he intends to kill or hunt game or of returning from any such place, or, subject to the foregoing provisions of this subparagraph and to the provisions of subparagraph (vi), to prohibit shooting from a moored vessel or to prohibit the use of any vessel for the purpose of retrieving game that has been killed or wounded; or
(vi)
any unmoored floating stand, hide, shelter, maimai, or louvre, or any unmoored boat artificially dressed or covered in any way:
(g)
by any means spread oil on any water for the purpose of hunting or killing any game or for the purpose of preventing game from alighting on that water or on any part thereof:
(h)
use any light for the purpose of hunting or killing any game.
(1A)
Every person who contravenes subsection (1) commits an offence against this Act and is liable on conviction to the penalty set out in section 67E(3).
(2)
For the purposes of paragraph (f) of subsection (1)—
decoy includes any dead game that is so placed or arranged as to simulate the appearance of live game
row boat means any vessel that for the time being is wholly propelled by oars or paddles or poles
vessel includes any launch, boat, canoe, punt, or other similar craft, whether propelled by mechanical power or not.
(3)
A notice under subsection (1) is secondary legislation (see Part 3 of the Legislation Act 2019 for publication requirements).
Compare: 1921–22 No 57 ss 11(1), 12, 13
| Legislation Act 2019 requirements for secondary legislation made under this section | ||||
| Publication | The maker must publish it in the Gazette | LA19 ss 73, 74(1)(a), Sch 1 cl 14 | ||
| Presentation | It is not required to be presented to the House of Representatives because a transitional exemption applies under Schedule 1 of the Legislation Act 2019 | LA19 s 114, Sch 1 cl 32(1)(a) | ||
| Disallowance | It may be disallowed by the House of Representatives | LA19 ss 115, 116 | ||
| This note is not part of the Act. | ||||
Section 18(1): amended, on 28 October 2021, by section 3 of the Secondary Legislation Act 2021 (2021 No 7).
Section 18(1): amended, on 6 December 1983, by section 4(1) of the Wildlife Amendment Act 1983 (1983 No 48).
Section 18(1)(c)(iii): replaced, on 17 November 1964, by section 5 of the Wildlife Amendment Act 1964 (1964 No 63).
Section 18(1)(d): replaced, on 21 November 1973, by section 2(1) of the Wildlife Amendment Act 1973 (1973 No 99).
Section 18(1)(f)(ii): repealed, on 17 November 1964, by section 4(2) of the Wildlife Amendment Act 1964 (1964 No 63).
Section 18(1)(f)(iii): amended, on 21 November 1973, by section 2(2) of the Wildlife Amendment Act 1973 (1973 No 99).
Section 18(1)(f)(v): amended, on 21 October 1959, by section 7(a) of the Wildlife Amendment Act 1959 (1959 No 49).
Section 18(1)(f)(v) proviso: amended, on 21 October 1959, by section 7(b) of the Wildlife Amendment Act 1959 (1959 No 49).
Section 18(1)(f)(vi): amended, on 6 December 1983, by section 4(2) of the Wildlife Amendment Act 1983 (1983 No 48).
Section 18(1)(g): amended, on 21 October 1959, by section 7(c) of the Wildlife Amendment Act 1959 (1959 No 49).
Section 18(1A): inserted, on 15 October 2000, by section 8 of the Wildlife (Penalties and Related Matters) Amendment Act 2000 (2000 No 43).
Section 18(2) row boat: amended, on 21 October 1959, by section 7(d) of the Wildlife Amendment Act 1959 (1959 No 49).
Section 18(3): inserted, on 28 October 2021, by section 3 of the Secondary Legislation Act 2021 (2021 No 7).
19 Licence to hunt or kill game
(1)
Except as provided in subsection (3), every person who hunts or kills game of any species during an open season in any area, unless that person is the holder of a game licence under this Act to hunt or kill game of that species available in that area during that season, commits an offence against this Act and is liable on conviction to the penalty set out in section 67E(3).
(2)
[Repealed](3)
Notwithstanding anything in the foregoing provisions of this section, the occupier of any land, and the wife, husband, civil union partner, or de facto partner and any one son or daughter of the occupier, may, during an open season, hunt or kill on that land without a game licence (but subject to all other restrictions imposed by or under this Act) any game that may lawfully be hunted or killed under a game licence in the district within the boundaries of which that land is situated.
(4)
In subsection (3) the term occupier, in relation to any land, means—
(a)
the person whose permanent and principal or only place of residence is on the land, if he resides on the land by virtue of the fact that he is—
(i)
the owner of the fee simple of the land; or
(ii)
the owner of a lease or licence of the land and the owner of the fee simple does not himself personally reside on the land; or
(iii)
the manager of a farming business carried on on the land by such an owner who does not himself personally reside on the land; or
(iv)
the sharemilker under a sharemilking agreement entered into with such an owner who does not himself personally reside on the land:
(b)
where there are several such persons, such one of them as is, by notice in writing signed by all of them and delivered to the Fish and Game Council for the area concerned, appointed to be the occupier for the purposes of that subsection. Every such appointment shall continue in force during the whole of the open season in respect of which it is made and shall lapse at the end of that season.
(4A)
In subsection (3) the term occupier, in relation to any land, does not include a person appointed under the Conservation Act 1987 to be the manager of a marginal strip.
(5)
On production to the Fish and Game Council of the appointment referred to in subsection (4)(b), the Fish and Game Council shall endorse on the appointment a certificate that it has been so produced and shall return it to the person appointed, who shall, in any circumstances where a game licence is required, produce that appointment so endorsed to any authorised person (as defined in section 61(3)) demanding its production, and if he fails to do so he commits an offence against this Act and is liable on conviction to the penalty set out in section 67E(1).
(6)
Where a person resides on land that is farmed in conjunction with any other land, he shall be deemed for the purposes of subsection (4) to reside on that other land also.
Compare: 1921–22 No 57 s 14
Section 19(1): replaced, on 15 October 2000, by section 8 of the Wildlife (Penalties and Related Matters) Amendment Act 2000 (2000 No 43).
Section 19(1): amended, on 16 December 2017, by section 89(1) of the Electronic Interactions Reform Act 2017 (2017 No 50).
Section 19(2): repealed, on 15 October 2000, by section 8 of the Wildlife (Penalties and Related Matters) Amendment Act 2000 (2000 No 43).
Section 19(3): amended, on 16 December 2017, by section 89(1) of the Electronic Interactions Reform Act 2017 (2017 No 50).
Section 19(3): amended, on 26 April 2005, by section 7 of the Relationships (Statutory References) Act 2005 (2005 No 3).
Section 19(4)(b): amended, on 10 April 1990, by section 71(1)(c) of the Conservation Law Reform Act 1990 (1990 No 31).
Section 19(4A): inserted, on 10 April 1990, by section 71(2) of the Conservation Law Reform Act 1990 (1990 No 31).
Section 19(5): amended, on 16 December 2017, by section 89(2)(a) of the Electronic Interactions Reform Act 2017 (2017 No 50).
Section 19(5): amended, on 16 December 2017, by section 89(2)(b) of the Electronic Interactions Reform Act 2017 (2017 No 50).
Section 19(5): amended, on 16 December 2017, by section 89(2)(c) of the Electronic Interactions Reform Act 2017 (2017 No 50).
Section 19(5): amended, on 15 October 2000, by section 8 of the Wildlife (Penalties and Related Matters) Amendment Act 2000 (2000 No 43).
Section 19(5): amended, on 10 April 1990, by section 71(1)(d) of the Conservation Law Reform Act 1990 (1990 No 31).
19A Game bird habitat stamp
(1)
In any notification of an open season given under section 15, the Minister may require that a game bird habitat stamp be displayed on every game licence.
(2)
A game bird habitat stamp shall—
(a)
be in a form—
(i)
approved by the Minister on the recommendation of the New Zealand Fish and Game Council made after having regard to the views expressed by Fish and Game Councils and the New Zealand Game Bird Habitat Trust Board; and
(ii)
published in the Gazette; and
(b)
if the stamp is being obtained for the purpose of displaying it on a game licence, be obtained at the same time as the licence is obtained.
(3)
The prescribed fee shall be payable in respect of every game bird habitat stamp supplied in respect of a game licence.
Section 19A: inserted, on 17 May 1993, by section 3 of the Wildlife Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 39).
Section 19A(1): amended, on 16 December 2017, by section 90(1) of the Electronic Interactions Reform Act 2017 (2017 No 50).
Section 19A(1): amended, on 16 December 2017, by section 90(2) of the Electronic Interactions Reform Act 2017 (2017 No 50).
Section 19A(2)(b): amended, on 16 December 2017, by section 90(2) of the Electronic Interactions Reform Act 2017 (2017 No 50).
Section 19A(2)(b): amended, on 16 December 2017, by section 90(3) of the Electronic Interactions Reform Act 2017 (2017 No 50).
Section 19A(3): amended, on 16 December 2017, by section 90(2) of the Electronic Interactions Reform Act 2017 (2017 No 50).
20 Limitation of licence
[Repealed]Section 20: repealed, on 6 December 1983, by section 5 of the Wildlife Amendment Act 1983 (1983 No 48).
21 Holder of game licence not to enter on land without consent
(1)
Except as otherwise expressly provided in this Act, or in any Proclamation or Order in Council or notice pursuant thereto, nothing in any game licence or other authority under this Act shall authorise the holder to enter upon or to hunt or kill game on any land without the consent of the occupier of the land.
(2)
In subsection (1), the term occupier includes:
(a)
in the case of any reserve within the meaning of the Reserves Act 1977, the Director-General or, as the case may require, the administering body:
(b)
in the case of any land actually and exclusively used by any Fish and Game Council for the purposes of this Act, that Fish and Game Council:
(c)
in the case of any wildlife sanctuary, wildlife refuge, or wildlife management reserve, the Minister or Director-General, or, where authorised by the Director-General, the person or body having day-to-day control of the wildlife sanctuary, wildlife refuge, or wildlife management reserve:
(d)
in any other case, the occupier.
Section 21: replaced, on 6 December 1983, by section 6 of the Wildlife Amendment Act 1983 (1983 No 48).
Section 21 heading: amended, on 16 December 2017, by section 91(1) of the Electronic Interactions Reform Act 2017 (2017 No 50).
Section 21(1): amended, on 16 December 2017, by section 91(2) of the Electronic Interactions Reform Act 2017 (2017 No 50).
Section 21(2)(a): amended, on 1 April 1987, by section 65(1) of the Conservation Act 1987 (1987 No 65).
Section 21(2)(b): amended, on 10 April 1990, by section 72(a) of the Conservation Law Reform Act 1990 (1990 No 31).
Section 21(2)(c): amended, on 10 April 1990, by section 72(b) of the Conservation Law Reform Act 1990 (1990 No 31).
Section 21(2)(c): amended, on 1 April 1987, by section 65(1) of the Conservation Act 1987 (1987 No 65).
22 Shooting of game not in flight prohibited
(1)
Except as provided in subsection (1A), every person who shoots at or attempts to shoot at any game bird not in flight commits an offence against this Act and is liable to the penalty set out in section 67E(3).
(1A)
No person commits an offence under subsection (1)—
(a)
who shoots at or attempts to shoot at any game bird already wounded by shooting:
(b)
where that person was acting in accordance with any authorisation under sections 53 or 54:
(c)
where that person was acting in accordance with any notification given by the Minister.
(2)
For the purposes of this section—
(a)
a bird shall be deemed to be not in flight at any time when it is alighting on or rising from any water or land or any vegetation or structure in or on any water or on any land and any part of the bird is in contact with the water or land or vegetation or structure:
(b)
subject to paragraph (a), a bird shall be deemed to be in flight at all times when it is airborne, including times when it is soaring or banking or swooping, and whether its wings are in motion or not.
23 Sale of game and sale of shooting rights prohibited
(1)
Except with the prior consent of the Director-General, no person shall—
(a)
buy or sell any game or the eggs of any game:
(b)
for sale or for hire, gain, or reward, or hope thereof, hunt or kill any game or have any game or the eggs of any game in his possession:
(c)
induce any other person to hunt or kill game for the purposes of sale or have any game or the eggs of any game in his possession for the purposes of sale:
provided that it shall be lawful for any person, pursuant to the prior written authority of the Director-General, and subject to such conditions as may be prescribed therein, to propagate game or to buy or sell game held for the purpose of propagating game or reared pursuant to any such authority, or to take and sell or to buy the eggs of any game to which any such authority relates.
(2)
No person shall sell or let for fee or reward any right to hunt or kill game on any land or on any water on or adjoining any land.
(2A)
Every person who contravenes subsections (1) or (2) commits an offence against this Act and is liable on conviction to the penalty set out in section 67E(1).
(3)
Where any person for rent or other valuable consideration grants a lease or licence of any duration of land on which or on water adjoining which game is usually prevalent, he shall be deemed for the purposes of subsection (2) to have let the right to hunt or kill game on that land or on that water, as the case may be, if the court, having regard to all the circumstances of the case, is satisfied that the sole or principal purpose of the lease or licence was to confer on the lessee or licensee the right to hunt or kill game on that land or water.
(4)
Nothing in this section—
(a)
prohibits the provision of game hunting guide services by a game hunting guide in accordance with this Act or the charging of fees in respect of such services; or
(b)
prevents the Minister granting to a game hunting guide any concession.
Compare: 1921–22 No 57 s 16
Section 23(1): amended, on 1 April 1987, by section 65(1) of the Conservation Act 1987 (1987 No 65).
Section 23(1) proviso: amended, on 1 April 1987, by section 65(1) of the Conservation Act 1987 (1987 No 65).
Section 23(2A): inserted, on 15 October 2000, by section 8 of the Wildlife (Penalties and Related Matters) Amendment Act 2000 (2000 No 43).
Section 23(4): inserted, on 13 March 1996, by section 7 of the Wildlife Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 2).
Part 3 Administration
Acclimatisation districts and societies[Repealed]
Heading: repealed, on 10 April 1990, by section 73(2) of the Conservation Law Reform Act 1990 (1990 No 31).
24 Acclimatisation districts
[Repealed]Section 24: repealed, on 10 April 1990, by section 73(2) of the Conservation Law Reform Act 1990 (1990 No 31).
25 Acclimatisation societies
[Repealed]Section 25: repealed, on 31 May 1990, by section 74(2) of the Conservation Law Reform Act 1990 (1990 No 31).
26 Societies to be bodies corporate
[Repealed]Section 26: repealed, on 31 May 1990, by section 74(2) of the Conservation Law Reform Act 1990 (1990 No 31).
27 Appointment to councils of societies of representatives of farming interests, etc
[Repealed]Section 27: repealed, on 31 May 1990, by section 74(2) of the Conservation Law Reform Act 1990 (1990 No 31).
28 Disqualification of officers of societies
[Repealed]Section 28: repealed, on 31 May 1990, by section 74(2) of the Conservation Law Reform Act 1990 (1990 No 31).
29 Rules of acclimatisation societies
[Repealed]Section 29: repealed, on 31 May 1990, by section 74(2) of the Conservation Law Reform Act 1990 (1990 No 31).
30 Functions of societies
[Repealed]Section 30: repealed, on 31 May 1990, by section 74(2) of the Conservation Law Reform Act 1990 (1990 No 31).
31 Appointment of officers and servants
[Repealed]Section 31: repealed, on 31 May 1990, by section 74(2) of the Conservation Law Reform Act 1990 (1990 No 31).
32 Societies may undertake research
[Repealed]Section 32: repealed, on 31 May 1990, by section 74(2) of the Conservation Law Reform Act 1990 (1990 No 31).
33 Expenditure by societies
[Repealed]Section 33: repealed, on 31 May 1990, by section 74(2) of the Conservation Law Reform Act 1990 (1990 No 31).
34 Annual reports and balance sheets of societies to be forwarded to Minister
[Repealed]Section 34: repealed, on 31 May 1990, by section 74(2) of the Conservation Law Reform Act 1990 (1990 No 31).
35 Failure of society to act
[Repealed]Section 35: repealed, on 31 May 1990, by section 74(2) of the Conservation Law Reform Act 1990 (1990 No 31).
36 Dissolution of societies
[Repealed]Section 36: repealed, on 31 May 1990, by section 74(2) of the Conservation Law Reform Act 1990 (1990 No 31).
Wildlife districts
37 Wildlife districts
(1)
The Governor-General may from time to time, by Proclamation, declare any portion of New Zealand to be a wildlife district for the purposes of this Act, subject to such conditions as may be specified in the Proclamation or as may be prescribed by regulations made under this Act, and may in like manner revoke or vary any such Proclamation.
(2)
Without limiting the general power conferred by subsection (1), any Proclamation or regulations made under or pursuant to that subsection may provide for any of the following matters:
(a)
the vesting in the Department or a Fish and Game Council of the control of all species or of any specified species of wildlife (other than game) in the wildlife district:
(b)
where no part of the wildlife district forms part of an area under the jurisdiction of a Fish and Game Council, the vesting in the Department of the control of game in the wildlife district:
(c)
where a part of the wildlife district also forms part of an area under the jurisdiction of a Fish and Game Council, the vesting in the Department of the control of game in such part of the wildlife district as does not form part of that area:
(d)
the prohibition in the wildlife district of the hunting, killing, taking, or disturbing in any manner whatever of wildlife other than game by any person without the express written consent of the Director-General.
(3)
Where the control of game in any part of a wildlife district is vested in the Department under this section, the provisions of this Act relating to game shall apply with respect to game in that part of the district as if that part were an area under the jurisdiction of a Fish and Game Council; and for that purpose the Director-General shall in that part have all the powers of a Fish and Game Council under this Act.
(4)
The following are secondary legislation (see Part 3 of the Legislation Act 2019 for publication requirements):
(a)
a Proclamation under subsection (1):
(b)
a revocation or variation of a Proclamation under subsection (1).
| Legislation Act 2019 requirements for secondary legislation made under this section | ||||
| Publication | The maker must publish it in the Gazette | LA19 ss 13, 73, 74(1)(a), Sch 1 cl 14 | ||
| Presentation | It is not required to be presented to the House of Representatives because a transitional exemption applies under Schedule 1 of the Legislation Act 2019 | LA19 s 114, Sch 1 cl 32(1)(a) | ||
| Disallowance | It may be disallowed by the House of Representatives | LA19 ss 115, 116 | ||
| This note is not part of the Act. | ||||
Section 37: replaced, on 10 April 1990, by section 75 of the Conservation Law Reform Act 1990 (1990 No 31).
Section 37(4): inserted, on 28 October 2021, by section 3 of the Secondary Legislation Act 2021 (2021 No 7).
Rangers
38 Rangers
(1)
There may from time to time be appointed under the provisions of the Public Service Act 2020 suitable persons to be rangers for the purposes of this Act.
(2)
The Director-General may from time to time appoint—
(a)
any suitable person (not being an employee of the public service) to be a ranger in a part-time capacity for the purposes of this Act:
(b)
any suitable person to be a ranger in an honorary capacity for the purposes of this Act:
(c)
any servant of a Fish and Game Council to be a ranger for the purposes of this Act.
(3)
A ranger may be appointed for a particular district or area or to exercise his duties generally throughout New Zealand.
(4)
Every constable, and every warranted officer appointed under subsection (1) or deemed to have been appointed by subsection (9) of section 59 of the Conservation Act 1987, shall by virtue of his office be deemed to be a ranger appointed by the Director-General to exercise his duties generally throughout New Zealand.
(5)
Every ranger appointed under subsection (2) shall be appointed for such term, not exceeding 3 years, as the Director-General thinks fit, and may be reappointed.
(6)
Any ranger appointed under subsection (2) may at any time be removed from office by the Director-General for incapacity, neglect of duty, or misconduct, or may at any time resign his office by writing addressed to the Director-General.
(7)
Any ranger appointed under subsection (2) shall, on the expiration of the term of his appointment, or on the sooner expiry of his appointment by removal from office or resignation, surrender to the Director-General his warrant of appointment.
(8)
No person appointed by the Director-General under this section to be a ranger shall by virtue of that appointment be deemed to be employed in the service of the Sovereign for the purposes of the Public Service Act 2020 or of the Government Superannuation Fund Act 1956.
(9)
Every person (not being a constable) who at the commencement of this Act holds an appointment as a ranger under section 35 of the Animals Protection and Game Act 1921–22 shall be deemed to have ceased to hold that appointment as from the commencement of this Act.
Compare: 1921–22 No 57 s 35; 1946 No 40 s 5
Section 38(1): amended, on 7 August 2020, by section 135 of the Public Service Act 2020 (2020 No 40).
Section 38(2): amended, on 1 April 1987, by section 65(1) of the Conservation Act 1987 (1987 No 65).
Section 38(2)(a): amended, on 7 August 2020, by section 135 of the Public Service Act 2020 (2020 No 40).
Section 38(2)(c): amended, on 10 April 1990, by section 76(1) of the Conservation Law Reform Act 1990 (1990 No 31).
Section 38(4): amended, on 10 April 1990, by section 76(2) of the Conservation Law Reform Act 1990 (1990 No 31).
Section 38(4): amended, on 1 April 1987, by section 65(1) of the Conservation Act 1987 (1987 No 65).
Section 38(5): amended, on 1 April 1987, by section 65(1) of the Conservation Act 1987 (1987 No 65).
Section 38(6): amended, on 1 April 1987, by section 65(1) of the Conservation Act 1987 (1987 No 65).
Section 38(7): amended, on 1 April 1987, by section 65(1) of the Conservation Act 1987 (1987 No 65).
Section 38(8): editorial change made by the PCO, on 15 August 2024, under sections 86(1) and 87(a) of the Legislation Act 2019 (2019 No 58).
Section 38(8): amended, on 7 August 2020, by section 135 of the Public Service Act 2020 (2020 No 40).
Section 38(8): amended, on 1 April 1987, by section 65(1) of the Conservation Act 1987 (1987 No 65).
Section 38(8): amended, on 1 November 1976, by section 3(3) of the Government Superannuation Fund Amendment Act 1976 (1976 No 30).
38A Fish and game rangers to be rangers under this Act
Every fish and game ranger shall, by virtue of his or her office, be deemed to be a ranger appointed under this Act to exercise the duties of a ranger generally throughout New Zealand.
Section 38A: inserted, on 25 November 1994, by section 4 of the Wildlife Amendment Act 1994 (1994 No 109).
39 Powers of rangers
(1)
Every ranger may, in the exercise of his duty within the district or area for which he is appointed,—
(a)
seize any animal or any part of any animal or any egg or nest thereof illegally taken or had in possession, or which he reasonably believes to be illegally taken or had in possession:
(b)
seize all nets, traps, firearms, ammunition, boats, vehicles, engines, instruments, appliances, or devices that are being used or are intended to be used or have been used in breach of this Act, or that he reasonably believes are so being used or are intended to be so used or have been so used:
(c)
seize any bag, container, or other article (including any coat or other similar article of clothing) that is being used for the purpose of carrying any animal or any part of any animal or any egg or nest thereof illegally taken or had in possession or that he reasonably believes is being so used:
(d)
stop any vehicle, or any riding or pack animal, or any boat, launch, or other vessel, or any aircraft while on the ground or on the water, or any other device for carriage or transportation, or stop in transit any parcel, package, case, bag, luggage, or other container that is or that he reasonably believes to be in the possession of the owner or of any other person (including any carrier or forwarding agent, whether by land, sea, or air), if he has reason to believe or suspect that any breach of this Act or of any regulations under this Act has been committed by the owner or by the person in possession thereof or by any other person, and, in the presence of the owner or other person as aforesaid or of any servant of any of them, search any such vehicle, riding or pack animal, boat, launch, or other vessel, or aircraft, or other device for carriage or transportation, and in such presence as aforesaid open and search any such parcel, package, case, bag, luggage, or other container:
(e)
call on any person for assistance, and the person is authorised to assist the ranger—
(i)
in the exercise of a search power in accordance with section 113 of the Search and Surveillance Act 2012; or
(ii)
in the exercise of any other power if the person acts under the direction and supervision of the ranger:
(f)
at all times, without let or hindrance—
(i)
by any means whatever, enter upon, pass through, or remain on any land (other than a dwellinghouse or the enclosed garden or curtilage of any dwellinghouse) or any hut, tent, caravan, bach, or other erection (not being a permanent residence), or any shop, warehouse, factory, bond store, office, or any other premises of any description, or into or upon any lake, river, pond, lagoon, or other water (whether natural or artificially constructed):
(ii)
enter any vehicle, boat, launch, other vessel, or aircraft that is being used or is intended to be used or has been used in breach of this Act or that he reasonably believes is being or is intended to be or has been so used:
(iii)
search any land or any hut, tent, caravan, bach, or other erection (not being a permanent residence), or any shop, warehouse, factory, bond store, office, or other premises of any description, or any vehicle, boat, launch, other vessel, or aircraft referred to in subparagraph (ii), or any riding or pack animal, or other device for transportation or carriage found on the said land or on any such premises or on any such lake, river, pond, lagoon, or other water:
provided that any issuing officer (within the meaning of section 3 of the Search and Surveillance Act 2012) who is satisfied on reasonable grounds that any breach of this Act or of any regulations under this Act has been or is being committed, or that preparation has been made to commit such a breach, within any of the hereinbefore excepted premises, may, by warrant under his hand, empower a ranger to enter those premises for the purpose of detecting that offence.
(2)
The production by a ranger of his warrant of appointment shall be sufficient evidence of that appointment.
(3)
[Repealed]Compare: 1921–22 No 57 s 36(1), (2)
Section 39(1)(e): replaced, on 13 March 2017, by section 4(1) of the Wildlife (Powers) Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 2).
Section 39(1)(f) proviso: amended, on 1 October 2012, by section 309(2)(a) of the Search and Surveillance Act 2012 (2012 No 24).
Section 39(1)(f) proviso: amended, on 1 October 2012, by section 309(2)(b) of the Search and Surveillance Act 2012 (2012 No 24).
Section 39(3): repealed, on 13 March 2017, by section 4(2) of the Wildlife (Powers) Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 2).
39A Certain rangers to have additional powers
(1)
This section applies to a ranger who is not—
(a)
a fish and game ranger; or
(b)
a ranger appointed under section 38(2); or
(c)
an honorary fishery officer, within the meaning given in section 2(1) of the Fisheries Act 1996.
(2)
A ranger to whom this section applies may exercise the powers provided in sections 39B to 39D.
Section 39A: inserted, on 13 March 2017, by section 5 of the Wildlife (Powers) Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 2).
39B Power to seize evidential material
A ranger to whom section 39A applies may seize any evidential material (as defined in section 3(1) of the Search and Surveillance Act 2012) that he or she reasonably believes relates to the investigation of a suspected offence against this Act or any regulations made under this Act.
Section 39B: inserted, on 13 March 2017, by section 5 of the Wildlife (Powers) Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 2).
39C Powers to require people to stop and to stop things or articles in transit
(1)
In exercising a power or duty under this Act, a ranger to whom section 39A applies who is investigating a suspected offence against this Act or any regulations made under this Act may, if there is reasonable cause,—
(a)
require a person to stop and to remain stopped for a period that is no longer than is reasonable in the circumstances; and
(b)
stop, and keep stopped for a period that is no longer than is reasonable in the circumstances, any thing or any article in transit.
(2)
This section does not limit the power in section 39(1)(d).
Section 39C: inserted, on 13 March 2017, by section 5 of the Wildlife (Powers) Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 2).
39D Power to intervene to prevent offending
(1)
A ranger to whom section 39A applies who believes on reasonable grounds that a person is committing or is about to commit an offence against this Act or any regulations made under this Act may intervene, in a manner that is reasonable in the circumstances, to prevent the offence.
(2)
This section does not affect the power in section 39(1)(f).
Section 39D: inserted, on 13 March 2017, by section 5 of the Wildlife (Powers) Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 2).
39E Certain people to have power of arrest
(1)
The Director-General may issue to a ranger to whom section 39A applies a written authority stating that the ranger is authorised to exercise the power of arrest under section 39F.
(2)
The following people may also exercise the power of arrest under section 39F:
(a)
every constable:
(b)
every officer in command of any vessel, aircraft, or unit of the New Zealand Defence Force:
(c)
every Customs officer (as defined in section 2(1) of the Customs and Excise Act 1996):
(d)
every fishery officer appointed under section 196(1) of the Fisheries Act 1996.
Section 39E: inserted, on 13 March 2017, by section 5 of the Wildlife (Powers) Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 2).
39F Power of arrest
(1)
A person authorised under section 39E (an arresting officer) may arrest a person without warrant if—
(a)
the arresting officer believes on reasonable grounds that the person has committed or is committing an offence against a provision listed in section 67A(2) (which contains offences in respect of absolutely protected wildlife); or
(b)
the arresting officer believes on reasonable grounds that the person has committed or is committing an offence in relation to absolutely protected wildlife against section 56(4) (which relates to liberating wildlife) or section 63A (which relates to hunting, killing, buying, or selling marine wildlife, or robbing or disturbing the nest of marine wildlife); or
(c)
the arresting officer believes on reasonable grounds that the person is obstructing the investigation of an offence referred to in paragraph (a) or (b).
(2)
At the time of arrest, the arresting officer must, unless it is impracticable to do so,—
(a)
identify himself or herself; and
(b)
produce evidence that he or she is authorised under section 39E; and
(c)
tell the person that the power is being exercised under this Act; and
(d)
tell the person the reason for the arrest.
(3)
If the arresting officer is not a constable, the arresting officer must deliver the arrested person into the custody of a constable as soon as is reasonably practicable (unless the person is sooner released).
Section 39F: inserted, on 13 March 2017, by section 5 of the Wildlife (Powers) Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 2).
39G Application of Search and Surveillance Act 2012
Part 4 of the Search and Surveillance Act 2012 applies, with any necessary modifications, in relation to the exercise of a power under section 39(1) or any of sections 39B to 39F.
Section 39G: inserted, on 13 March 2017, by section 5 of the Wildlife (Powers) Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 2).
40 Obstructing persons acting under this Act
(1)
A person must not—
(a)
wilfully resist, impede, or obstruct a person acting under this Act; or
(b)
wilfully incite or encourage another person to resist, impede, or obstruct a person acting under this Act; or
(c)
wilfully use abusive or threatening language to, or behave in a threatening manner to, a person acting under this Act; or
(d)
wilfully fail to comply with a lawful demand made by a person acting under this Act (including a requirement under section 39C(1)(a)); or
(e)
wilfully refuse to allow a person acting under this Act to exercise a power conferred on that person by or under this Act.
(2)
A person who does not comply with this section commits an offence and is liable on conviction to the penalty set out in section 67D.
(3)
In this section, a person acting under this Act means—
(a)
a ranger exercising a power conferred on that ranger by or under this Act; and
(b)
a person assisting a ranger under section 39(1)(e); and
(c)
a person authorised under section 39E(2) who is exercising the power of arrest in section 39F.
Section 40: replaced, on 13 March 2017, by section 6 of the Wildlife (Powers) Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 2).
Powers of Minister
41 Minister’s general powers
(1)
The Minister may from time to time—
(a)
prepare and carry out wildlife surveys:
(aa)
acquire and dispose of land for the purposes of this Act:
(b)
use and develop land as a wildlife sanctuary, or as a wildlife refuge, or as a wildlife management reserve, or as a reserve for the breeding and preservation of wildlife, or as a camping ground or hunting ground, or as a game farm, or for the purpose of erecting residences and other buildings for the purposes of this Act, or as a holding ground, or for any other purposes of this Act:
(c)
co-ordinate the policies and activities of departments of State, local authorities, and public bodies in relation to the protection, management, control, and conservation of wildlife and the eradication of harmful species of wildlife:
(d)
conduct wildlife research work, and collect and disseminate wildlife information:
(e)
prepare and issue plans and publications for the advancement, conservation, management, and control of wildlife and the eradication of harmful species of wildlife:
(f)
make provision for the setting up of such advisory bodies as he thinks fit:
(fa)
protect and preserve wildlife that are absolutely protected under this Act:
(g)
make provision generally for the administration of this Act.
(2)
In the exercise of the powers conferred on him by subsection (1), the Minister may from time to time—
(a)
erect dwellings for occupation by officers and servants of the Department engaged in the administration of this Act, and erect other buildings, and provide all necessary services, conveniences, and amenities:
(b)
establish and carry on any operations or industry relative to the conservation, management, or control of wildlife or the eradication of harmful species of wildlife:
(c)
sell or otherwise dispose of food, equipment, skins, or other articles used for, or recovered as the result of, any operation for the conservation, management, control, or eradication of wildlife:
(d)
enter into any contract or agreement:
(e)
carry on any farming operations incidental to the management of any game farm or to the conservation, management, control, or eradication of wildlife, and purchase cattle, horses, dogs, or other animals or motor or other vehicles necessary for that purpose, and cultivate and grass any land for any such purpose, and sell any farm crop or farm produce:
(f)
sell any game or the eggs of any game:
(g)
with the written consent of the occupier, and subject to the provisions of any other Act, construct and maintain on any land any roads, roadways, tracks, paths, bridges, culverts, ferries, and other means of access necessary for the purposes of this Act:
(h)
subject to any regulations made under this Act, regulate, control, or prohibit the keeping, breeding, disposing, or farming of any wildlife specified in Schedule 8.
(3)
All documents that require to be executed for the purposes of this Act by or on behalf of the Sovereign may, unless otherwise provided by this Act, be executed by the Minister, and, if so executed, shall be as valid and effectual as if executed by or on behalf of the Sovereign.
Section 41(1)(aa): inserted, on 19 September 1980, by section 7(1) of the Wildlife Amendment Act 1980 (1980 No 17).
Section 41(1)(b): amended, on 19 September 1980, by section 7(2) of the Wildlife Amendment Act 1980 (1980 No 17).
Section 41(1)(c): amended, on 10 April 1990, by section 77(1) of the Conservation Law Reform Act 1990 (1990 No 31).
Section 41(1)(fa): inserted, on 10 April 1990, by section 77(2) of the Conservation Law Reform Act 1990 (1990 No 31).
Section 41(2)(h): inserted, on 6 December 1983, by section 10 of the Wildlife Amendment Act 1983 (1983 No 48).
Section 41(3): editorial change made by the PCO, on 15 August 2024, under sections 86(1) and 87(a) of the Legislation Act 2019 (2019 No 58).
42 Fencing of land
(1)
The Minister may from time to time take such steps as he thinks fit for the fencing of any land held by the Crown for the purposes of this Act.
(2)
The Minister may enter into any agreement upon such terms and conditions as he considers reasonable with the occupier within the meaning of the Fencing Act 1978 of land adjoining any land held by the Crown for the purposes of this Act for the fencing of the common boundary.
(3)
Where any fence within the meaning of the Fencing Act 1978 is erected pursuant to an agreement with any such occupier, the occupier shall be liable, notwithstanding anything to the contrary in that Act, to pay such amount as may have been agreed upon by the Minister and the occupier, and that amount may be recovered from the occupier as a debt due to the Crown.
Section 42(2): amended, on 1 April 1979, pursuant to section 28(1) of the Fencing Act 1978 (1978 No 50).
Section 42(3): amended, on 1 April 1979, pursuant to section 28(1) of the Fencing Act 1978 (1978 No 50).
43 Tenancies
Subject to the Tenancy Act 1955, the Minister may grant tenancies or occupancies of dwellings on land held by the Crown for the purposes of this Act to employees of the Department at such rent and upon such terms and conditions as may be approved by the Public Service Commission, or to any Fish and Game Council or to any other person under such circumstances, at such rent, and upon such terms and conditions as the Minister determines.
Compare: 1921–1922 No 57 s 7(2)
Section 43: amended, on 7 August 2020, by section 135 of the Public Service Act 2020 (2020 No 40).
Section 43: amended, on 10 April 1990, by section 78 of the Conservation Law Reform Act 1990 (1990 No 31).
Section 43: amended, on 21 October 1955, pursuant to section 59(1) of the Tenancy Act 1955 (1955 No 50).
44 Delegation of Minister’s powers
(1)
The Minister may from time to time delegate in writing to the Director-General or to any other officer of the Department any of his powers under this Act, including the power of delegation conferred by this section.
(1A)
The Minister may from time to time delegate in writing to any body or person such powers as he may have under or pursuant to this or any other Act relating to the day-to-day control and management of any wildlife sanctuary, or wildlife refuge, or wildlife management reserve.
(2)
Subject to any general or special directions given or conditions attached by the Minister, the person to whom any powers are delegated under this section may exercise those powers in the same manner and with the same effect as if they had been conferred on him directly by this section and not by delegation.
(3)
Every person purporting to act pursuant to any delegation under this section shall, in the absence of proof to the contrary, be presumed to be acting in accordance with the terms of the delegation.
(4)
Any delegation under this section may be made to a specified person or to persons of a specified class or may be made to the holder or holders for the time being of a specified office or of specified classes of offices.
(5)
Every delegation under this section shall be revocable in writing at will, and no such delegation shall prevent the exercise of any power by the Minister or by any other person making the delegation.
(6)
Every delegation made under this section by the Minister or by any other person holding any office shall, until it is revoked, continue in force according to its tenor, notwithstanding the fact that the Minister or other officer by whom it was made may have ceased to hold office, and shall continue to have effect as if made by his successor in office.
Section 44(1): amended, on 1 April 1987, by section 65(1) of the Conservation Act 1987 (1987 No 65).
Section 44(1A): inserted, on 19 September 1980, by section 8 of the Wildlife Amendment Act 1980 (1980 No 17).
Section 44(1A): amended, on 10 April 1990, by section 79 of the Conservation Law Reform Act 1990 (1990 No 31).
Powers of Director-General
Heading: inserted, on 13 December 1968, by section 2 of the Wildlife Amendment Act 1968 (1968 No 120).
Heading: amended, on 1 April 1987, by section 65(1) of the Conservation Act 1987 (1987 No 65).
44A Delegation of powers by Director-General
(1)
The Director-General may from time to time, either generally or particularly, delegate to such officer or officers or employee or employees of the Department as he thinks fit all or any of the powers exercisable by him under this Act, including the power of delegation conferred by this section, but, except as provided in section 44, not including any powers delegated to him under any other provision of this Act.
(2)
Subject to any general or special directions given or conditions attached by the Director-General, the officer or employee to whom any powers are delegated under this section may exercise those powers in the same manner and with the same effect as if they had been conferred on him directly by this section and not by delegation.
(3)
Every person purporting to act pursuant to any delegation under this section shall be presumed to be acting in accordance with the terms of the delegation in absence of proof to the contrary.
(4)
Any delegation under this section may be made to a specified officer or employee or to officers or employees of a specified class, or may be made to the holder or holders for the time being of a specified office or class of offices.
(5)
Any delegation under this section shall be revocable at will, and no such delegation shall prevent the exercise of any power by the Director-General.
(6)
Any such delegation shall, until revoked, continue in force according to its tenor, notwithstanding the fact that the Director-General by whom it was made may have ceased to hold office, and shall continue to have effect as if made by the successor in office of that Director-General.
Section 44A: inserted, on 13 December 1968, by section 2 of the Wildlife Amendment Act 1968 (1968 No 120).
Section 44A heading: amended, on 1 April 1987, by section 65(1) of the Conservation Act 1987 (1987 No 65).
Section 44A(1): amended, on 1 April 1987, by section 65(1) of the Conservation Act 1987 (1987 No 65).
Section 44A(2): amended, on 1 April 1987, by section 65(1) of the Conservation Act 1987 (1987 No 65).
Section 44A(5): amended, on 1 April 1987, by section 65(1) of the Conservation Act 1987 (1987 No 65).
Section 44A(6): amended, on 1 April 1987, by section 65(1) of the Conservation Act 1987 (1987 No 65).
New Zealand Game Bird Habitat Trust Board
Heading: inserted, on 17 May 1993, by section 4 of the Wildlife Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 39).
44B New Zealand Game Bird Habitat Trust Board established
There is hereby established a board to be called the New Zealand Game Bird Habitat Trust Board.
Section 44B: inserted, on 17 May 1993, by section 4 of the Wildlife Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 39).
44C Board to be body corporate
The Board shall be a body corporate with perpetual succession and a common seal, and be capable of acquiring, holding, and disposing of real and personal property, and of suing and being sued, and of doing and suffering all other acts and things that bodies corporate may do and suffer.
Section 44C: inserted, on 17 May 1993, by section 4 of the Wildlife Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 39).
44D Functions of Board
The Board shall have the following functions:
(a)
primarily to improve New Zealand’s game bird habitat and secondarily to improve the habitat of other wildlife:
(b)
to identify and evaluate areas of New Zealand worthy of protection, restoration, improvement, creation, or procurement primarily as game bird habitat and secondarily as habitat for other wildlife:
(c)
to negotiate, where appropriate, the protection, restoration, improvement, creation, or procurement of game bird habitat with landowners:
(d)
to receive submissions and applications from any person or organisation within New Zealand for the protection, restoration, improvement, creation, or procurement primarily of game bird habitat and secondarily of habitat for other wildlife, and to evaluate each submission or application for the purpose of determining whether or not to support it:
(e)
to promote and provide advice to prospective applicants on the protection, restoration, improvement, creation, or procurement of habitat suitable for game birds and associated wildlife:
(f)
to promote the sale of game bird habitat stamps and associated products to game bird hunters and to the public within New Zealand and to persons outside New Zealand:
(g)
to ensure that the revenue arising from the game bird habitat stamp programme and associated products is clearly separated from other revenue arising for the management of New Zealand’s game bird resources:
(h)
to recommend to the New Zealand Fish and Game Council that it enter into such contracts as may be appropriate to annually produce a game bird habitat stamp and associated products:
(i)
to operate in the name of the Board such bank accounts as the Board thinks fit and to keep proper records of such accounts:
(j)
to disburse by way of grants such proportion of its funds each year as it considers appropriate for the purpose of carrying out its functions:
(k)
to recommend to the New Zealand Fish and Game Council the fees for the following year’s game bird habitat stamp:
(l)
annually—
(i)
to recommend to the New Zealand Fish and Game Council the game bird or other wildlife species to be depicted on the following year’s game bird habitat stamp:
(ii)
to appoint, or select by competition, an artist to produce the stamp artwork of the species approved by the New Zealand Fish and Game Council:
(m)
to liaise with the New Zealand Fish and Game Council, or individual Fish and Game Councils, as the case may be, to have provision on game licences for the display of a game bird habitat stamp:
(n)
to co-ordinate with the New Zealand Fish and Game Council the production of game bird habitat stamps and their display on game licences:
(o)
to provide regular reports to the New Zealand Fish and Game Council, Fish and Game Councils, the Department of Conservation, Ducks Unlimited New Zealand Incorporated, and other similar interested persons or organisations.
Section 44D: inserted, on 17 May 1993, by section 4 of the Wildlife Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 39).
Section 44D(m): amended, on 16 December 2017, by section 92(1) of the Electronic Interactions Reform Act 2017 (2017 No 50).
Section 44D(m): amended, on 16 December 2017, by section 92(2) of the Electronic Interactions Reform Act 2017 (2017 No 50).
Section 44D(n): amended, on 16 December 2017, by section 92(1) of the Electronic Interactions Reform Act 2017 (2017 No 50).
Section 44D(n): amended, on 16 December 2017, by section 92(3) of the Electronic Interactions Reform Act 2017 (2017 No 50).
44E Powers of Board
(1)
Without limiting the generality of section 44C, the Board shall have all such powers as may be reasonably necessary or expedient to enable it to carry out its functions.
(2)
Without limiting the generality of subsection (1), the Board may—
(a)
establish committees of members and other suitable persons, and delegate to them such functions as may be specified in regulations made under section 72:
(b)
advocate the interests of the Board at any public forum or in any statutory planning process:
(c)
fund the production of game bird habitat stamps and associated products:
(d)
impose such conditions and requirements on the use of its funds as it considers appropriate to ensure that the programme for which the funds have been granted has ongoing and long term benefits primarily for game bird habitat and secondarily for other wildlife habitat.
(3)
In exercising its powers and functions the Board shall have regard to any views expressed in writing by the Minister and addressed to the Board.
(4)
The Board shall not release its annual report for public information until it has furnished the report to the Minister in accordance with section 44K.
(5)
The power conferred by subsection (2)(b) shall include the right to appear before courts and tribunals in New Zealand and be heard on matters affecting or relating to the Board’s functions.
Section 44E: inserted, on 17 May 1993, by section 4 of the Wildlife Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 39).
44F Membership of Board
The members of the Board shall be appointed by the Minister having regard to the functions of the Board and the Board shall consist of—
(a)
a chairperson:
(b)
3 persons appointed after consultation with the New Zealand Fish and Game Council:
(c)
1 person appointed after consultation with the Director-General:
(d)
1 person appointed after consultation with the Board of Ducks Unlimited New Zealand Incorporated.
Section 44F: inserted, on 17 May 1993, by section 4 of the Wildlife Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 39).
44G Term of office of members of Board
(1)
Subject to subsections (2) to (5), every member of the Board shall hold office for a term of 3 years.
(2)
Any member of the Board may at any time be removed from office by the Minister for bankruptcy, inability to perform the functions of the office, neglect of duty, or misconduct.
(3)
Any member of the Board may at any time resign his or her office by writing addressed to the Minister.
(4)
If any member of the Board dies, resigns, or is removed from office, the vacancy so created shall be filled in the manner in which the appointment to the vacant office was originally made, and the person so appointed shall be appointed for the residue of the term for which the vacating member was appointed.
(5)
Unless a member sooner dies, resigns, or is removed from office, every member of the Board shall continue in office until that member’s successor comes into office, notwithstanding that the term for which that member was appointed may have expired.
Section 44G: inserted, on 17 May 1993, by section 4 of the Wildlife Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 39).
Section 44G(2): amended, on 1 January 2002, by section 70(1) of the Human Rights Amendment Act 2001 (2001 No 96).
44H Servicing
(1)
The Board shall be serviced by the Secretariat of the New Zealand Fish and Game Council.
(2)
The costs incurred by the New Zealand Fish and Game Council in servicing the Board (including disbursements of the Board) shall be paid by the Board out of money in a bank account operated by it.
(3)
The costs incurred by any committee established by the Board, or by any person providing advice to the Board pursuant to a request by or an agreement with it, shall also be paid out of money in a bank account operated by the Board.
Section 44H: inserted, on 17 May 1993, by section 4 of the Wildlife Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 39).
44I Funds to be held on trust
(1)
All money held by the Board shall be held on trust and may be expended in accordance with the provisions of this Act.
(2)
The Board shall pay administration expenses only where the payment of such expenses is provided for or contemplated by this Act or regulations made under section 72.
(3)
For the purposes of the application to the Board of the provisions of any other enactment or rule of law, all the purposes for which the Board holds and expends money shall be deemed to be charitable purposes.
Section 44I: inserted, on 17 May 1993, by section 4 of the Wildlife Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 39).
44J Crown entity
(1)
The Board is, for the purposes of subpart 2 of Part 5 of the Public Finance Act 1989, an organisation named or described in Schedule 4 of that Act.
(2)
The Board is a public entity as defined in section 4 of the Public Audit Act 2001 and, in accordance with that Act, the Auditor-General is its auditor.
Section 44J: inserted, on 17 May 1993, by section 4 of the Wildlife Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 39).
Section 44J(1): amended, on 25 January 2005, by section 37(1) of the Public Finance Amendment Act 2004 (2004 No 113).
Section 44J(2): replaced, on 1 July 2001, by section 53 of the Public Audit Act 2001 (2001 No 10).
44K Annual report
(1)
The Board shall, as soon as practicable after the end of each financial year, furnish to the Minister a report on its operations for that financial year.
(2)
The Minister must present a copy of the report to the House of Representatives in accordance with section 150(3) of the Crown Entities Act 2004.
Section 44K: inserted, on 17 May 1993, by section 4 of the Wildlife Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 39).
Section 44K(2): replaced, on 25 January 2005, by section 37(1) of the Public Finance Amendment Act 2004 (2004 No 113).
44L Members not personally liable
No member of the Board shall be personally liable for any default made by the Board or by any member of it, in good faith in the course of its operations.
Section 44L: inserted, on 17 May 1993, by section 4 of the Wildlife Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 39).
Part 4 Injurious birds
[Repealed]Part 4: repealed, on 18 September 2012, by section 91(2) of the Biosecurity Law Reform Act 2012 (2012 No 73).
45 Interpretation
[Repealed]Section 45: repealed, on 18 September 2012, by section 91(2) of the Biosecurity Law Reform Act 2012 (2012 No 73).
46 Local authority may apply or raise funds for destruction of injurious birds
[Repealed]Section 46: repealed, on 18 September 2012, by section 91(2) of the Biosecurity Law Reform Act 2012 (2012 No 73).
47 Local authorities to submit plans for destruction for approval of Director-General
[Repealed]Section 47: repealed, on 18 September 2012, by section 91(2) of the Biosecurity Law Reform Act 2012 (2012 No 73).
48 Appointment of Inspectors, and bylaws
[Repealed]Section 48: repealed, on 18 September 2012, by section 91(2) of the Biosecurity Law Reform Act 2012 (2012 No 73).
49 Provisions to secure concerted action
[Repealed]Section 49: repealed, on 18 September 2012, by section 91(2) of the Biosecurity Law Reform Act 2012 (2012 No 73).
50 Minister may appoint Inspectors to carry out this Part if local authority fails to do so
[Repealed]Section 50: repealed, on 18 September 2012, by section 91(2) of the Biosecurity Law Reform Act 2012 (2012 No 73).
51 Obstructing Inspector
[Repealed]Section 51: repealed, on 18 September 2012, by section 91(2) of the Biosecurity Law Reform Act 2012 (2012 No 73).
52 Expenses of carrying out this Part
[Repealed]Section 52: repealed, on 18 September 2012, by section 91(2) of the Biosecurity Law Reform Act 2012 (2012 No 73).
Part 5 General provisions
53 Director-General may authorise taking or killing of wildlife for certain purposes
(1)
The Director-General may from time to time in writing authorise any specified person to catch alive or kill for any purpose approved by the Director-General any absolutely protected or partially protected wildlife or any game or any other species of wildlife the hunting or killing of which is not for the time being permitted.
(2)
The Director-General may from time to time in writing authorise any specified person—
(a)
to catch alive or otherwise obtain alive any absolutely protected or partially protected wildlife or any game or any other species of wildlife the taking of which is not for the time being permitted; or
(b)
to take or otherwise obtain the eggs of any such wildlife or game, for the purpose of distributing or exchanging the same in any other country or in some other part of New Zealand, or for any scientific or other purpose approved by the Director-General, or for the purpose of rearing any such wildlife or game, or for the purpose of hatching any such eggs and of rearing any progeny arising from that hatching,—
and may in any such authority authorise the holder to have any such wildlife or game or eggs or progeny in his or her or its possession for any of the purposes specified in this subsection, and may in any such authority authorise the holder to liberate any such wildlife or game or progeny in such area and during such period as may be specified in the authority.
(3)
The Director-General may give to any Fish and Game Council any written authority that may be given under subsection (1) or subsection (2) in respect of game.
(4)
Where any such authority is given to a Fish and Game Council, the powers that may be exercised by the Council pursuant to that authority may be exercised on its behalf by any officer or employee of the Council or by any other person authorised in writing by the Council.
(5)
Any authority granted under any of the foregoing provisions of this section may contain such conditions as the Director-General may impose. Without limiting the general power of the Director-General to impose any conditions, the Director-General may in any such authority impose all or any of the following conditions:
(a)
prescribing the means by which any such wildlife or game or eggs may be caught or killed or taken:
(b)
prescribing the areas in which any such wildlife or game or eggs may be caught or killed or taken:
(c)
providing for the sale or other disposal of any such wildlife or game or eggs:
(d)
prescribing the duration of the authority:
(e)
providing for the revocation of the authority and for the issue of any other authority in its place:
(f)
providing for the furnishing of returns of the numbers of any such wildlife or game or eggs caught, killed, or taken:
(g)
in respect of any authority issued pursuant to subsection (2) or subsection (3),—
(i)
prescribing the areas in which any such wildlife or game may be kept or any such eggs may be hatched and any such progeny reared:
(ii)
prescribing the types of cages, runs, or other enclosures in which any such wildlife or game or progeny may be kept:
(iii)
providing for the planting of any plants or of any specified kind of plants in or adjacent to any such cage, run, or other enclosure:
(iv)
prescribing the areas where any such wildlife or game or progeny may be liberated:
(v)
providing for inspection by officers or servants of the Department at all reasonable times.
(6)
Notwithstanding anything in any other provision of this Act, any authority issued under this section may contain conditions authorising the holder to use, for the purpose of catching alive or killing any wildlife or game, any live decoys or any net or noose or trap or any firearm or any other method the use of which is otherwise expressly prohibited by this Act or by any regulations made under this Act.
(7)
Every person to whom any authority is granted under or pursuant to this section or, where the authority is given to a Fish and Game Council, the Council and every officer or employee of the Council or other person exercising the powers of the Council pursuant to that authority who commits a breach of or fails to comply with any condition on which the authority was granted commits an offence against this Act and is liable on conviction to the penalty set out in section 67F(5).
Section 53: replaced, on 10 April 1990, by section 80 of the Conservation Law Reform Act 1990 (1990 No 31).
Section 53(7): amended, on 25 October 2013, by section 22 of the Conservation (Natural Heritage Protection) Act 2013 (2013 No 89).
Section 53(7): amended, on 15 October 2000, by section 8 of the Wildlife (Penalties and Related Matters) Amendment Act 2000 (2000 No 43).
53A Authority may be granted under section 53 to kill wildlife incidentally
(1)
Without limiting section 53, the Director-General may grant an authority under that section that authorises killing of wildlife that is incidental to carrying out an otherwise lawful activity.
(2)
Killing of wildlife is incidental if it is not directly intended but is unavoidable and foreseeable as a consequence of carrying out the lawful activity.
(3)
In this section, wildlife means wildlife or game referred to in section 53(1).
Section 53A: inserted, on 14 May 2025, by section 4 of the Wildlife (Authorisations) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 22).
53B Authority under section 53 to kill wildlife incidentally: consistency with protection of wildlife
(1)
To avoid doubt, the Director-General may grant an authority referred to in section 53A only if it is consistent with the protection of wildlife.
(2)
The authority is to be treated as consistent with the protection of wildlife if, in granting it, the Director-General is satisfied that its overall effect would be consistent with the protection of—
(a)
populations of wildlife; and
(b)
individual wildlife.
(3)
In determining whether the overall effect of the authority would be consistent with the protection of populations of wildlife, the Director-General must have regard to—
(a)
any potential adverse effects of the lawful activity on—
(i)
populations of wildlife that the Director-General is satisfied may be affected by the lawful activity; and
(ii)
the viability of the species to which that wildlife belongs; and
(b)
the extent to which the authority (including any conditions that the Director-General proposes to impose on the authority) addresses those potential adverse effects; and
(c)
any other matter that the Director-General considers is relevant.
(4)
The Director-General may be satisfied that the overall effect of the authority would be consistent with the protection of individual wildlife only if satisfied that the holder of the authority will take reasonable steps (including by complying with any relevant conditions imposed on the authority) to avoid, minimise, and mitigate any adverse effects of the lawful activity on individual wildlife.
(5)
In granting the authority, the Director-General is not required to be satisfied—
(a)
that the lawful activity is itself consistent with the protection of wildlife; or
(b)
that each individual act of killing, viewed in isolation, would be consistent with the protection of wildlife.
Section 53B: inserted, on 14 May 2025, by section 4 of the Wildlife (Authorisations) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 22).
53C Conditions that may be imposed on authority under section 53 to kill wildlife incidentally
(1)
The Director-General may impose, on an authority referred to in section 53A, any conditions providing for measures that the Director-General is satisfied are needed—
(a)
to address potential adverse effects of the lawful activity on populations of wildlife or the viability of the species to which that wildlife belongs (including, for example, measures to offset adverse effects caused by killing individual wildlife belonging to that species); or
(b)
to avoid, minimise, or mitigate any adverse effects of the lawful activity on individual wildlife.
(2)
This section does not limit the application of section 53(5) to the authority.
Section 53C: inserted, on 14 May 2025, by section 4 of the Wildlife (Authorisations) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 22).
54 Director-General may authorise hunting or killing of wildlife causing damage
(1)
The Director-General, on being satisfied that injury or damage to any person or to any land or to any stock or crops or to any chattel or to other wildlife has arisen or is likely to arise through the presence on any land of any animals (whether absolutely protected or not), and whether or not the land is a wildlife refuge or a closed game area, may authorise in writing the occupier of the land, or any officer or servant of the Department, or any other person, to hunt or kill, or cause to be hunted or killed, or to catch alive for any specified purpose any such animals, or to take or destroy the eggs of any such animals, subject to such conditions and during such period as may be specified in the authority.
(1A)
Where any authority is given under this section to the occupier of any land, that authority may be exercised on his behalf by any person in the employ of or acting with the written authority of the occupier.
(2)
The Director-General may give to any Fish and Game Council any written authority that may be given under subsection (1) in respect of game.
(3)
The provisions of subsections (4), (6), and (7) of section 53 shall apply with respect to any authority granted under this section.
Compare: 1921–22 No 57 s 32
Section 54 heading: amended, on 1 April 1987, by section 65(1) of the Conservation Act 1987 (1987 No 65).
Section 54(1): amended, on 10 April 1990, by section 81(1) of the Conservation Law Reform Act 1990 (1990 No 31).
Section 54(1): amended, on 1 April 1987, by section 65(1) of the Conservation Act 1987 (1987 No 65).
Section 54(1): amended, on 17 November 1964, by section 8(2)(a) of the Wildlife Amendment Act 1964 (1964 No 63).
Section 54(1): amended (with effect on 1 April 1956), on 10 May 1956, by section 2(4)(a) of the Wildlife Amendment Act 1956 (1956 No 5).
Section 54(1): amended (with effect on 1 April 1956), on 10 May 1956, by section 2(4)(b) of the Wildlife Amendment Act 1956 (1956 No 5).
Section 54(1A): inserted, on 17 November 1964, by section 8(1) of the Wildlife Amendment Act 1964 (1964 No 63).
Section 54(2): replaced, on 10 April 1990, by section 81(2) of the Conservation Law Reform Act 1990 (1990 No 31).
Section 54(3): inserted, on 10 April 1990, by section 81(2) of the Conservation Law Reform Act 1990 (1990 No 31).
55 Keeping of specimens in museums
(1)
The Director-General may from time to time authorise in writing the controlling authority of any public museum to have in possession the dead bodies of any species of absolutely or partially protected wildlife or of any game, subject to the following conditions:
(a)
the controlling authority shall keep a register showing each animal held, the name of the person from whom it was received, the area from which it was received, and the cause of death of the animal;
(b)
the register shall be available for inspection at all reasonable times by authorised officers of the Department, who shall be entitled to make copies of entries in the register; and
(c)
any authorised officer of the Department shall be entitled at all reasonable times to enter the museum and seize the body of any animal held otherwise than in accordance with an authority under this section.
(2)
Any authority under subsection (1) may be general or may relate to specified species of animals or to a specified animal, and shall continue in force according to its tenor until revoked by written notice from the Director-General to the controlling authority of the museum:
provided that no general authority under this section shall apply with respect to the keeping in possession of the body of any animal that the controlling authority has reason to suspect was taken contrary to the provisions of this Act.
(3)
The officer in charge of a public museum the controlling authority of which holds a general authority given under this section may from time to time authorise ornithologists to have in possession, subject to such conditions as the Director-General prescribes, the bodies of absolutely or partially protected sea birds that have died from natural causes or been accidentally killed.
Section 55(1): amended, on 1 April 1987, by section 65(1) of the Conservation Act 1987 (1987 No 65).
Section 55(2): amended, on 1 April 1987, by section 65(1) of the Conservation Act 1987 (1987 No 65).
Section 55(3): amended, on 1 April 1987, by section 65(1) of the Conservation Act 1987 (1987 No 65).
56 Restrictions on liberation or export of animals, birds, etc
(1)
No person shall, without the prior written authority of the Director-General, granted subject to any regulations in that behalf under this Act,—
(a)
capture or attempt to capture or have in his possession for the purpose of liberating or turning at large any wildlife; or
(ab)
liberate or turn at large, or allow to go at large any wildlife; or
(b)
export from New Zealand any bat or any bird (not being a domestic bird) or any reptile or any amphibian or any terrestrial or freshwater invertebrate specified in Schedule 7 or any skin, feathers, egg, flesh, or other part of any such species.
(c)
[Repealed](1A)
The Director-General in his discretion may refuse to grant his authority to do any act referred to in subsection (1), or may grant his authority either unconditionally or subject to such conditions as he thinks fit to impose.
(2)
The Director-General may at any time revoke or vary any authority granted under subsection (1).
(3)
Before granting any authority under paragraph (b) or paragraph (c) of subsection (1) to export anything referred to in either of those paragraphs, the Director-General may require the applicant to satisfy him that a permit for its importation into the country to which it is proposed to be exported has been granted by the appropriate authority in that country.
(4)
Every person who contravenes subsection (1)(ab) commits an offence against this Act and is liable on conviction to the penalty set out in section 67B.
(5)
Every person who contravenes subsection (1)(a) or (b) commits an offence against this Act and,—
(a)
in respect of an offence committed in relation to absolutely protected wildlife, is liable on conviction to the penalty set out in section 67A(1):
(b)
in respect of an offence committed in relation to partially protected wildlife, is liable on conviction to the penalty set out in section 67C(1):
(c)
in any other case, is liable on conviction to the penalty set out in section 67F(3).
Compare: 1921–22 No 57 s 30
Section 56(1): amended, on 1 April 1987, by section 65(1) of the Conservation Act 1987 (1987 No 65).
Section 56(1): amended, on 21 October 1959, by section 9 of the Wildlife Amendment Act 1959 (1959 No 49).
Section 56(1): amended, on 10 May 1956, by section 7(2) of the Wildlife Amendment Act 1956 (1956 No 5).
Section 56(1)(a): amended, on 15 October 2000, by section 8 of the Wildlife (Penalties and Related Matters) Amendment Act 2000 (2000 No 43).
Section 56(1)(ab): inserted, on 15 October 2000, by section 8 of the Wildlife (Penalties and Related Matters) Amendment Act 2000 (2000 No 43).
Section 56(1)(b): amended, on 6 December 1983, by section 11 of the Wildlife Amendment Act 1983 (1983 No 48).
Section 56(1)(c): repealed, on 1 April 1976, by section 24(a) of the Protected Objects Act 1975 (1975 No 41).
Section 56(1A): inserted, on 10 May 1956, by section 7(1) of the Wildlife Amendment Act 1956 (1956 No 5).
Section 56(1A): amended, on 1 April 1987, by section 65(1) of the Conservation Act 1987 (1987 No 65).
Section 56(2): amended, on 1 April 1987, by section 65(1) of the Conservation Act 1987 (1987 No 65).
Section 56(3): amended, on 1 April 1987, by section 65(1) of the Conservation Act 1987 (1987 No 65).
Section 56(4): replaced, on 15 October 2000, by section 8 of the Wildlife (Penalties and Related Matters) Amendment Act 2000 (2000 No 43).
Section 56(5): inserted, on 15 October 2000, by section 8 of the Wildlife (Penalties and Related Matters) Amendment Act 2000 (2000 No 43).
56A Application of Customs and Excise Act 2018
Sections 210, 211, 214, 251, and 252 of the Customs and Excise Act 2018 apply in relation to the exportation of any absolutely protected or partially protected wildlife or any item of absolutely protected or partially protected wildlife as if that wildlife or item of wildlife were a prohibited export within the meaning of that Act.
Section 56A: replaced, on 1 October 2018, by section 443(3) of the Customs and Excise Act 2018 (2018 No 4).
57 Ownership of animals
(1)
[Repealed](2)
For the purposes of this Act, the property in any game in the possession or under the control of any person by virtue of any authority issued under subsection (2) of section 53 shall be deemed to be vested in the holder of the authority.
(3)
All wildlife, other than wildlife that is for the time being specified in Schedule 5, shall be deemed to be vested in the Crown:
provided that where any such wildlife (not being absolutely protected wildlife) has been lawfully taken or killed pursuant to this Act or to any regulations under this Act (the proof of which shall be on the person claiming the same) it shall cease to be the property of the Crown, and the property in that wildlife shall be deemed to be vested in the person by whom it was so taken or killed:
provided further that nothing in this subsection shall have effect so as to impose any obligation or liability on the Crown in respect of damage done by any wildlife.
Compare: 1921–22 No 57 ss 28, 29(2)
Section 57(1): repealed, on 10 April 1990, by section 82(a) of the Conservation Law Reform Act 1990 (1990 No 31).
Section 57(3): amended, on 10 April 1990, by section 82(b) of the Conservation Law Reform Act 1990 (1990 No 31).
58 Homing pigeons
(1)
Every person commits an offence against this Act and is liable on conviction to the penalty set out in section 67F(1) who—
(a)
intentionally shoots at, kills, disables, or otherwise injures, or ensnares, or detains any homing pigeon belonging to any other person; or
(b)
without lawful authority disturbs, opens, or in any way tampers with any cage or other receptacle while that cage or receptacle is being used for the carriage of homing pigeons.
(2)
Every person who does anything mentioned in subsection (1) shall be liable to pay to the owner of the pigeon the value thereof, and the court before which any prosecution under this section takes place may, in addition to any fine imposed, direct payment by the defendant to the owner of that value or any part thereof. Any amount so directed to be paid to the owner may be recovered from the defendant in the same manner as any fine and shall, when recovered, be paid to the owner.
(3)
No person shall be liable to a fine or other payment under this section unless the owner of the pigeon has been registered as owner thereof with the secretary of the New Zealand Homing Pigeon Federation.
Compare: 1921–22 No 57 s 37
Section 58(1): replaced, on 21 October 1959, by section 10(1) of the Wildlife Amendment Act 1959 (1959 No 49).
Section 58(1): amended, on 15 October 2000, by section 8 of the Wildlife (Penalties and Related Matters) Amendment Act 2000 (2000 No 43).
Section 58(3): amended, on 21 October 1959, by section 10(2) of the Wildlife Amendment Act 1959 (1959 No 49).
59 Entry on land for purposes of Act
(1)
If in the opinion of the Minister any wildlife is causing or is likely to cause injury or damage to any land, or to any person, or to any stock or crops, or to any chattel, or to any other wildlife, or to any trees, shrubs, plants, or grasses, the existence of which may tend to protect the habitat of any absolutely protected wildlife or of any game, or which may tend to mitigate soil erosion or to promote soil conservation or the control of floods, he may authorise in writing the Director-General, or any other officer or servant of the Department, to enter at any time and from time to time on any land under the control of any local authority or public body or any Maori land or private land, with such assistants as he thinks fit, for all or any of the following purposes:
(a)
to investigate the incidence on the land of any such wildlife and to make studies or other investigations of any such wildlife:
(b)
to catch alive or to hunt or kill any such wildlife:
(c)
to remove any such wildlife to any other area:
(d)
to erect and maintain tents or other structures on the land, and to provide all necessary services, conveniences, and amenities:
(e)
to erect notices advising or warning of any action being taken under this Act:
(f)
to have access for any of the purposes specified in this subsection to any other land (whether adjoining or not) on which any such wildlife is or may be:
(g)
to do any other act or thing necessary for any of the purposes specified in this subsection.
(2)
Any person entering on any land pursuant to subsection (1) may bring with him any vehicle, horse, or dog, and any equipment necessary for any of the purposes specified in that subsection, and may convey any necessary supplies onto or over that land.
(3)
Where on any land that is not a wildlife sanctuary or a wildlife refuge or a closed game area any notice or sign is erected or placed which is intended to cause or may reasonably cause any person to believe that the land is part of a wildlife sanctuary or wildlife refuge or closed game area, as the case may be, any officer or servant of the Department or any ranger may enter at any time on the land and remove or destroy the notice or sign. The removal or destruction of any notice or sign pursuant to this subsection shall not confer any right to compensation on any person.
(4)
Before entry on any land pursuant to subsection (1), the Director-General, or the officer or servant of the Department authorised by the Minister, shall, when practicable, give reasonable notice to the occupier or controlling authority of the land of the intention to enter thereon, and where any person enters on any land pursuant to subsection (3), he shall, if required by the occupier or controlling authority, produce and show the authority under which he claims to enter, or has entered, on the land.
(5)
Every person who, not being duly authorised, takes away or is found in possession of, or removes, destroys, displaces, or moves the position of, any tent or other structure or any services, conveniences, or amenities erected or provided on any land pursuant to subsection (1) commits an offence against this Act and is liable on conviction to the penalty set out in section 67F(1).
(5A)
Every person who, not being duly authorised, wilfully removes, injures, or damages in any way any vehicle, animal, equipment, or supplies brought onto any land pursuant to subsection (1) commits an offence against this Act and is liable on conviction to the penalty set out in section 67F(1).
(6)
Every person commits an offence against this Act and is liable on conviction to the penalty set out in section 67F(7) who wilfully obstructs or hinders or resists the Director-General or any authorised officer or servant of the Department in the exercise of any of the powers conferred by this section.
Compare: 1945 No 40 s 81
Section 59(1): amended, on 1 April 1987, by section 65(1) of the Conservation Act 1987 (1987 No 65).
Section 59(4): amended, on 1 April 1987, by section 65(1) of the Conservation Act 1987 (1987 No 65).
Section 59(5): replaced, on 15 October 2000, by section 8 of the Wildlife (Penalties and Related Matters) Amendment Act 2000 (2000 No 43).
Section 59(5A): inserted, on 15 October 2000, by section 8 of the Wildlife (Penalties and Related Matters) Amendment Act 2000 (2000 No 43).
Section 59(6): amended, on 25 October 2013, by section 23 of the Conservation (Natural Heritage Protection) Act 2013 (2013 No 89).
Section 59(6): amended, on 15 October 2000, by section 8 of the Wildlife (Penalties and Related Matters) Amendment Act 2000 (2000 No 43).
Section 59(6): amended, on 1 April 1987, by section 65(1) of the Conservation Act 1987 (1987 No 65).
60 Protection of rangers and others
A person who does any act in pursuance or intended pursuance of any of the functions or powers conferred on him by or under this Act shall not be under any civil or criminal liability in respect thereof, whether on the ground of want of jurisdiction, or mistake of law or fact, or on any other ground, unless he has acted, or omitted to act, in bad faith or without reasonable cause.
Section 60: replaced, on 6 December 1983, by section 12 of the Wildlife Amendment Act 1983 (1983 No 48).
Section 60: amended, on 13 March 2017, by section 7 of the Wildlife (Powers) Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 2).
61 Person in pursuit of wildlife to comply with demand by authorised officer
(1)
In any prosecution for an offence against this Act or against any regulations under this Act, proof that any person found in any area where any species of wildlife is usually prevalent had with him or under his control any firearm, net, trap, decoy, or other instrument or device capable of being used for the purpose of hunting or killing any such species shall be evidence from which the court may infer that that person was in pursuit of that species.
(2)
Every such person shall, in any circumstances where a game licence or other licence or authority under this Act to hunt or kill that species is required, produce his game licence or other licence or authority to any authorised person demanding its production, and if he fails to do so he commits an offence against this Act and is liable on conviction to the penalty set out in section 67F(1).
(3)
For the purposes of subsection (2) the term authorised person means—
(a)
any Justice:
(b)
any ranger:
(c)
[Repealed](d)
the occupier of the land on which the person is found in pursuit of or in possession of wildlife:
(e)
any person duly authorised in writing by the Permanent Head of the Department of State or by the local authority controlling the land on which the person is found in pursuit of or in possession of wildlife:
(f)
any holder of a game licence or other licence or authority to hunt or kill wildlife issued under this Act:
(g)
any other person duly authorised in writing by the Director-General.
(4)
In addition to the powers contained in subsection (2) or in section 66, every authorised person as defined in paragraph (b), paragraph (d), or paragraph (e) of subsection (3) may demand production of all or any wildlife (whether alive or dead) and all or any skins, feathers, or eggs of any wildlife in possession of any person referred to in subsection (1), and of all or any nets, traps, firearms, ammunition, boats, vehicles, engines, instruments, appliances, and devices that are being used or are intended to be used or have been used for the purpose of hunting or killing any wildlife or that he reasonably believes to be so being used or to be intended to be so used or to have been so used, and of any bag, container, or other article (including any coat or other similar article of clothing) that is being used for the purpose of carrying any wildlife (whether alive or dead) or that he reasonably believes to have been so used or to be intended to be so used.
(5)
Any authorised person referred to in subsection (4) may exercise in respect of anything produced to him pursuant to that subsection the powers of search and seizure conferred on rangers by section 39.
(6)
Every person commits an offence against this Act and is liable on conviction to the penalty set out in section 67F(5) who fails to produce on demand under subsection (4) anything referred to in that subsection.
Compare: 1921–22 No 57 s 34
Section 61(2): amended, on 16 December 2017, by section 93 of the Electronic Interactions Reform Act 2017 (2017 No 50).
Section 61(2): amended, on 15 October 2000, by section 8 of the Wildlife (Penalties and Related Matters) Amendment Act 2000 (2000 No 43).
Section 61(3)(c): repealed, on 10 April 1990, by section 83 of the Conservation Law Reform Act 1990 (1990 No 31).
Section 61(3)(f): amended, on 16 December 2017, by section 93 of the Electronic Interactions Reform Act 2017 (2017 No 50).
Section 61(3)(g): amended, on 1 April 1987, by section 65(1) of the Conservation Act 1987 (1987 No 65).
Section 61(6): amended, on 25 October 2013, by section 24 of the Conservation (Natural Heritage Protection) Act 2013 (2013 No 89).
Section 61(6): amended, on 15 October 2000, by section 8 of the Wildlife (Penalties and Related Matters) Amendment Act 2000 (2000 No 43).
Offences and penalties
62 Offences in relation to transport of wildlife
(1)
No person shall consign or send by any carrier or forwarding agent or by any other means any parcel, package, case, bag, luggage, or other container containing any absolutely protected wildlife (whether alive or dead) or any part of any absolutely protected wildlife or any eggs of any absolutely protected wildlife, unless the parcel, package, case, bag, luggage, or other container is plainly marked on the outside in such a manner as to give a list and description of the contents and the name and address of the consignor and consignee.
(2)
Every person who contravenes subsection (1) commits an offence against this Act and is liable on conviction to the penalty set out in section 67F(1).
Section 62(2): inserted, on 15 October 2000, by section 8 of the Wildlife (Penalties and Related Matters) Amendment Act 2000 (2000 No 43).
63 Taking protected wildlife or game, etc
(1)
No person may, without lawful authority,—
(a)
hunt or kill any absolutely protected or partially protected wildlife or any game:
(b)
buy, sell, or otherwise dispose of, or have in his or her possession any absolutely protected or partially protected wildlife or any game or any skin, feathers, or other portion, or any egg of any absolutely protected or partially protected wildlife or of any game:
(c)
rob, disturb, or destroy, or have in his or her possession the nest of any absolutely protected or partially protected wildlife or of any game.
(1A)
Every person who contravenes subsection (1) commits an offence and,—
(a)
in respect of an offence committed in relation to absolutely protected wildlife, is liable on conviction to the penalty set out in section 67A(1):
(b)
in respect of an offence committed in relation to partially protected wildlife, is liable on conviction to the penalty set out in section 67C(1):
(c)
in respect of an offence committed in relation to game, is liable on conviction to the penalty set out in section 67E(3).
(2)
Nothing in subsection (1) applies in respect of any marine wildlife.
Compare: 1921–22 No 57 ss 4(2), 40
Section 63(1): replaced, on 15 October 2000, by section 8 of the Wildlife (Penalties and Related Matters) Amendment Act 2000 (2000 No 43).
Section 63(1A): inserted, on 15 October 2000, by section 8 of the Wildlife (Penalties and Related Matters) Amendment Act 2000 (2000 No 43).
Section 63(2): inserted, on 1 October 1996, by section 316(1) of the Fisheries Act 1996 (1996 No 88).
63A Taking of absolutely or partially protected marine wildlife
Every person commits an offence against this Act and is liable on conviction to the penalty set out in section 67(fa) who without lawful authority (the proof of which shall be on the person charged)—
(a)
hunts or kills any absolutely or partially protected marine wildlife; or
(b)
buys or processes for sale or sells or otherwise disposes of or has in his or her possession any absolutely or partially protected marine wildlife or any part thereof; or
(c)
robs, disturbs, or destroys, or has in his or her possession the nest of any absolutely or partially protected marine wildlife.
Section 63A: inserted, on 1 October 1996, by section 316(1) of the Fisheries Act 1996 (1996 No 88).
Section 63A: amended, on 15 October 2000, by section 8 of the Wildlife (Penalties and Related Matters) Amendment Act 2000 (2000 No 43).
63B Reporting of accidental or incidental death or injury
(1)
If any person, in the course of fishing pursuant to a permit, licence, authority, or approval issued, granted, or given under the Fisheries Act 1996, accidentally or incidentally kills or injures any marine wildlife, he or she shall,—
(a)
if fishing from a vessel, record the event in the vessel’s log and report the event in writing to a ranger, or to such other person as the Director-General may from time to time specify by notice in the Gazette, and in such manner as may be so specified, not later than 48 hours after the arrival of the vessel in port; and
(b)
in any other case, report the event in writing to a ranger, or to such other person as the Director-General may from time to time specify by notice in the Gazette, and in such manner as may be so specified, as soon as practicable.
(2)
Any person (other than a person to whom subsection (1) applies) who, by any means whatever, accidentally or incidentally kills or injures any marine wildlife, shall, as soon as practicable, report the event to a ranger or a fishery officer (as defined in section 2(1) of the Fisheries Act 1996).
(3)
Every report under subsection (1) or subsection (2) shall include—
(a)
the location of the area where the event took place; and
(b)
the species (if known) of the marine wildlife killed or injured, or a general description of the wildlife; and
(c)
a description of the conditions and the circumstances of the event.
(4)
In addition to providing the particulars required by subsection (1) or subsection (2), a person required to report an event to which that subsection applies shall provide to the Director-General such other particulars relating to the event as the Director-General may require for the purposes of this Act.
(5)
Every person who contravenes subsection (1) or subsection (2) commits an offence and is liable on conviction to the penalty set out in section 67(fb).
Section 63B: inserted, on 1 October 1996, by section 316(1) of the Fisheries Act 1996 (1996 No 88).
Section 63B(5): replaced, on 15 October 2000, by section 8 of the Wildlife (Penalties and Related Matters) Amendment Act 2000 (2000 No 43).
64 Offences in relation to wildlife sanctuaries
Every person who, without lawful authority, breaches or fails to comply with any of the provisions of this Act relating to wildlife sanctuaries or of any Order in Council under section 9 commits an offence against this Act and is liable on conviction to the penalty set out in section 67F(7).
Section 64: replaced, on 15 October 2000, by section 8 of the Wildlife (Penalties and Related Matters) Amendment Act 2000 (2000 No 43).
Section 64: amended, on 25 October 2013, by section 25 of the Conservation (Natural Heritage Protection) Act 2013 (2013 No 89).
Section 64: amended, on 24 May 2013, by section 6 of the Wildlife Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 18).
65 Other offences
(1)
Every person commits an offence against this Act and is liable on conviction to the penalty set out in section 67F(5) who—
(a)
gives or agrees to give or offers to any ranger or to any officer or servant of the Department or the New Zealand Fish and Game Council or any Fish and Game Council or to any person under the control of any ranger or of any officer or servant of the Department or the New Zealand Fish and Game Council or any Fish and Game Council any gift or consideration as an inducement or reward for any act done or to be done, or any forbearance observed or to be observed, or any favour shown or to be shown, by that ranger, officer, servant, or person in or in relation to the exercise of any powers or the discharge of any duties vested in or imposed on that ranger, officer, servant, or person under this Act, or, who being a ranger or an officer or servant of the Department or the New Zealand Fish and Game Council or any Fish and Game Council or a person under the control of any ranger or of any officer or servant of the Department or the New Zealand Fish and Game Council or any Fish and Game Council, accepts or agrees to accept or solicits any such gift or consideration as aforesaid:
(b)
personates or falsely pretends to be a ranger or an officer or servant of the Department or the New Zealand Fish and Game Council or any Fish and Game Council:
(c)
counterfeits upon or without due authority fixes to any property any mark used by the Department or the New Zealand Fish and Game Council or any Fish and Game Council as a means of identification of that property:
(d)
without due authority, makes or causes to be made, or uses or causes to be used, or has in his possession a brand or stamp such as is usually used by rangers or by officers or servants of the Department or the New Zealand Fish and Game Council or any Fish and Game Council:
(e)
counterfeits or without due authority issues any licence, permit, or other authority required by this Act or by any regulations under this Act:
(f)
without a licence, permit, concession, or other right or authority, does or causes to be done any act, matter, or thing for which a licence, permit, concession, or other right or authority is required by this Act or by any regulations under this Act:
(g)
[Repealed](h)
erects or places on any land that is not a wildlife sanctuary or a wildlife refuge or a closed game area any notice or sign which is intended to cause or may reasonably cause any person to believe that the land is part of a wildlife sanctuary or wildlife refuge or closed game area, as the case may be:
(i)
[Repealed](j)
fails to comply in any respect with any of the provisions of this Act or of any regulation or notice made under this Act, or does any act in contravention thereof.
(2)
Every person who, without lawful authority, receives any wildlife knowing that the wildlife was obtained without authority commits an offence against this Act and,—
(a)
in respect of an offence committed in relation to absolutely protected wildlife, is liable on conviction to the penalty set out in section 67A(1):
(b)
in respect of an offence committed in relation to partially protected wildlife, is liable on conviction to the penalty set out in section 67C(1):
(c)
in respect of an offence committed in relation to game, is liable on conviction to the penalty set out in section 67E(1).
(3)
Every person who counsels, aids, or assists in any breach of any of the provisions of this Act, or shares in any of the proceeds of that breach, commits an offence against this Act and,—
(a)
in respect of an offence committed in relation to absolutely protected wildlife, is liable on conviction to the penalty set out in section 67A(1):
(b)
in respect of an offence committed in relation to partially protected wildlife, is liable on conviction to the penalty set out in section 67C(1):
(c)
in respect of an offence committed in relation to game, is liable on conviction to the penalty set out in section 67E(3):
(d)
in any other case, is liable on conviction to the penalty set out in section 67F(3).
Section 65(1): amended, on 25 October 2013, by section 26 of the Conservation (Natural Heritage Protection) Act 2013 (2013 No 89).
Section 65(1): amended, on 15 October 2000, by section 8 of the Wildlife (Penalties and Related Matters) Amendment Act 2000 (2000 No 43).
Section 65(1)(a): amended, on 25 November 1994, by section 5(a) of the Wildlife Amendment Act 1994 (1994 No 109).
Section 65(1)(b): amended, on 25 November 1994, by section 5(a) of the Wildlife Amendment Act 1994 (1994 No 109).
Section 65(1)(c): amended, on 25 November 1994, by section 5(a) of the Wildlife Amendment Act 1994 (1994 No 109).
Section 65(1)(d): amended, on 25 November 1994, by section 5(a) of the Wildlife Amendment Act 1994 (1994 No 109).
Section 65(1)(f): amended, on 1 July 1996, by section 8 of the Wildlife Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 2).
Section 65(1)(g): repealed, on 15 October 2000, by section 8 of the Wildlife (Penalties and Related Matters) Amendment Act 2000 (2000 No 43).
Section 65(1)(i): repealed, on 15 October 2000, by section 8 of the Wildlife (Penalties and Related Matters) Amendment Act 2000 (2000 No 43).
Section 65(1)(j): amended, on 25 November 1994, by section 5(b) of the Wildlife Amendment Act 1994 (1994 No 109).
Section 65(2): inserted, on 15 October 2000, by section 8 of the Wildlife (Penalties and Related Matters) Amendment Act 2000 (2000 No 43).
Section 65(3): inserted, on 15 October 2000, by section 8 of the Wildlife (Penalties and Related Matters) Amendment Act 2000 (2000 No 43).
65A Liability of directors and managers
(1)
Where any body corporate is convicted of an offence against this Act, every director and every person concerned in the management of the body corporate is guilty of the same offence if the prosecution proves—
(a)
that the act that constituted the offence took place with the director’s or manager’s authority, permission, or consent; or
(b)
that the director or manager knew or could reasonably be expected to have known that the offence was to be or was being committed and failed to take all reasonable steps to prevent or stop it.
(2)
Where any director or person concerned in the management of a body corporate is convicted of an offence against this Act by virtue of subsection (1), the director or person is liable to the penalty applicable to an individual who commits the offence.
Section 65A: inserted, on 15 October 2000, by section 5 of the Wildlife (Penalties and Related Matters) Amendment Act 2000 (2000 No 43).
66 Continuing offence after being required to desist
(1)
Where any person is found offending against this Act or against any regulations or notification under or pursuant to this Act, it shall be lawful for any authorised person as defined in subsection (3) of section 61 to require the offender forthwith to desist from the offence.
(2)
Every person who, after being required to desist from offending under subsection (1), wilfully continues the offence commits a further offence against this Act and is liable on conviction to the penalty set out in section 67F(5).
(3)
[Repealed]Section 66 heading: replaced, on 13 March 2017, by section 8(1) of the Wildlife (Powers) Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 2).
Section 66(1): amended, on 13 March 2017, by section 8(2) of the Wildlife (Powers) Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 2).
Section 66(2): replaced, on 15 October 2000, by section 8 of the Wildlife (Penalties and Related Matters) Amendment Act 2000 (2000 No 43).
Section 66(2): amended, on 25 October 2013, by section 27 of the Conservation (Natural Heritage Protection) Act 2013 (2013 No 89).
Section 66(3): repealed, on 13 March 2017, by section 8(3) of the Wildlife (Powers) Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 2).
66A Offenders to give identifying information
(1)
A ranger or an authorised person who believes on reasonable grounds that a person has committed, is committing, or is about to commit an offence against this Act or any regulations made under this Act may require the person to give information or produce evidence as follows:
Type of ranger or authorised person |
Information or evidence that ranger or authorised person may require |
|
|---|---|---|
Authorised person who is not a ranger |
The person’s full name and residential address |
|
Honorary fish and game ranger, honorary fishery officer, or ranger appointed under section 38(2) |
The person’s full name and residential address |
|
All other rangers |
The person’s full name, residential address, and date of birth, and evidence of that information |
(2)
A person who is required to give information or produce evidence under subsection (1) must—
(a)
give the information:
(b)
produce the evidence as soon as practicable.
(3)
A person commits an offence and is liable on conviction to the penalty set out in section 67F(5) if the person—
(a)
contravenes subsection (2); or
(b)
wilfully gives false information or provides false evidence under subsection (2).
(4)
In this section,—
authorised person has the meaning given in section 61(3)
honorary fish and game ranger means a person appointed to be a fish and game ranger in an honorary capacity under section 26FA(2) of the Conservation Act 1987
honorary fishery officer has the meaning given in section 2(1) of the Fisheries Act 1996.
Section 66A: inserted, on 13 March 2017, by section 9 of the Wildlife (Powers) Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 2).
Section 66A(1) table: amended, on 21 December 2018, by section 66(1) of the Conservation (Infringement System) Act 2018 (2018 No 61).
Section 66A(2)(b): amended, on 21 December 2018, by section 66(2) of the Conservation (Infringement System) Act 2018 (2018 No 61).
Section 66A(3): replaced, on 27 November 2025, by section 166 of the Statutes Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 74).
67 Penalties for offences in respect of marine wildlife
(1)
Every person who—
(a)
[Repealed](b)
[Repealed](c)
[Repealed](d)
[Repealed](e)
[Repealed](f)
[Repealed](fa)
commits an offence against section 63A (which relates to the taking of absolutely or partially protected marine wildlife) is liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 2 years, or to a fine not exceeding $250,000, or both:
(fb)
commits an offence against section 63B (which relates to the reporting of accidental or incidental death of absolutely or partially protected wildlife) shall be liable to a fine not exceeding $10,000.
(g)
[Repealed](2)
[Repealed]Compare: 1921–22 No 57 ss 9(3), 41
Section 67 heading: amended, on 15 October 2000, by section 8 of the Wildlife (Penalties and Related Matters) Amendment Act 2000 (2000 No 43).
Section 67(1)(a): repealed, on 15 October 2000, by section 8 of the Wildlife (Penalties and Related Matters) Amendment Act 2000 (2000 No 43).
Section 67(1)(b): repealed, on 15 October 2000, by section 8 of the Wildlife (Penalties and Related Matters) Amendment Act 2000 (2000 No 43).
Section 67(1)(c): repealed, on 15 October 2000, by section 8 of the Wildlife (Penalties and Related Matters) Amendment Act 2000 (2000 No 43).
Section 67(1)(d): repealed, on 15 October 2000, by section 8 of the Wildlife (Penalties and Related Matters) Amendment Act 2000 (2000 No 43).
Section 67(1)(e): repealed, on 15 October 2000, by section 8 of the Wildlife (Penalties and Related Matters) Amendment Act 2000 (2000 No 43).
Section 67(1)(f): repealed, on 15 October 2000, by section 8 of the Wildlife (Penalties and Related Matters) Amendment Act 2000 (2000 No 43).
Section 67(1)(fa): replaced, on 25 October 2013, by section 28 of the Conservation (Natural Heritage Protection) Act 2013 (2013 No 89).
Section 67(1)(fb): inserted, on 1 October 1996, by section 316(1) of the Fisheries Act 1996 (1996 No 88).
Section 67(1)(g): repealed, on 15 October 2000, by section 8 of the Wildlife (Penalties and Related Matters) Amendment Act 2000 (2000 No 43).
Section 67(2): repealed, on 15 October 2000, by section 8 of the Wildlife (Penalties and Related Matters) Amendment Act 2000 (2000 No 43).
67A Penalties for offences in respect of absolutely protected wildlife
(1)
Every person who commits an offence against any of the provisions listed in subsection (2) is liable on conviction to,—
(a)
in the case of an individual, imprisonment for a term not exceeding 2 years or a fine not exceeding $100,000, or both:
(b)
in the case of a body corporate, a fine not exceeding $200,000.
(2)
The provisions are—
(a)
section 56(5)(a) (which relates to capturing, having in possession for the purpose of liberating, or exporting absolutely protected wildlife):
(b)
section 63(1A)(a) (which relates to hunting, killing, buying, or selling absolutely protected wildlife, or robbing or disturbing the nest of absolutely protected wildlife):
(c)
section 65(2)(a) (which relates to receiving absolutely protected wildlife taken without authority):
(d)
section 65(3)(a) (which relates to being a party to an offence committed in respect of absolutely protected wildlife).
Section 67A: inserted, on 15 October 2000, by section 6 of the Wildlife (Penalties and Related Matters) Amendment Act 2000 (2000 No 43).
Section 67A(1): replaced, on 25 October 2013, by section 29 of the Conservation (Natural Heritage Protection) Act 2013 (2013 No 89).
67B Penalty for offence of liberating wildlife
Every person who commits an offence against section 56(1)(ab) is liable on conviction to,—
(a)
in the case of an individual, imprisonment for a term not exceeding 2 years or a fine not exceeding $100,000, or both:
(b)
in the case of a body corporate, a fine not exceeding $200,000.
Section 67B: replaced, on 25 October 2013, by section 30 of the Conservation (Natural Heritage Protection) Act 2013 (2013 No 89).
67C Penalties for offences in respect of partially protected wildlife
(1)
A person convicted of an offence under any of the provisions listed in subsection (2) is liable,—
(a)
in the case of an individual, to a fine not exceeding $10,000 plus a further fine not exceeding $500 for each head of wildlife and egg of wildlife in respect of which the offence is committed:
(b)
in the case of a body corporate, to a fine not exceeding $20,000 plus a further fine not exceeding $1,000 for each head of wildlife and egg of wildlife in respect of which the offence is committed.
(2)
The provisions are—
(a)
section 56(5)(b) (which relates to capturing, having in possession for the purpose of liberating, or exporting partially protected wildlife):
(b)
section 63(1A)(b) (which relates to hunting, killing, buying, or selling partially protected wildlife, or robbing or disturbing the nest of partially protected wildlife):
(c)
section 65(2)(b) (which relates to receiving partially protected wildlife taken without authority):
(d)
section 65(3)(b) (which relates to being a party to an offence committed in respect of partially protected wildlife).
Section 67C: inserted, on 15 October 2000, by section 6 of the Wildlife (Penalties and Related Matters) Amendment Act 2000 (2000 No 43).
67D Penalty for offence of obstructing ranger
A person convicted of an offence under section 40(1) (which relates to obstructing a ranger or other authorised person) is liable,—
(a)
in the case of an individual, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 2 years or to a fine not exceeding $100,000, or both:
(b)
in the case of a body corporate, to a fine not exceeding $200,000.
Section 67D: inserted, on 15 October 2000, by section 6 of the Wildlife (Penalties and Related Matters) Amendment Act 2000 (2000 No 43).
Section 67D(a): amended, on 25 October 2013, by section 31(1)(a) of the Conservation (Natural Heritage Protection) Act 2013 (2013 No 89).
Section 67D(a): amended, on 25 October 2013, by section 31(1)(b) of the Conservation (Natural Heritage Protection) Act 2013 (2013 No 89).
Section 67D(b): amended, on 25 October 2013, by section 31(2) of the Conservation (Natural Heritage Protection) Act 2013 (2013 No 89).
67E Penalties for offences in respect of game
(1)
A person convicted of an offence under any of the provisions listed in subsection (2) is liable,—
(a)
in the case of an individual, to a fine not exceeding $5,000:
(b)
in the case of a body corporate, to a fine not exceeding $10,000.
(2)
The provisions are—
(a)
section 17(8) (which relates to failing to comply with a written notice in respect of game):
(b)
section 19(5) (which relates to failing to produce an appointment endorsed on a game licence):
(c)
section 22A (which relates to acting as a game hunting guide without a licence):
(d)
section 23(2A) (which relates to the sale of game and game shooting rights).
(3)
A person convicted of an offence under any of the provisions listed in subsection (4) is liable,—
(a)
in the case of an individual, to a fine not exceeding $5,000 plus a further fine not exceeding $100 for each head of game and egg of game in respect of which the offence is committed:
(b)
in the case of a body corporate, to a fine not exceeding $10,000 plus a further fine not exceeding $200 for each head of game and egg of game in respect of which the offence is committed.
(4)
The provisions are—
(a)
section 15(6) (which relates to hunting or killing game in a close season):
(b)
section 16(2) (which relates to hunting or killing game in breach of a notification):
(c)
section 17(2) (which relates to hunting or killing game in a designated area where food has been placed):
(d)
section 17(3) (which relates to hunting or killing game in a designated area where there are artificially formed waters):
(e)
section 17(6) (which relates to hunting or killing game where a person knows that food has been placed or there are artificially formed waters):
(f)
section 18(1A) (which relates to breaching restrictions on the taking of game):
(g)
section 19(1) (which relates to hunting or killing game without a game licence):
(h)
section 22(1) (which relates to shooting at or attempting to shoot at a game bird not in flight):
(i)
section 63(1A)(c) (which relates to hunting, killing, buying, or selling game, or robbing or disturbing the nest of game):
(j)
section 65(2)(c) (which relates to receiving game taken without authority):
(k)
section 65(3)(c) (which relates to being a party to an offence committed in respect of game).
Section 67E: inserted, on 15 October 2000, by section 6 of the Wildlife (Penalties and Related Matters) Amendment Act 2000 (2000 No 43).
Section 67E(4)(g): amended, on 16 December 2017, by section 94 of the Electronic Interactions Reform Act 2017 (2017 No 50).
67F Penalties for other offences
(1)
A person convicted of an offence under any of the provisions listed in subsection (2) is liable,—
(a)
in the case of an individual, to a fine not exceeding $5,000:
(b)
in the case of a body corporate, to a fine not exceeding $10,000.
(2)
The provisions are—
(a)
[Repealed](b)
section 17(7) (which relates to destroying, defacing, or tampering with a notice):
(c)
[Repealed](d)
[Repealed](e)
section 58(1) (which relates to certain acts committed in relation to homing pigeons):
(f)
section 59(5) (which relates to interfering with structures or services on land):
(g)
section 59(5A) (which relates to interfering with vehicles, animals, equipment, or supplies brought onto land):
(h)
[Repealed](i)
section 61(2) (which relates to failing to produce a licence):
(j)
[Repealed](k)
section 62(2) (which relates to transporting wildlife without proper information on the container):
(l)
[Repealed](m)
section 65(3)(d) (which relates to being a party to an offence, other than an offence committed in respect of absolutely protected or partially protected wildlife or game).
(n)
[Repealed](o)
[Repealed](3)
A person convicted of an offence under any of the provisions listed in subsection (4) is liable,—
(a)
in the case of an individual, to a fine not exceeding $5,000 plus a further fine not exceeding $100 for each head of wildlife and egg of wildlife in respect of which the offence is committed:
(b)
in the case of a body corporate, to a fine not exceeding $10,000 plus a further fine not exceeding $200 for each head of wildlife and egg of wildlife in respect of which the offence is committed.
(4)
The provisions are—
(a)
section 6(3) (which relates to hunting, killing, or possessing wildlife in breach of conditions imposed by the Minister):
(b)
section 7(2) (which relates to hunting, killing, or possessing wildlife in contravention of a notification):
(c)
section 7C(2) (which relates to farming certain unprotected animals without authorisation):
(d)
[Repealed](e)
[Repealed](f)
[Repealed](g)
section 56(5)(c) (which relates to capturing, having in possession for the purpose of liberating, or exporting wildlife that is not absolutely protected or partially protected).
(h)
[Repealed](5)
Every person who commits an offence against any of the provisions listed in subsection (6) is liable on conviction to,—
(a)
in the case of an individual, imprisonment for a term not exceeding 1 year or a fine not exceeding $100,000, or both:
(b)
in the case of a body corporate, a fine not exceeding $200,000.
(6)
The provisions are—
(a)
section 14(1C) (which relates to breaching a Proclamation or notice in respect of a wildlife refuge):
(b)
section 14(3A) (which relates to prohibited acts committed in wildlife refuges):
(c)
section 14A(4) (which relates to breaching a Proclamation in respect of a wildlife management reserve):
(d)
section 53(7) (which relates to the failure of a person or officer to comply with an authorisation):
(e)
section 61(6) (which relates to failing to produce various items):
(f)
section 65(1) (which provides for various miscellaneous offences):
(g)
section 66(2) (which relates to wilfully continuing an offence):
(h)
section 66A(3) (which relates to failing to give or produce evidence of identifying information or giving false identifying information).
(7)
Every person who commits an offence against any of the provisions listed in subsection (8) is liable on conviction to,—
(a)
in the case of an individual, imprisonment for a term not exceeding 2 years or a fine not exceeding $100,000, or both:
(b)
in the case of a body corporate, a fine not exceeding $200,000.
(8)
The provisions are—
(a)
section 9(4) (which relates to breaching an Order in Council in respect of a wildlife sanctuary):
(b)
section 59(6) (which relates to obstructing the Director-General or an officer in the exercise of powers):
(c)
section 64 (which relates to acts committed in wildlife sanctuaries).
Section 67F: inserted, on 15 October 2000, by section 6 of the Wildlife (Penalties and Related Matters) Amendment Act 2000 (2000 No 43).
Section 67F(2)(a): repealed, on 25 October 2013, by section 32(1) of the Conservation (Natural Heritage Protection) Act 2013 (2013 No 89).
Section 67F(2)(c): repealed, on 25 October 2013, by section 32(1) of the Conservation (Natural Heritage Protection) Act 2013 (2013 No 89).
Section 67F(2)(d): repealed, on 25 October 2013, by section 32(1) of the Conservation (Natural Heritage Protection) Act 2013 (2013 No 89).
Section 67F(2)(h): repealed, on 25 October 2013, by section 32(1) of the Conservation (Natural Heritage Protection) Act 2013 (2013 No 89).
Section 67F(2)(j): repealed, on 25 October 2013, by section 32(1) of the Conservation (Natural Heritage Protection) Act 2013 (2013 No 89).
Section 67F(2)(l): repealed, on 25 October 2013, by section 32(1) of the Conservation (Natural Heritage Protection) Act 2013 (2013 No 89).
Section 67F(2)(n): repealed, on 25 October 2013, by section 32(1) of the Conservation (Natural Heritage Protection) Act 2013 (2013 No 89).
Section 67F(2)(o): repealed, on 25 October 2013, by section 32(1) of the Conservation (Natural Heritage Protection) Act 2013 (2013 No 89).
Section 67F(4)(d): repealed, on 25 October 2013, by section 32(2) of the Conservation (Natural Heritage Protection) Act 2013 (2013 No 89).
Section 67F(4)(e): repealed, on 25 October 2013, by section 32(2) of the Conservation (Natural Heritage Protection) Act 2013 (2013 No 89).
Section 67F(4)(f): repealed, on 25 October 2013, by section 32(2) of the Conservation (Natural Heritage Protection) Act 2013 (2013 No 89).
Section 67F(4)(h): repealed, on 25 October 2013, by section 32(2) of the Conservation (Natural Heritage Protection) Act 2013 (2013 No 89).
Section 67F(5): inserted, on 25 October 2013, by section 32(3) of the Conservation (Natural Heritage Protection) Act 2013 (2013 No 89).
Section 67F(6): inserted, on 25 October 2013, by section 32(3) of the Conservation (Natural Heritage Protection) Act 2013 (2013 No 89).
Section 67F(6)(h): replaced, on 13 March 2017, by section 10 of the Wildlife (Powers) Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 2).
Section 67F(7): inserted, on 25 October 2013, by section 32(3) of the Conservation (Natural Heritage Protection) Act 2013 (2013 No 89).
Section 67F(8): inserted, on 25 October 2013, by section 32(3) of the Conservation (Natural Heritage Protection) Act 2013 (2013 No 89).
67G Sentence of community work
A court may sentence any person who is convicted of an offence against this Act to a sentence of community work and the provisions of Part 2 of the Sentencing Act 2002 apply with all necessary modifications.
Section 67G: replaced, on 30 June 2002, by section 186 of the Sentencing Act 2002 (2002 No 9).
Section 67G: amended, on 21 December 2018, by section 67 of the Conservation (Infringement System) Act 2018 (2018 No 61).
67H Offenders also liable for loss or damage
(1)
A person convicted of an offence against this Act is liable, in addition to the penalty for the offence, for any loss or damage or expenses arising from or caused by the act constituting the offence.
(2)
The amount payable under subsection (1) in respect of the loss, damage, or expense may be awarded by the court in fixing the penalty and may be recovered as a fine.
(3)
In assessing any amount payable under subsection (1), the court—
(a)
may take into account salaries, wages, and incidental expenses incurred in the investigation of the act constituting the offence or in remedying the loss or damage caused by the act; and
(b)
must take into account all other relevant factors.
Section 67H: inserted, on 15 October 2000, by section 6 of the Wildlife (Penalties and Related Matters) Amendment Act 2000 (2000 No 43).
67I Penalties for offences committed for commercial gain or reward
(1)
If a person is convicted of an offence against this Act and, on sentencing for that offence, the court is satisfied beyond reasonable doubt that the offence was committed for the purpose of commercial gain or reward (whether or not any gain or reward is realised), the person is liable instead of any penalty otherwise prescribed to,—
(a)
in the case of an individual, imprisonment for a term not exceeding 5 years or a fine not exceeding $300,000, or both:
(b)
in the case of a body corporate, a fine not exceeding $300,000.
(2)
Subsection (1) overrides every other provision of this Act to the contrary.
Section 67I: inserted, on 25 October 2013, by section 33 of the Conservation (Natural Heritage Protection) Act 2013 (2013 No 89).
68 Conduct of proceedings and recovery of fines
(1)
[Repealed](2)
Any officer or servant of the Department, and any fish and game ranger, may appear and conduct the prosecution in all proceedings for offences against this Act.
(3)
The court by which any person is convicted of any such offence may direct that any part, not exceeding half, of any fine recovered under this Act shall be paid to any person instrumental in securing the conviction in respect of which the fine is imposed (not being a person in the employment of the Crown acting in the course of his official duties), and that part of the fine shall be paid to that person by the Registrar of the court in which the conviction is recorded.
(4)
Any direction of the court under subsection (3) shall not be entered in the conviction, but shall form the subject matter of a separate order.
Compare: 1921–22 No 57 s 42
Section 68 heading: replaced, on 1 July 2013, by section 413 of the Criminal Procedure Act 2011 (2011 No 81).
Section 68(1): repealed, on 1 July 2013, by section 413 of the Criminal Procedure Act 2011 (2011 No 81).
Section 68(2): amended, on 1 July 2013, by section 413 of the Criminal Procedure Act 2011 (2011 No 81).
Section 68(2): amended, on 25 November 1994, by section 6 of the Wildlife Amendment Act 1994 (1994 No 109).
68A Proceedings in respect of offences
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in section 25 of the Criminal Procedure Act 2011, proceedings may be taken under this Act against any person for an offence committed at sea or beyond the outer limits of New Zealand fisheries waters at any time within 12 months from the date on which that person first lands in New Zealand after the commission of the offence or, for an offence committed in New Zealand, within 12 months after the date of the commission of the offence.
Section 68A: inserted, on 1 October 1996, by section 316(1) of the Fisheries Act 1996 (1996 No 88).
Section 68A: amended, on 1 July 2013, by section 413 of the Criminal Procedure Act 2011 (2011 No 81).
68AB Mens rea and strict liability offences
(1)
In any prosecution for an offence under any of the provisions listed in subsection (5), the prosecution must prove that the defendant intended to commit the offence.
(2)
In any prosecution for an offence under a provision that is not listed in subsection (5), it is not necessary for the prosecution to prove that the defendant intended to commit an offence.
(3)
It is a defence in any prosecution for an offence not listed in subsection (5) if the defendant proves—
(a)
that the defendant did not intend to commit the offence; and
(b)
that,—
(i)
in any case where it is alleged that anything required to be done was not done, the defendant took all reasonable steps to ensure that it was done:
(ii)
in any case where it is alleged that anything prohibited was done, that the defendant took all reasonable steps to ensure that it was not done.
(4)
The defence provided in subsection (3) is in addition to any other defence or excuse provided by this Act.
(5)
The provisions are—
(a)
section 17(6)(c) (which relates to hunting or killing waterfowl where a person knows that food has been placed or artificial waters formed):
(b)
section 40(1) (which relates to obstructing a ranger):
(c)
section 58(1)(a) (which relates to shooting at, killing, disabling, or injuring a homing pigeon):
(d)
section 59(5A) (which relates to interfering with vehicles, animals, equipment, or supplies brought onto land):
(e)
section 59(6) (which relates to obstructing the Director-General or an authorised officer in the exercise of powers):
(f)
section 65(2) (which relates to receiving wildlife):
(g)
section 66(2) (which relates to wilfully continuing an offence):
(h)
section 66A(3) (which relates to failing to give or produce evidence of identifying information or giving false identifying information).
(6)
Sections 63A and 63B continue to apply as if this section had not been enacted.
Section 68AB: inserted, on 15 October 2000, by section 7 of the Wildlife (Penalties and Related Matters) Amendment Act 2000 (2000 No 43).
Section 68AB(5)(g): replaced, on 13 March 2017, by section 11 of the Wildlife (Powers) Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 2).
Section 68AB(5)(h): inserted, on 13 March 2017, by section 11 of the Wildlife (Powers) Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 2).
68B Defences to offences in respect of marine wildlife
(1)
Where any person (not being a New Zealand citizen) is charged with any offence under this Act, it shall be a defence to the charge if the defendant proves that the act or omission constituting the offence took place beyond the outer limits of New Zealand fisheries waters.
(2)
Where any New Zealand citizen is charged with any offence under this Act, it shall be a defence to the charge if the defendant proves that the act or omission constituting the offence took place beyond the outer limits of New Zealand fisheries waters and did not contravene any international agreement to which effect had been given by regulations made under section 72 or by any other enactment.
(3)
Where any person is charged with an offence against section 63A, it is a defence to the charge if the defendant proves that the act or omission constituting the offence took place in circumstances of stress or emergency and was necessary for the preservation, protection, or maintenance of human life.
(4)
Where any person is charged with the killing or injuring or being in possession of any marine wildlife contrary to the provisions of this Act, or any regulations made under it, and the provisions of subsections (1), (2), and (3) do not apply in the circumstances of the case,—
(a)
it is a defence to the charge if the defendant proves that the death or injury to such wildlife was accidental or incidental, and that the requirements of section 63B were complied with:
(b)
it is a defence to the charge if the defendant proves that the death or injury to, or possession of, such wildlife took place as part of a fishing operation and the requirements of section 63B were complied with.
Section 68B: inserted, on 1 October 1996, by section 316(1) of the Fisheries Act 1996 (1996 No 88).
Section 68B heading: amended, on 15 October 2000, by section 8 of the Wildlife (Penalties and Related Matters) Amendment Act 2000 (2000 No 43).
69 Evidence of boundaries, etc
(1)
In any proceedings for an offence against this Act or any regulations under this Act the averment that any area is included in a wildlife sanctuary or wildlife refuge or wildlife management reserve or closed game area or wildlife district shall be sufficient without proof of that fact, unless the defendant proves to the contrary, and all plans, maps, licences, and copies certified as true under the hand of the Director-General or of any other officer of the Department to whom the Director-General has delegated the powers vested in him under this section, or of the Director or of any person to whom the Director has delegated powers vested in him or her under this section, shall be sufficient evidence of their contents without production of the original records and without the personal attendance of the Director-General or other officer, or the Director or other person, as aforesaid or proof of his signature.
(2)
Where in any Proclamation or Warrant or Order in Council or notification under the authority of this Act the boundary of any area is fixed by reference to the site of any post or landmark, proof that the approximate site set out in the Proclamation or Warrant or Order in Council or notification was at the date of the taking effect of the Proclamation or Warrant or Order in Council or notification, or at any date thereafter, marked by a post or landmark of the kind set out in the Proclamation or Warrant or Order in Council or notification shall be sufficient evidence for the purpose of any proceedings for an offence against this Act or any regulations under this Act that at all relevant times the boundary was so marked in accordance with the Proclamation or Warrant or Order in Council or notification.
Section 69(1): amended, on 25 November 1994, by section 7(a) of the Wildlife Amendment Act 1994 (1994 No 109).
Section 69(1): amended, on 25 November 1994, by section 7(b) of the Wildlife Amendment Act 1994 (1994 No 109).
Section 69(1): amended, on 10 April 1990, by section 84 of the Conservation Law Reform Act 1990 (1990 No 31).
Section 69(1): amended, on 1 April 1987, by section 65(1) of the Conservation Act 1987 (1987 No 65).
Section 69(1): amended, on 19 September 1980, by section 10 of the Wildlife Amendment Act 1980 (1980 No 17).
70 Forfeitures
(1)
Any animal or any part of any animal or any egg or nest of any animal that has been unlawfully caught or killed or taken or unlawfully had in possession is hereby declared to be forfeited to the Sovereign.
(2)
It shall be the duty of every ranger or constable or other authorised person who has seized or otherwise obtained possession of any such animal or part of any animal or egg or nest of any such animal to forward immediate notification thereof to the Director-General (or, in the case of any such animal or part of any animal or egg or nest seized by a fish and game ranger, to the Director), who, on the conviction of any person for unlawfully catching, hunting, killing, or taking the same or having the same in his possession, or, if no such person can be traced within 6 months after the seizure or taking possession, shall, in order to give effect to the forfeiture as aforesaid, give such orders as he thinks fit for the disposal of the thing seized, and those orders shall immediately on receipt thereof be carried out by the person to whom they are given.
(3)
In the case of all other property lawfully seized or taken into possession under this Act, the property shall be retained by the Director-General or the Director, as the case may be, pending the trial of any person for the offence in respect of which the property was seized or taken into possession. If no such person can be traced within 6 months after the seizure or taking into possession, the property shall be deemed to be forfeited to the Crown, and shall be disposed of as the Director-General or the Director, as the case may be, directs. Where proceedings are taken against any person in respect of the offence, the property seized or taken into possession shall, when the proceedings are completed, be returned to the person last in possession of the property, unless the court, where it enters a conviction, directs that the property or any part of it be forfeited to the Crown, in which case the property or part thereof, as the case may be, shall be deemed to be forfeited to the Crown accordingly, and shall be disposed of as the Director-General or the Director, as the case may be, directs.
(3A)
Subsection (3) applies as if a person were convicted of an offence against this Act if—
(a)
proceedings in respect of an infringement offence are commenced by the filing of a charging document under the Criminal Procedure Act 2011; and
(b)
the person is found guilty, or admits the commission, of the infringement offence.
(4)
Notwithstanding anything in the Public Finance Act 1977, the power conferred on the Director-General or the Director by subsection (3) to direct the disposal of any property forfeited to the Crown under that subsection shall, in any case where the prosecution was commenced by an officer of a Fish and Game Council, include power to dispose of the property to that Council, without consideration, for the purposes of sale; and the property shall be sold by the Council and the proceeds of sale shall be paid into its funds and applied for the purposes of the Council.
Compare: 1921–22 No 57 s 43(1)(z)
Section 70(1): editorial change made by the PCO, on 15 August 2024, under sections 86(1) and 87(a) of the Legislation Act 2019 (2019 No 58).
Section 70(2): amended, on 25 November 1994, by section 8(a) of the Wildlife Amendment Act 1994 (1994 No 109).
Section 70(2): amended, on 1 April 1987, by section 65(1) of the Conservation Act 1987 (1987 No 65).
Section 70(2): amended, on 21 October 1959, by section 12 of the Wildlife Amendment Act 1959 (1959 No 49).
Section 70(3): amended, on 25 November 1994, by section 8(b) of the Wildlife Amendment Act 1994 (1994 No 109).
Section 70(3): amended, on 1 April 1987, by section 65(1) of the Conservation Act 1987 (1987 No 65).
Section 70(3): amended, on 21 October 1959, by section 12 of the Wildlife Amendment Act 1959 (1959 No 49).
Section 70(3A): inserted, on 21 December 2018, by section 68 of the Conservation (Infringement System) Act 2018 (2018 No 61).
Section 70(4): inserted, on 8 December 1971, by section 3 of the Wildlife Amendment Act 1971 (1971 No 140).
Section 70(4): amended, on 1 July 2013, by section 413 of the Criminal Procedure Act 2011 (2011 No 81).
Section 70(4): amended, on 25 November 1994, by section 8(c) of the Wildlife Amendment Act 1994 (1994 No 109).
Section 70(4): amended, on 10 April 1990, by section 85(a) of the Conservation Law Reform Act 1990 (1990 No 31).
Section 70(4): amended, on 10 April 1990, by section 85(b) of the Conservation Law Reform Act 1990 (1990 No 31).
Section 70(4): amended, on 1 April 1987, by section 65(1) of the Conservation Act 1987 (1987 No 65).
Section 70(4): amended, on 1 April 1978, pursuant to section 163(1) of the Public Finance Act 1977 (1977 No 65).
Infringement offences
Heading: inserted, on 21 December 2018, by section 69 of the Conservation (Infringement System) Act 2018 (2018 No 61).
70A Relationship between infringement offences and other offences
Nothing in sections 70B to 70T prevents the prosecution of, and conviction for, an offence in any other section of this Act (instead of proceeding under sections 70B to 70T).
Section 70A: inserted, on 21 December 2018, by section 69 of the Conservation (Infringement System) Act 2018 (2018 No 61).
70B Hunting during close season
(1)
A person must not hunt or kill any game during a close season.
(2)
A person who fails to comply with this section commits an infringement offence.
Section 70B: inserted, on 21 December 2018, by section 69 of the Conservation (Infringement System) Act 2018 (2018 No 61).
70C Hunting without licence during open season
(1)
A person must not hunt or kill game of any species during an open season in any area, unless the person holds a licence under this Act to hunt or kill game of the relevant species in the relevant area during the open season.
(2)
However, the occupier of any land may, without a licence, hunt or kill any game on the land that may be hunted or killed under a licence.
(3)
In subsection (2), occupier has the same meaning as in section 19, but includes a spouse, civil union partner, de facto partner, or child of the occupier.
(4)
A person who is appointed as an occupier by a notice signed under section 19(4)(b) and endorsed under section 19(5) must produce the notice if an authorised person (as defined in section 61(3)) demands that the person do so.
(5)
A person who fails to comply with this section commits an infringement offence.
Section 70C: inserted, on 21 December 2018, by section 69 of the Conservation (Infringement System) Act 2018 (2018 No 61).
70D Contravening terms of open season notification
(1)
A person must not, during an open season, hunt or kill game, or have in the person’s possession any game, in contravention of the terms of the notice declaring the open season.
(2)
A person who fails to comply with this section commits an infringement offence.
Section 70D: inserted, on 21 December 2018, by section 69 of the Conservation (Infringement System) Act 2018 (2018 No 61).
70E Hunting wildlife in contravention of conditions prescribed by Minister
(1)
This section applies to a person who hunts, kills, or has in the person’s possession any wildlife that is the subject of a notification under section 6(1).
(2)
The person must not contravene a condition prescribed by the Minister under section 6(2).
(3)
A person who fails to comply with this section commits an infringement offence.
Section 70E: inserted, on 21 December 2018, by section 69 of the Conservation (Infringement System) Act 2018 (2018 No 61).
70F Failure to produce licence on demand
(1)
This section applies to a person if—
(a)
the person is found, in any area where any species of wildlife is usually prevalent, in possession of or in control of a firearm, net, trap, decoy, or other instrument or device capable of being used for the purpose of hunting or killing the relevant species of wildlife; and
(b)
a licence to hunt or kill the relevant species of wildlife is required under this Act; and
(c)
an authorised person demands that the person produce the person’s licence.
(2)
A person to whom this section applies must produce the person’s licence to the authorised person.
(3)
A person who fails to comply with this section commits an infringement offence.
(4)
In this section, authorised person has the meaning given in section 61(3).
Section 70F: inserted, on 21 December 2018, by section 69 of the Conservation (Infringement System) Act 2018 (2018 No 61).
70G Taking protected wildlife or game
(1)
A person must not, without lawful authority,—
(a)
hunt or kill any absolutely protected or partially protected wildlife or any game; or
(b)
buy, dispose of, or have in the person’s possession—
(i)
any absolutely protected or partially protected wildlife or any game; or
(ii)
any skin, feathers, or other portion, or any egg, of any absolutely protected or partially protected wildlife or of any game; or
(c)
rob, disturb, destroy, or have in the person’s possession the nest of any absolutely protected or partially protected wildlife or of any game.
(2)
A person who fails to comply with this section commits an infringement offence.
Section 70G: inserted, on 21 December 2018, by section 69 of the Conservation (Infringement System) Act 2018 (2018 No 61).
70H Taking game in contravention of Act or notification
(1)
A person must not, if not expressly authorised by this Act or a notification given by the Minister,—
(a)
trap game in any manner or take game by any means; or
(b)
erect or set any trap, net, snare, or other device for the purpose of taking game; or
(c)
spread oil on any water for the purpose of hunting or killing any game or for the purpose of preventing game from alighting on that water; or
(d)
use, for the purposes of hunting any game,—
(i)
any light; or
(ii)
a live decoy; or
(iii)
a cylinder, mudhole, or similar device in any lake, lagoon, pond, river, estuary, or other open water (whether natural or artificially constructed) unless the sides of the cylinder, mudhole, or device project 60 centimetres or more above the surface of the water; or
(iv)
any aircraft, motor vehicle, or other vehicle propelled by mechanical power; or
(v)
on any lake, lagoon, pond, river, estuary, or other water (whether natural or artificially constructed) any vessel (other than a row boat) in driving, chasing, unduly disturbing, putting to flight, or stalking game; or
(vi)
any unmoored floating stand, hide, shelter, maimai, or louvre, or any unmoored boat artificially dressed or covered in any way.
(2)
Subsection (1)(d)(iv) and (v) does not apply to—
(a)
the use of a vehicle or vessel for the purpose of travelling to or from a place where the person intends to hunt game; or
(b)
the use of a vessel for the purposes of—
(i)
camping; or
(ii)
retrieving game that has been killed or wounded; or
(iii)
in the case of a moored vessel, shooting from the vessel (unless prohibited by another provision of this Act).
(3)
A person who fails to comply with this section commits an infringement offence.
(4)
In this section, decoy, row boat, and vessel have the meanings given in section 18(2).
Section 70H: inserted, on 21 December 2018, by section 69 of the Conservation (Infringement System) Act 2018 (2018 No 61).
70I Failure to comply with condition of authority to take or kill wildlife
(1)
This section applies—
(a)
to a person to whom the Director-General gives an authority under section 53; and
(b)
if an authority is given to a Fish and Game Council under section 53, to an officer or employee of the Council and any other person exercising the powers of the Council under the authority.
(2)
A person to whom this section applies must comply with any condition on which the authority was granted.
(3)
A person who fails to comply with this section commits an infringement offence.
Section 70I: inserted, on 21 December 2018, by section 69 of the Conservation (Infringement System) Act 2018 (2018 No 61).
70J Liberating wildlife or exporting animals or animal products
(1)
A person must not, without the prior written authority of the Director-General,—
(a)
liberate wildlife; or
(b)
capture, attempt to capture, or possess wildlife for the purpose of liberating the wildlife; or
(c)
export from New Zealand—
(i)
any bat, bird (other than a domestic bird), reptile, or amphibian, or any animal listed in Schedule 7; or
(ii)
any skin, feathers, egg, flesh, or other part of an animal listed in subparagraph (i).
(2)
A person who fails to comply with this section commits an infringement offence.
Section 70J: inserted, on 21 December 2018, by section 69 of the Conservation (Infringement System) Act 2018 (2018 No 61).
70K Transporting wildlife without proper information on container
(1)
This section applies to a person who consigns or sends by carrier, forwarding agent, or any other means any parcel, package, case, bag, luggage, or other container (a container) containing—
(a)
any absolutely protected wildlife (whether alive or dead); or
(b)
any part of any absolutely protected wildlife or any eggs of any absolutely protected wildlife.
(2)
A person to whom this section applies must ensure that the outside of the container is plainly marked with—
(a)
a list and description of its contents; and
(b)
the name and address of the consignor and consignee.
(3)
A person who fails to comply with this section commits an infringement offence.
Section 70K: inserted, on 21 December 2018, by section 69 of the Conservation (Infringement System) Act 2018 (2018 No 61).
70L Farming or breeding certain unprotected animals
(1)
A person must not—
(a)
farm or breed wildlife specified in Schedule 8; or
(b)
for the purposes of farming or breeding, capture, convey, or keep in captivity wildlife specified in Schedule 8.
(2)
This section does not apply if the activity undertaken by the person is authorised by the Minister under section 41 or by any regulations made under this Act.
(3)
A person who fails to comply with this section commits an infringement offence.
Section 70L: inserted, on 21 December 2018, by section 69 of the Conservation (Infringement System) Act 2018 (2018 No 61).
70M Failure to report accidental or incidental death or injury
(1)
A person who accidentally or incidentally kills or injures any marine wildlife must report the event and provide any particulars in the manner required by section 63B.
(2)
A person who fails to comply with this section commits an infringement offence.
Section 70M: inserted, on 21 December 2018, by section 69 of the Conservation (Infringement System) Act 2018 (2018 No 61).
70N Interfering with items on land under section 59
(1)
A person must not, without being authorised by the Director-General,—
(a)
take away, be in possession of, remove, destroy, displace, or move the position of any tent or other structure, or any service, convenience, or amenity erected or provided on any land under section 59; or
(b)
remove, injure, or damage in any way any vehicle, animal, equipment, or supplies brought onto any land under section 59.
(2)
A person who fails to comply with this section commits an infringement offence.
Section 70N: inserted, on 21 December 2018, by section 69 of the Conservation (Infringement System) Act 2018 (2018 No 61).
70O Littering
(1)
A person must not deposit litter in a wildlife refuge or wildlife sanctuary.
(2)
A person who fails to comply with this section commits an infringement offence.
(3)
In this section,—
deposit has a corresponding meaning to the meaning of depositing in section 2(1) of the Litter Act 1979
litter has the meaning given in section 2(1) of the Litter Act 1979.
Section 70O: inserted, on 21 December 2018, by section 69 of the Conservation (Infringement System) Act 2018 (2018 No 61).
70P Acting without required licence, permit, etc
(1)
A person must not do or cause to be done any act, matter, or thing for which a licence, permit, concession, or other right or authority is required by this Act or by any regulations under this Act without the required licence, permit, concession, or other right or authority.
(2)
A person who fails to comply with this section commits an infringement offence.
Section 70P: inserted, on 21 December 2018, by section 69 of the Conservation (Infringement System) Act 2018 (2018 No 61).
70Q Contravening instruments made under this Act
(1)
A person must not contravene—
(a)
a notification made under section 7(1); or
(b)
an Order in Council made under section 9; or
(c)
a Proclamation or notice made under section 14(1A); or
(d)
a Proclamation issued under section 14A.
(2)
A person who fails to comply with this section commits an infringement offence.
Section 70Q: inserted, on 21 December 2018, by section 69 of the Conservation (Infringement System) Act 2018 (2018 No 61).
70R Infringement offences relating to wildlife refuges
(1)
A person must not, while in a wildlife refuge,—
(a)
hunt, kill, molest, capture, disturb, harry, or worry wildlife in the wildlife refuge; or
(b)
take, destroy, or disturb the nests, eggs, or spawn of wildlife in the wildlife refuge; or
(c)
possess a firearm or an explosive; or
(d)
have in the person’s control any dog or cat; or
(e)
do anything that causes any wildlife to leave the wildlife refuge.
(2)
This section does not apply if the person’s action is authorised by—
(a)
section 5(2); or
(b)
(c)
an authority granted under section 53 or 54.
(3)
A person who fails to comply with this section commits an infringement offence.
Section 70R: inserted, on 21 December 2018, by section 69 of the Conservation (Infringement System) Act 2018 (2018 No 61).
70S Infringement offences relating to waterfowl
(1)
A person must not, without the consent of the Minister, hunt or kill waterfowl during an open season for game in a designated area where, during the open season or within 30 days immediately before the open season, any food has been cast, thrown, placed, or planted.
(2)
A person must not hunt or kill waterfowl during an open season for game in a designated area—
(a)
in which, during the open season for game or within 30 days immediately before the open season, the waters were artificially formed; or
(b)
in which, or in the near vicinity of which, there is a notice under section 17(5) erected or affixed during that open season or within 30 days immediately before the open season; or
(c)
in respect of which the occupier of the land has informed the person that food has been cast, thrown, placed, or planted, or that the waters have been artificially formed, during the open season or within the 30 days immediately before the open season.
(3)
A person must not destroy, deface, or tamper with a notice erected or affixed under section 17(5).
(4)
An occupier of land who is served with a written notice under section 17(5) must comply with the notice.
(5)
A person who fails to comply with this section commits an infringement offence.
(6)
In this section, designated area, food, waterfowl, and waters have the meanings given in section 17(1).
Section 70S: inserted, on 21 December 2018, by section 69 of the Conservation (Infringement System) Act 2018 (2018 No 61).
70T Infringement offences relating to homing pigeons
(1)
A person must not hunt, kill, disable, or otherwise injure, ensnare, or detain a homing pigeon belonging to any other person.
(2)
A person must not, without lawful authority, disturb, open, or in any way tamper with any cage or other receptacle that is being used to carry homing pigeons.
(3)
A person who fails to comply with this section commits an infringement offence.
Section 70T: inserted, on 21 December 2018, by section 69 of the Conservation (Infringement System) Act 2018 (2018 No 61).
70U Proceedings for infringement offences
(1)
A person who is alleged to have committed an infringement offence may either—
(a)
be proceeded against by filing a charging document under section 14 of the Criminal Procedure Act 2011; or
(b)
be served with an infringement notice under section 70W.
(2)
If an infringement notice has been issued under section 70W, proceedings for the offence to which the notice relates may be commenced in accordance with section 21 of the Summary Proceedings Act 1957, and in that case the provisions of that section apply with all necessary modifications.
Section 70U: inserted, on 21 December 2018, by section 69 of the Conservation (Infringement System) Act 2018 (2018 No 61).
70V Who may issue infringement notices
(1)
The Director-General may authorise a ranger, in writing, to issue infringement notices under this Act.
(2)
The Director of the New Zealand Fish and Game Council may authorise a fish and game ranger, in writing, to issue infringement notices under this Act.
(3)
The Director of the New Zealand Fish and Game Council must not authorise an honorary fish and game ranger to issue infringement notices under this Act.
(4)
The Director of the New Zealand Fish and Game Council—
(a)
must, in exercising the power in subsection (2), comply with the national compliance and enforcement policy approved by the Minister under section 26HA of the Conservation Act 1987; and
(b)
may not exercise the power in subsection (2) if no such policy has been approved.
(5)
The Director of the New Zealand Fish and Game Council must not delegate the power in subsection (2).
(6)
In this section, honorary fish and game ranger means a person appointed in an honorary capacity under section 26FA(2) of the Conservation Act 1987.
Section 70V: inserted, on 21 December 2018, by section 69 of the Conservation (Infringement System) Act 2018 (2018 No 61).
70W Infringement notices
(1)
A ranger authorised under section 70V may issue an infringement notice to a person if the ranger believes on reasonable grounds that the person is committing, or has committed, an infringement offence.
(2)
The ranger may deliver the infringement notice (or a copy of it) in person to the person alleged to have committed an infringement offence or send the notice by post addressed to that person’s last known place of residence or business.
(3)
An infringement notice (or a copy of it) sent by post to a person under subsection (2) is to be treated as having been served on that person when it was posted.
(4)
An infringement notice must be in the prescribed form and must contain the following particulars:
(a)
such details of the alleged infringement offence as are sufficient to fairly inform a person of the time, place, and nature of the alleged offence; and
(b)
the amount of the infringement fee; and
(c)
the address of the place at which the infringement fee may be paid; and
(d)
the time within which the infringement fee must be paid; and
(e)
a summary of the provisions of section 21(10) of the Summary Proceedings Act 1957; and
(f)
a statement that the person served with the notice has a right to request a hearing; and
(g)
a statement of what will happen if the person served with the notice neither pays the infringement fee nor requests a hearing; and
(h)
any other particulars that may be prescribed.
Section 70W: inserted, on 21 December 2018, by section 69 of the Conservation (Infringement System) Act 2018 (2018 No 61).
70X Reminder notices
A reminder notice must be in the prescribed form, and must include the same particulars, or substantially the same particulars, as the infringement notice.
Section 70X: inserted, on 21 December 2018, by section 69 of the Conservation (Infringement System) Act 2018 (2018 No 61).
70Y Payment of infringement fees
All infringement fees paid in respect of infringement offences must be paid into a Crown Bank Account.
Section 70Y: inserted, on 21 December 2018, by section 69 of the Conservation (Infringement System) Act 2018 (2018 No 61).
70Z Penalties for infringement offences
A person who commits an infringement offence is liable on conviction to—
(a)
the infringement fee prescribed in regulations for that offence; or
(b)
a fine imposed by a court not exceeding the maximum fine prescribed in regulations for that offence.
Section 70Z: inserted, on 21 December 2018, by section 69 of the Conservation (Infringement System) Act 2018 (2018 No 61).
Miscellaneous
71 Saving of other Acts
Except where this Act otherwise provides, nothing in this Act shall derogate from any provision of any of the Acts specified in Schedule 9:
provided that, except with the prior consent of the Minister of Conservation and the Minister charged with the administration of the Act under which the act or authority is performed or exercised, and subject to such conditions as those Ministers may jointly impose, no person shall be entitled to do any act or exercise any authority under any such Act in respect of any wildlife (other than unprotected wildlife) or in respect of any land forming part of a wildlife sanctuary:
provided also that nothing in any such Act shall derogate from the provisions of paragraph (f) of subsection (1) of section 39 (which relates to the powers of rangers to enter on any land).
Section 71: amended, on 6 December 1983, by section 2(2)(c) of the Wildlife Amendment Act 1983 (1983 No 48).
Section 71 first proviso: amended, on 1 April 1987, by section 65(1) of the Conservation Act 1987 (1987 No 65).
71A Control of dogs
(1)
Nothing in this Act derogates from the provisions of Part 5C of the Conservation Act 1987, which provides for the control of dogs and which, subject to section 26ZT(e) of that Act, authorises the declaration as either a controlled dog area or an open dog area of any part or parts of any land managed and administered under this Act by the Minister of Conservation or the Department of Conservation.
(2)
Section 26ZT(e) of the Conservation Act 1987 provides that an open dog area may not include any part of any area declared under section 9 to be a wildlife sanctuary or declared under section 14 to be a wildlife refuge or declared under section 14A to be a wildlife management reserve.
Section 71A: inserted, on 2 May 1996, by section 8 of the Conservation Amendment Act (No 2) 1996 (1996 No 14).
72 Regulations
(1)
The Governor-General may from time to time, by Order in Council, make such regulations as he considers necessary or expedient for the protection or control of wildlife or for the due administration of this Act.
(2)
Without limiting the general power to make regulations conferred by subsection (1), it is hereby declared that regulations may be made under that subsection for all or any of the following purposes:
(a)
prescribing the forms and classes of game licences, and licences to operate as game hunting guides, to be issued under this Act and the fees to be paid therefor, and providing for the issue of those licences and for the disposal of fees for those licences and of fines recovered under this Act:
(b)
prescribing the scope and effect of game licences, and licences to operate as game hunting guides, issued under this Act or of any specified class of licences, and providing for licences issued in respect of any district to be available in any other district or districts or in all districts:
(c)
providing for the revocation of game licences, and licences to operate as game hunting guides, and for the refusal of the issue of licences in certain cases:
(d)
providing for the control of wildlife refuges and closed game areas under this Act, for the protection and wellbeing of any wildlife in wildlife refuges and closed game areas, and, in particular, for the control of access to wildlife refuges and closed game areas and for the prohibition or restriction of the use in wildlife refuges and closed game areas of vehicles or vessels or boats of any description, whether propelled by mechanical power or not, or of aircraft:
(e)
providing for the issue and regulating the use of marks of identification to be affixed to any preserved specimens of wildlife or any part thereof taken pursuant to a licence or other authority under this Act and retained for any purpose:
(f)
regulating, restricting, or imposing conditions on the freezing or canning or otherwise preserving of any game and the keeping in any freezing chamber or cool store or the possession thereof when frozen, canned, or otherwise preserved; and providing for the inspection of any freezing chamber, refrigerating works, canneries, or public or privately owned canning plants, and any premises (not being a dwellinghouse) where any game is frozen, canned or otherwise preserved, treated, dressed, or stored:
(g)
regulating or prohibiting the sale of wildlife (other than game) or the eggs of any such wildlife, and prescribing the purposes for which moneys arising from any such sale may be used:
(h)
providing for the licensing of taxidermists which thereby authorises them to possess absolutely protected wildlife, and prescribing books, registers, or forms to be kept, the particulars to be entered therein, and returns to be furnished by licensed taxidermists:
(i)
providing for the inspection of shops and other premises of bird dealers, and the inspection of any aviaries, pens, runs, cages, or other premises where animals are held or are being transported within New Zealand:
(j)
appointing any specified ports, aerodromes, or other places in New Zealand to be the only ports, aerodromes, or places of export of animals or of the skins, feathers, eggs, flesh, or any other part of animals:
(k)
regulating or prohibiting the sale, possession, or use of any toxic, poisonous, or narcotic substance or gas or of birdlime or other similar substance to hunt or kill or to catch alive any wildlife:
(l)
regulating or prohibiting the purchase and sale of the bones and other parts and the eggs of moa or other species that are generally believed to be extinct:
(m)
[Repealed](n)
[Repealed](o)
[Repealed](p)
[Repealed](q)
[Repealed](r)
[Repealed](s)
[Repealed](t)
providing for the registration of homing pigeons; and prescribing fees in respect thereof:
(u)
regulating or prohibiting without the consent of the Director-General the ringing or banding or other marking of any living wildlife, including provisions authorising the Director-General to grant his consent subject to such conditions as he thinks fit and provisions prohibiting the liberation of wildlife unless it has been ringed or banded or marked, and requiring any person taking or killing any such wildlife to return any rings or bands or other marking device to any specified authority:
(v)
[Repealed](w)
regulating or controlling or prohibiting the lighting of fires on any land under the control of the Minister or vested in the Crown for the purposes of this Act:
(wa)
providing for the conduct of meetings of the Board:
(wb)
providing for the allowances and expenses to which a Board member is entitled in respect of his or her service as a member of the Board:
(wc)
prescribing the procedure in respect of applications to the Board for grants and prescribing the criteria to be applied by the Board in considering such applications; and authorising the Board to make any grant subject to conditions imposed by the Board:
(wd)
providing for the collection and disposal of revenue from game bird habitat stamps and associated products:
(we)
prescribing a fee or a scale of fees payable in respect of game bird habitat stamps and the basis on which such fees are payable; and prescribing the persons or bodies to whom such fees are payable:
(x)
prescribing fines not exceeding $5,000 for a breach of any such regulation:
(y)
prescribing infringement offences for the contravention of regulations made under this Act:
(z)
prescribing penalties for infringement offences, which,—
(i)
in the case of infringement fees, must not be more than $1,000; and
(ii)
in the case of maximum fines, must not be more than twice the amount of the infringement fee for the offence; and
(iii)
may be prescribed at different levels for the same offence based on whether the offence relates to absolutely protected, partially protected, or unprotected wildlife:
(za)
prescribing information to be included in infringement notices and reminder notices.
(2A)
Without limiting the power to make regulations under subsections (1) and (2), the Governor-General may from time to time, by Order in Council, make regulations for the following purposes:
(a)
for preventing the pollution of any waters by casting or throwing into, or discharging or causing to be put or discharged into, or placing on the bank or margin of, or placing in a position where it is likely to fall or descend or be washed or percolate into, any such waters, any sawdust or sawmill refuse, lime (other than agricultural or slaked lime), sheep dip, flaxmill refuse, oil, chlorinated hydrocarbon pesticide, or any other substance poisonous or injurious to wildlife, the habitat of wildlife, or the food of wildlife:
(b)
prescribing offences for breaches of any such regulations, and prescribing—
(i)
a fine not exceeding $10,000 in respect of any such offence; and
(ii)
in the case of a continuing offence, a further fine not exceeding $1,000 for every day on which the offence has continued.
(2B)
Without limiting the power to make regulations under subsections (1), (2), and (2A), the Governor-General may from time to time, by Order in Council, make regulations prescribing the scope and effect of licences to farm, breed, or sell, or capture or dispose of or convey or keep in captivity for the purposes of farming, breeding, or selling, any wildlife specified in Schedule 8, and any fees to be paid therefor, and providing for the issue of those licences and for the disposal of any fees for those licences.
(3)
Regulations made under this section may apply generally throughout New Zealand or within any specified district or in any specified part or parts thereof.
(3A)
Notwithstanding anything in section 72(1) or (2), the Minister may by notice,—
(a)
fix the forms (including electronic forms) and classes of game licences:
(b)
fix the scope and effect of game licences or of any specified class of game licences:
(c)
provide for the game licences issued in respect of any district to be available in any other district or districts or in all districts:
(d)
fix the fees payable for any game licence:
(e)
fix the fees payable in respect of game bird habitat stamps, the basis on which such fees are payable, and the persons or bodies to whom such fees are payable.
(3B)
[Repealed](4)
The following are secondary legislation (see Part 3 of the Legislation Act 2019 for publication requirements):
(a)
regulations under this section:
(b)
a notice under subsection (3A).
(5)
If regulations under subsection (2)(u) authorise the Director-General to grant consents,—
(a)
a consent under the regulations is secondary legislation (see Part 3 of the Legislation Act 2019 for publication requirements), unless it applies only to 1 or more named persons; and
(b)
the regulations must contain a statement to that effect.
(4)
[Repealed](5)
[Repealed]Compare: 1908 No 87 s 13; 1921–22 No 57 s 43; 1936 No 58 s 6; 1946 No 40 s 4
| Legislation Act 2019 requirements for secondary legislation referred to in subsection (4) | ||||
| Publication | PCO must publish it on the legislation website and notify it in the Gazette | LA19 s 69(1)(c) | ||
| Presentation | The Minister must present it to the House of Representatives | LA19 s 114, Sch 1 cl 32(1)(a) | ||
| Disallowance | It may be disallowed by the House of Representatives | LA19 ss 115, 116 | ||
| This note is not part of the Act. | ||||
| Legislation Act 2019 requirements for secondary legislation referred to in subsection (5)(a) | ||||
| Publication | See the relevant publication, presentation, and disallowance table in the secondary legislation referred to in subsection (4) | LA19 ss 73, 74, Sch 1 cl 14 | ||
| Presentation | The Minister must present it to the House of Representatives, unless a transitional exemption applies under Schedule 1 of the Legislation Act 2019 | LA19 s 114, Sch 1 cl 32 | ||
| Disallowance | It may be disallowed by the House of Representatives | LA19 ss 115, 116 | ||
| This note is not part of the Act. | ||||
Section 72(2)(a): amended, on 16 December 2017, by section 95(1) of the Electronic Interactions Reform Act 2017 (2017 No 50).
Section 72(2)(a): amended, on 13 March 1996, by section 9 of the Wildlife Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 2).
Section 72(2)(b): amended, on 16 December 2017, by section 95(1) of the Electronic Interactions Reform Act 2017 (2017 No 50).
Section 72(2)(b): amended, on 13 March 1996, by section 9 of the Wildlife Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 2).
Section 72(2)(c): amended, on 16 December 2017, by section 95(1) of the Electronic Interactions Reform Act 2017 (2017 No 50).
Section 72(2)(c): amended, on 13 March 1996, by section 9 of the Wildlife Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 2).
Section 72(2)(h): amended, on 6 December 1983, by section 14(1) of the Wildlife Amendment Act 1983 (1983 No 48).
Section 72(2)(m): repealed, on 17 October 1960, by section 21(1) of the Animals Protection Act 1960 (1960 No 30).
Section 72(2)(n): repealed, on 17 October 1960, by section 21(1) of the Animals Protection Act 1960 (1960 No 30).
Section 72(2)(o): repealed, on 18 September 2012, by section 91(3) of the Biosecurity Law Reform Act 2012 (2012 No 73).
Section 72(2)(p): repealed, on 10 April 1990, by section 86(a) of the Conservation Law Reform Act 1990 (1990 No 31).
Section 72(2)(q): repealed, on 10 April 1990, by section 86(a) of the Conservation Law Reform Act 1990 (1990 No 31).
Section 72(2)(r): repealed, on 10 April 1990, by section 86(a) of the Conservation Law Reform Act 1990 (1990 No 31).
Section 72(2)(s): repealed, on 10 April 1990, by section 86(a) of the Conservation Law Reform Act 1990 (1990 No 31).
Section 72(2)(u): amended, on 1 April 1987, by section 65(1) of the Conservation Act 1987 (1987 No 65).
Section 72(2)(v): repealed (with effect on 1 April 1956), on 10 May 1956, by section 2(5) of the Wildlife Amendment Act 1956 (1956 No 5).
Section 72(2)(wa): inserted, on 17 May 1993, by section 5 of the Wildlife Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 39).
Section 72(2)(wb): inserted, on 17 May 1993, by section 5 of the Wildlife Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 39).
Section 72(2)(wc): inserted, on 17 May 1993, by section 5 of the Wildlife Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 39).
Section 72(2)(wd): inserted, on 17 May 1993, by section 5 of the Wildlife Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 39).
Section 72(2)(we): inserted, on 17 May 1993, by section 5 of the Wildlife Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 39).
Section 72(2)(x): amended, on 25 October 2013, by section 34(1) of the Conservation (Natural Heritage Protection) Act 2013 (2013 No 89).
Section 72(2)(y): inserted, on 21 December 2018, by section 70 of the Conservation (Infringement System) Act 2018 (2018 No 61).
Section 72(2)(z): inserted, on 21 December 2018, by section 70 of the Conservation (Infringement System) Act 2018 (2018 No 61).
Section 72(2)(za): inserted, on 21 December 2018, by section 70 of the Conservation (Infringement System) Act 2018 (2018 No 61).
Section 72(2A): inserted, on 20 October 1972, by section 3(1) of the Wildlife Amendment Act 1972 (1972 No 116).
Section 72(2A)(b)(i): amended, on 25 October 2013, by section 34(2) of the Conservation (Natural Heritage Protection) Act 2013 (2013 No 89).
Section 72(2A)(b)(ii): amended, on 25 October 2013, by section 34(3) of the Conservation (Natural Heritage Protection) Act 2013 (2013 No 89).
Section 72(2B): inserted, on 6 December 1983, by section 14(2) of the Wildlife Amendment Act 1983 (1983 No 48).
Section 72(3A): inserted, on 2 September 1996, by section 2 of the Wildlife Amendment Act (No 2) 1996 (1996 No 151).
Section 72(3A): amended, on 28 October 2021, by section 3 of the Secondary Legislation Act 2021 (2021 No 7).
Section 72(3A)(a): amended, on 16 December 2017, by section 95(1) of the Electronic Interactions Reform Act 2017 (2017 No 50).
Section 72(3A)(a): amended, on 16 December 2017, by section 95(2) of the Electronic Interactions Reform Act 2017 (2017 No 50).
Section 72(3A)(b): amended, on 16 December 2017, by section 95(1) of the Electronic Interactions Reform Act 2017 (2017 No 50).
Section 72(3A)(b): amended, on 16 December 2017, by section 95(3) of the Electronic Interactions Reform Act 2017 (2017 No 50).
Section 72(3A)(c): amended, on 16 December 2017, by section 95(4)(a) of the Electronic Interactions Reform Act 2017 (2017 No 50).
Section 72(3A)(c): amended, on 16 December 2017, by section 95(4)(b) of the Electronic Interactions Reform Act 2017 (2017 No 50).
Section 72(3A)(d): amended, on 16 December 2017, by section 95(5) of the Electronic Interactions Reform Act 2017 (2017 No 50).
Section 72(3B): repealed, on 28 October 2021, by section 3 of the Secondary Legislation Act 2021 (2021 No 7).
Section 72(4): inserted, on 28 October 2021, by section 3 of the Secondary Legislation Act 2021 (2021 No 7).
Section 72(5): inserted, on 28 October 2021, by section 3 of the Secondary Legislation Act 2021 (2021 No 7).
Section 72(4): repealed, on 10 April 1990, by section 86(b) of the Conservation Law Reform Act 1990 (1990 No 31).
Section 72(5): repealed, on 19 December 1989, by section 11 of the Regulations (Disallowance) Act 1989 (1989 No 143).
73 Repeals, savings, and consequential amendments
(1)
The enactments specified in Schedule 10 are hereby repealed.
(2)
Without limiting the provisions of the Interpretation Act 1999, it is hereby declared that the repeal of any provision by this Act shall not affect any document made or any thing whatsoever done under the provision so repealed or under any corresponding former provision, and every such document or thing, so far as it is subsisting or in force at the time of the repeal and could have been made or done under this Act, shall continue and have effect as if it had been made or done under the corresponding provision of this Act and as if that provision had been in force when the document was made or the thing was done:
provided that all warrants under section 3 or section 4 of the Animals Protection and Game Act 1921–22 shall be deemed to be revoked as from the commencement of this Act.
(3)
[Repealed](4)
All matters and proceedings that have been commenced under any enactment hereby repealed, and are pending or in progress at the commencement of this Act, may be continued, completed, and enforced as if this Act had not been passed.
(5)
[Repealed](6)
[Repealed]Section 73(1): amended, on 6 December 1983, by section 2(2)(d) of the Wildlife Amendment Act 1983 (1983 No 48).
Section 73(2): amended, on 1 November 1999, pursuant to section 38(1) of the Interpretation Act 1999 (1999 No 85).
Section 73(3): repealed, on 10 April 1990, by section 87 of the Conservation Law Reform Act 1990 (1990 No 31).
Section 73(5): repealed, on 1 April 1954, by section 107(1) of the Reserves and Domains Act 1953 (1953 No 69).
Section 73(6): repealed, on 1 April 1954, by section 107(1) of the Reserves and Domains Act 1953 (1953 No 69).
Schedule 1AA Transitional, savings, and related provisions
Schedule 1AA: inserted, on 14 May 2025, by section 6 of the Wildlife (Authorisations) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 22).
Part 1 Provisions relating to Wildlife (Authorisations) Amendment Act 2025
Schedule 1AA Part 1: inserted, on 14 May 2025, by section 6 of the Wildlife (Authorisations) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 22).
1 Validation of certain authorities
(1)
This clause applies to any authority to kill wildlife that was granted or purportedly granted under section 53 before the commencement of the Wildlife (Authorisations) Amendment Act 2025 (whether or not the authority is in force, or has already expired, immediately before that commencement).
(2)
An authority to which this clause applies is validated on and from when the authority was granted and to the extent that it would have been invalid for any reason.
Schedule 1AA clause 1: inserted, on 14 May 2025, by section 6 of the Wildlife (Authorisations) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 22).
2 Lawfulness of certain section 53 authorities when section 71 applicable
(1)
This clause applies to an authority that was granted or purportedly granted under section 53 before 5 March 2025 (whether or not it is in force, or has already expired, immediately before the commencement of this clause).
(2)
An authority to which this clause applies is not unlawful merely because the person to whom the authority was granted, or purportedly granted, required consent under section 71 (rather than an authority under section 53) to carry out an activity authorised or purportedly authorised under section 53.
(3)
A person is not to be treated as having committed an offence against section 63, 63A, or 65(1)(f) or (j) merely because the person has done anything without consent under section 71, so long as when the thing was done it was authorised or purportedly authorised by an authority to which this clause applies.
(4)
In this clause, doing anything includes causing anything to be done.
Schedule 1AA clause 2: inserted, on 14 May 2025, by section 6 of the Wildlife (Authorisations) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 22).
3 Savings relating to commenced proceedings
Schedule 1AA clause 3: inserted, on 14 May 2025, by section 6 of the Wildlife (Authorisations) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 22).
4 Effect of clauses 1 and 2 relating to High Court judgment
(1)
(a)
apply to the authority—
(i)
that the Director-General granted or purportedly granted to the New Zealand Transport Agency under section 53 on 22 December 2021; and
(ii)
that was the subject of Environmental Law Initiative v The Director-General of the Department of Conservation and others [2025] NZHC 391; or
(b)
affect any party’s rights of appeal in respect of that judgment.
(2)
However, clauses 1 and 2 are to be treated as applying to that authority for the purposes of any proceedings for an offence against section 53(7), 63, 63A, or 65(1)(f) or (j) that are commenced on or after 28 March 2025.
Schedule 1AA clause 4: inserted, on 14 May 2025, by section 6 of the Wildlife (Authorisations) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 22).
Schedule 1 Wildlife declared to be game
| Black swan (Cygnus atratus): except on Chatham Islands | |
| Chukar (Alectoris chukar): except on Chatham Islands | |
| Duck: | |
| Australasian shoveler (Anas rhynchotis) | |
| Grey duck (Anas superciliosa) and any cross of that species with any other species, variety, or kind of duck (except on Chatham Islands) | |
| Mallard duck (Anas platyrhynchos) and any cross of that species with any other species, variety, or kind of duck (except on Chatham Islands) | |
| Paradise shelduck (Tadorna variegata) | |
| Partridge: | |
Grey partridge (Perdix perdix): except on Chatham Islands |
|
Red-legged partridge (Alectoris rufa rufa), except— (a)on Chatham Islands; and (b)within the areas (commonly known as upland game preserves) specified in Part 2 of Schedule 3 |
|
| Pheasant: | |
any bird, not being a domestic bird, of the genus Phasianus and any cross of any such bird with any other species, variety, or kind of pheasant, except— (a)on Chatham Islands; and (b)within the areas (commonly known as upland game preserves) specified in Part 2 of Schedule 3 |
|
| Pukeko (Porphyrio melanotus): except on Chatham Islands | |
| Quail: | |
| Bobwhite quail (Colinus virginianus): except on Chatham Islands | |
| Brown quail (Coturnix ypsilophora): except on Chatham Islands | |
| California quail (Callipepla californica): except on Chatham Islands | |
Schedule 1: amended, on 2 August 2019, by clause 5 of the Wildlife Order 2019 (LI 2019/154).
Schedule 1: amended, on 9 June 2011, by clause 3 of the Wildlife (Canada Goose) Order 2011 (SR 2011/128).
Schedule 1: amended, on 8 July 2010, by clause 3 of the Wildlife Order 2010 (SR 2010/159).
Schedule 1: amended, on 5 November 1970, by clause 3 of the Wildlife Order (No 2) 1970 (SR 1970/208).
Schedule 2 Partially protected wildlife
Brown skua (Catharacta antarctica lonnbergi): on Chatham Islands only
Little owl (Athene noctua)
Silvereye (Zosterops lateralis)
Schedule 2: amended, on 8 July 2010, by clause 3 of the Wildlife Order 2010 (SR 2010/159).
Schedule 2: amended, on 27 November 1986, by clause 3 of the Wildlife Order (No 2) 1986 (SR 1986/330).
Schedule 2: amended, on 25 June 1970, by clause 3 of the Wildlife Order 1970 (SR 1970/124).
Schedule 2: amended, on 25 June 1970, by clause 4 of the Wildlife Order 1970 (SR 1970/124).
Schedule 2: amended, on 25 June 1970, by clause 5 of the Wildlife Order 1970 (SR 1970/124).
Schedule 3 Wildlife that may be hunted or killed subject to Minister’s notification
Part 1 Wildlife that may be hunted or killed subject to conditions
Schedule 3 Part 1 heading: inserted, on 2 August 2019, by clause 6(1) of the Wildlife Order 2019 (LI 2019/154).
| Australasian harrier (harrier hawk) (Circus approximans) | |
| Black swan (Cygnus atratus): on Chatham Islands only | |
| Chukar (Alectoris chukar): on Chatham Islands only | |
| Duck— | |
| Grey duck (Anas superciliosa) and any cross of that species with any other species, variety, or kind of duck (on Chatham Islands only) | |
| Grey teal (Anas gracilis) | |
| Mallard duck (Anas platyrhynchos) and any cross of that species with any other species, variety, or kind of duck (on Chatham Islands only) | |
| Grey-faced petrel (northern mutton bird) (Pterodroma macroptera) | |
| Mute swan (Cygnus olor) | |
| Partridge: | |
Grey partridge (Perdix perdix): on Chatham Islands only |
|
Red-legged partridge (Alectoris rufa rufa)— (a)on Chatham Islands; and (b)within the areas (commonly known as upland game preserves) specified in Part 2 of this schedule |
|
| Pheasant: | |
any bird, not being a domestic bird, of the genus Phasianus and any cross of any such bird with any other species, variety, or kind of pheasant— (a)on Chatham Islands; and (b)within the areas (commonly known as upland game preserves) specified in Part 2 of this schedule |
|
| Pukeko (Porphyrio melanotus): on Chatham Islands only | |
| Quail— | |
| Bobwhite quail (Colinus virginianus): on Chatham Islands only | |
| Brown quail (Coturnix ypsilophora): on Chatham Islands only | |
| California quail (Callipepla californica): on Chatham Islands only | |
| Shag— | |
| Black shag (Phalacrocorax carbo novaehollandiae) | |
| Little shag (Phalacrocorax melanoleucos brevirostris) | |
| Pied shag (Phalacrocorax varius varius) | |
| Sooty shearwater (mutton bird) (Puffinus griseus) | |
| Weka— | |
| South Island weka (Gallirallus): on Chatham Islands only | |
| Stewart Island weka (Gallirallus): on islets off Stewart Island and in Foveaux Strait only | |
Schedule 3 Part 1: amended, on 2 August 2019, by clause 6(2) of the Wildlife Order 2019 (LI 2019/154).
Schedule 3 Part 1: amended, on 5 May 1973, by clause 2 of the Wildlife (Canada Goose) Order 1973 (SR 1973/2).
Part 2 Specified areas (commonly known as upland game preserves) where certain wildlife may be hunted or killed subject to conditions
Schedule 3 Part 2: inserted, on 2 August 2019, by clause 6(3) (and see clause 4 for interpretation) of the Wildlife Order 2019 (LI 2019/154).
Northland Fish and Game Region
(aaa)
Mangakahia (Whangārei): 359 ha, more or less, being Sections 6–8 and 16 Block XI Mangakahia SD, and Lot 1 DP 64375, Lot 2 DP 497257, Lots 2 and 3 DP 40927, Pt Lot 1 DP 208325, and Pt Lot 1 DP 45308 North Auckland Land District:
Eastern Fish and Game Region
(a)
Equine and Cropp Farms (Rotoma): 283 ha, more or less, being Pt Section 2 Blk I Rotoma SD (SO 17091) and Lot 5 DPS 34925; and 316 ha, more or less, being Secs 17 (SO 17091), 22 and 23 (SO 49960) Blk I Rotoma SD:
(b)
Prime Pine (Matata): 118 ha, more or less, being Pt Lot 1 DPS 58240:
(c)
Totara Lodge (Wairakei): 1242 ha, more or less, being Lots 1, 2, 4, and 5 DPS 61926, Part Tatua East 18 Block, Tatua East 17 Block, Tatua East Hunahuna Reserve, Tatua East 16A, Part Tatua East 16B, and Lot 3 DP 338327:
(d)
Coates Road (Lake Ohakuri): 389 ha, more or less, being Lots 1 and 3 DPS 87775, Sections 2–5 SO 60470, and Lot 2 DP 476535:
Hawke’s Bay Fish and Game Region
(e)
Whanawhana (Hawke’s Bay): 758 ha, more or less, being Lots 2 and 3 DP 24970:
(f)
Tuna Nui Station (Hawke’s Bay): 927 ha, more or less, being Lot 1 DP 11019, Lots 5 and 8 DP 24213, Pt Lot 1 DP 7979, Lot 2 DP 350254, Lots 1 and 2 DP 460372, Lots 2–4 DP 24212, Lot 2 DP 307838, and Lot 1 DP 365103:
(g)
Ngamatea Station (Waiouru): 1257 ha, more or less, being the area encompassed within a 2,000 m radius of the point of latitude 39°25′08.76″S and longitude 176°08′53.82″E:
(h)
Wharehunga (Waipukurau): 487 ha, more or less, being Lots 2 and 3 DP 339686, and Section 13 Block VIII Takapau SD:
(ha)
Poronui (Taharua Valley): 6,449 ha, more or less, being the land recorded in records of title SA33D/399, SA51D/718, SA61A/148, and SA72C/660:
(hb)
Olrig and Whanakino (Maraekakaho): 1,623 ha, more or less, being Lot 2 DP 535991, Lot 3 DP 22254, Lot 5 DP 321684, Lot 1 DP 26344, Lots 3 and 4 DP 8713, and Sections 3 and 5 SO Plan 10203:
Wellington Fish and Game Region
(i)
Rathmoy (Hunterville): (a) 1531 ha, more or less, being Certificates of Title WN40B/749, WN40B/748, WN52D/111, WN432/197, WN40C/405, WN538/44, WN538/45, WN538/46, WN5D/245, WN5D/244, WN257/17, WN33D/15, WN319/55, WN188/149, WN538/43, WN50D/387, WN441/119, and WN264/131, and Pt Lot 1 DP 5613, Lot 2 DP 326478, and Lots 90–99 DP 297; and (b) adjoining land 64 ha, more or less, being Sections 125–128 Blk VII Ongo SD and Pt Lot 3 DP 2689; and (c) adjoining land 21 ha, more or less, being Pt Lot 8A DP 309, Pt Lot 2 DP 2689, and Section 102 Blk VII Ongo SD:
(j)
Te Para Hut (Taihape): 128 ha, more or less, being Lots 1 and 2 DP 58801 Block VI Hautapu SD:
(ja)
Lagoon Hill (southern Wairarapa): 653 ha, more or less, being Lots 1 and 4 DP 579663 Wellington Land District:
(k)
Papanui (Wellington): 302 ha, more or less, being Lot 3 DP 423315:
Nelson/Marlborough Fish and Game Region
(ka)
Ugbrooke (Lower Dashwood): 75 ha, more or less, being Lots 1 and 2 DP 520801 and Lot 3 DP 446989:
West Coast Fish and Game Region
(l)
Haupiri River (Greymouth): 1666 ha, more or less, being the area contained in Certificates of Title WS5A/972, WS5D/97, WS5A/973, WS5B/308, WS5B/309, WS2D/1052, WS2A/905, WS5A/545, WS2A/1197, WS8A/680, WS1A/1421, WS2D/876, WS1B/486, WS8C/1072, WS8C/1073, WS2D/854, WS8A/681, and WS5B/311:
Central South Island Fish and Game Region
(m)
Craigmore (Timaru): 1291 ha, more or less, being Lots 1–3 DP 14945, Section 3 SO 18577, and Lots 1 and 2 DP 315289:
(ma)
Grange Hill (Timaru): 2481 ha, more or less, being the area covered by Certificates of Title CB24B/742, CB24B/723, CB20B/632, and CB529/225 Canterbury Land District:
(n)
Pinegrove (Timaru): 65 ha, more or less, being Lot 2 DP 437900 and Lot 2 DP 321973:
(o)
Waituna (Waimate): 1044 ha, more or less, being the land covered by Titles 330672, 656084, 749455, 749453, CB37C/1038, CB23K/728-729, and CB774/85; and the land covered by Titles 305507 and 330671:
Otago Fish and Game Region
(p)
Rough Ridge (Oturehua): 841 ha, more or less, being Section 3 Block VI Poolburn SD and Section 2 Block XVII, Section 24 Block XVI, Pt Section 10 Block XVI, and Section 42 Block XVI Blackstone SD.
Schedule 3 Part 2 paragraph (aaa) heading: inserted, on 3 May 2025, by clause 5(1) of the Wildlife Order 2025 (SL 2025/22).
Schedule 3 Part 2 paragraph (aaa): inserted, on 3 May 2025, by clause 5(1) of the Wildlife Order 2025 (SL 2025/22).
Schedule 3 Part 2 paragraph (ha): inserted, on 6 May 2022, by clause 5(1) of the Wildlife Order 2022 (SL 2022/122).
Schedule 3 Part 2 paragraph (hb): inserted, on 6 May 2022, by clause 5(1) of the Wildlife Order 2022 (SL 2022/122).
Schedule 3 Part 2 paragraph (ja): inserted, on 3 May 2025, by clause 5(2) of the Wildlife Order 2025 (SL 2025/22).
Schedule 3 Part 2 paragraph (ka) heading: inserted, on 6 May 2022, by clause 5(2) of the Wildlife Order 2022 (SL 2022/122).
Schedule 3 Part 2 paragraph (ka): inserted, on 6 May 2022, by clause 5(2) of the Wildlife Order 2022 (SL 2022/122).
Schedule 3 Part 2 paragraph (ma): inserted, on 3 May 2025, by clause 5(3) of the Wildlife Order 2025 (SL 2025/22).
Schedule 4 Wildlife not protected, except in areas and during periods specified in Minister’s notification
Schedule 4: replaced (with effect on 1 April 1956), on 10 May 1956, by section 2(2)(a) of the Wildlife Amendment Act 1956 (1956 No 5).
Schedule 4: amended, on 10 May 1996, by clause 2(1) of the Wildlife Order 1996 (SR 1996/95).
Schedule 4: amended, on 24 March 1959, by clause 2 of the Wildlife (Canada Goose) Order 1959 (SR 1959/43).
Schedule 5 Wildlife not protected
| Mammals— | ||
| Cat (Felis) | ||
| Cattle (Bos) | ||
| Dog (Canis) | ||
| Ferret (family Mustelidae) | ||
| Hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus) | ||
| Horse (Equus) | ||
| Mouse (family Muridae) | ||
| Polecat (family Mustelidae) | ||
| Possum (family Phalangeridae) | ||
| Rat (family Muridae) | ||
| Sheep (Ovis) | ||
| Stoat (family Mustelidae) | ||
| Wallaby (family Macropodidae) | ||
| Weasel (family Mustelidae) | ||
| Birds— | ||
| Blackbird (Turdus merula) | ||
| Bulbul: Red-vented bulbul (Pycononotus cafer) | ||
| Bunting— | ||
| Cirl bunting (Emberiza cirlus) | ||
| Cape Barren goose (Cereopsis novaehollandiae) | ||
| Chicken (junglefowl)— | ||
| any bird of the genus Gallus | ||
| Dove— | ||
| all species of the genus Streptopelia | ||
| Finch— | ||
| Chaffinch (Fringilla coelebs) | ||
| Goldfinch (Carduelis carduelis) | ||
| Greenfinch (Carduelis chloris) | ||
| Lesser redpoll (Carduelis cabaret) | ||
| Goose— | ||
| any bird of the genus Anser | ||
| Canada goose (Branta canadensis) | ||
| Guineafowl (Numida meleagris) | ||
| Gull— | ||
| Black-backed gull (Larus dominicanus) | ||
| Kookaburra— | ||
| any bird of the genus Dacelo | ||
| Magpie (Australian)— | ||
| Black backed magpie (Gymnorhina tibecen) | ||
| White backed magpie (Gymnorhina leuconota) | ||
| Muscovy duck (Cairina moschata) | ||
| Mynah (Acridotheres tristis) | ||
| Parrot— | ||
| Budgerigar (Melopsittacus undulatus) | ||
| Crimson rosella (Platycercus elegans) | ||
| Eastern rosella (Platycercus eximius) | ||
| Galah (Eolophus roseicapilla) | ||
| Rainbow lorikeet (Trichoglossus haematodus) | ||
| Ring-necked parakeet (Psittacula krameri) | ||
| White (or sulphur-crested) cockatoo (Cacatua galerita) | ||
| Peafowl (Pavo cristatus) | ||
| Pigeon— | ||
| Rock pigeon (Columba livia) | ||
| Rook (Corvus frugilegus) | ||
| Skylark (Alauda arvensis) | ||
| Song thrush (Turdus philomelos) | ||
| Sparrow— | ||
| Hedge sparrow (Prunella modularis) | ||
| House sparrow (Passer domesticus) | ||
| Spur-winged plover (Vanellus miles) | ||
| Starling (Sturnus vulgaris) | ||
| Turkey— | ||
| any bird of the genus Meleagris | ||
| Yellowhammer (Emberiza citrinella) | ||
| Amphibians— | ||
| Green and golden bell frog (Litoria aurea) | ||
| Southern bell frog (Litoria raniformis) | ||
| Whistling frog (Litoria ewingii) | ||
| Reptiles— | ||
| Lizards— | ||
| Rainbow skink (Lampropholis delicata) | ||
| Red-eared slider turtle (Trachemys scripta elegans) | ||
Schedule 5: amended, on 18 September 2012, by section 91(4)(a) of the Biosecurity Law Reform Act 2012 (2012 No 73).
Schedule 5: amended, on 18 September 2012, by section 91(4)(b) of the Biosecurity Law Reform Act 2012 (2012 No 73).
Schedule 5: amended, on 9 June 2011, by clause 4 of the Wildlife (Canada Goose) Order 2011 (SR 2011/128).
Schedule 5: amended, on 8 July 2010, by clause 3 of the Wildlife Order 2010 (SR 2010/159).
Schedule 5: amended, on 17 October 1996, by clause 2(1) of the Wildlife Order (No 2) 1996 (SR 1996/258).
Schedule 5: amended, on 10 May 1996, by clause 2(2) of the Wildlife Order 1996 (SR 1996/95).
Schedule 5: amended, on 13 February 1986, by clause 4 of the Wildlife Order 1986 (SR 1986/7).
Schedule 5: amended, on 24 August 1973, by clause 3 of the Wildlife (Cape Barren Goose) Order 1973 (SR 1973/210).
Schedule 5: amended, on 25 June 1970, by clause 4 of the Wildlife Order 1970 (SR 1970/124).
Schedule 5: amended, on 25 June 1970, by clause 5 of the Wildlife Order 1970 (SR 1970/124).
Schedule 5: amended, on 24 March 1955, by Gazette 1955, p 431.
Schedule 6 Animals declared to be wild animals subject to the Wild Animal Control Act 1977
Schedule 6: inserted (with effect on 1 April 1956), on 10 May 1956, by section 2(2)(b) of the Wildlife Amendment Act 1956 (1956 No 5).
| Mammals— | ||
| Deer— | ||
| Axis deer (Axis axis) | ||
| Fallow deer (Dama dama) | ||
| Japanese deer (Sika nippon) | ||
| Javan rusa deer (Cervus timoriensis) | ||
| Moose (Alces americana) | ||
| Red deer (Cervus elaphus) | ||
| Sambar deer (Cervus unicolor) | ||
| Virginian deer (Odocoileus virginianus) | ||
| Wapiti (Cervus canadensis) | ||
| Any other member of the family Cervidae | ||
| Chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra) | ||
| Goat (Capra) | ||
| Himalayan tahr (Hemitragus jemlahicus) | ||
| Pig (Sus) | ||
Schedule 6 heading: replaced, on 17 December 2016, by section 113 of the Statutes Amendment Act 2016 (2016 No 104).
Schedule 6: amended, on 18 September 2012, by section 91(5) of the Biosecurity Law Reform Act 2012 (2012 No 73).
Schedule 6: amended, on 8 July 2010, by clause 3 of the Wildlife Order 2010 (SR 2010/159).
Schedule 7 Terrestrial and freshwater invertebrates declared to be animals
Schedule 7: inserted, on 19 September 1980, by section 3(3) of the Wildlife Amendment Act 1980 (1980 No 17).
ARTHROPODA
| INSECTA (INSECTS) | |||
| Orthoptera: | |||
| Acrididae (grasshoppers)— | |||
| Brachaspis robustus Bigelow 1967 (robust grasshopper) | |||
| Sigaus childi Jamieson 1999 | |||
| Anostostomatidae (giant, ground, tree, and tusked weta)— | |||
| Deinacrida (giant weta)— | |||
| all species | |||
| Hemideina ricta (Hutton 1897) (Banks Peninsula tree weta) | |||
| Motuweta isolata Johns 1997 (Mercury Islands tusked weta) | |||
| Coleoptera: | |||
| Carabidae (ground or carab beetles)— | |||
| Mecodema laeviceps Broun 1904 (Ida Valley carabid beetle) | |||
| Megadromus speciosis Johns 2007 (Eastern Sounds ground beetle) | |||
| Cerambycidae (longhorn beetles)— | |||
| Xylotoles costatus Pascoe 1875 (Pitt Island longhorn beetle) | |||
| Curculionidae (weevils)— | |||
| Anagotus fairburni Brookes 1932 (flax weevil) | |||
| Anagotus stephenensis Kuschel 1982 (Stephens Island weevil) | |||
| Anagotus turbotti (Spiller 1942) (Turbott’s weevil) | |||
| Hadramphus spinipennis Broun 1911 (coxella weevil) | |||
| Hadramphus stilbocarpae Kuschel 1971 (knobbled weevil) | |||
| Hadramphus tuberculatus (Pascoe 1877) (Canterbury knobbled weevil) | |||
| Heterexis seticostatus Brookes 1951 (Campbell Island ribbed weevil) | |||
| Lyperobius huttoni Pascoe 1876 (speargrass weevil) | |||
| Lyperobius nesidiotes Kuschel 1987 (Broughton Island weevil) | |||
| Megacolabus sculpturatus Broun 1893 (Akaroa weevil) | |||
| Nothaldonis peacei Broun 1880 (Peace’s weevil) | |||
| Oclandius laeviusculus Broun 1902 | |||
| Elateridae (click beetles)— | |||
| Amychus candezei Pascoe 1876 (Chatham Islands click beetle) | |||
| Amychus granulatus Broun 1886 (Cook Strait click beetle) | |||
| Lucanidae (stag beetles)— | |||
| Geodorcus— | |||
| all species | |||
| Scarabaeidae (scarab beetles)— | |||
| Prodontria bicolorata Given 1964 (Alexandra chafer beetle) | |||
| Prodontria lewisii Broun 1904 (Cromwell chafer beetle) | |||
| ARACHNIDA | |||
| Araneae (spiders)— | |||
| Gradungulidae— | |||
| Spelungula cavernicola Forster 1987 (Nelson cave spider) | |||
| Theridiidae— | |||
| Latrodectus atritus Urquhart 1890 (black katipo spider) | |||
| Latrodectus katipo Powell 1871 (red katipo spider) | |||
| MOLLUSCA | |||
| Gastropoda (snails)— | |||
| Cytora hirsutissima (Powell 1951) | |||
| Cytora tepakiensis Gardner 1967 | |||
| Paryphanta (kauri snails)— | |||
| all species | |||
| Placostylus (flax snails)— | |||
| all native New Zealand species | |||
| Powelliphanta (large land snails)— | |||
| all species | |||
| Rhytidarex buddlei (Powell 1948) | |||
Schedule 7: amended, on 8 July 2010, by clause 3 of the Wildlife Order 2010 (SR 2010/159).
Schedule 7A Marine species declared to be animals
Schedule 7A: replaced, on 8 July 2010, by clause 3 of the Wildlife Order 2010 (SR 2010/159).
CNIDARIA
| Anthozoa (corals and sea anemones)— | ||
| Black corals— | ||
| all species in the order Antipatharia | ||
| Gorgonian corals— | ||
| all species in the order Gorgonacea | ||
| Stony corals— | ||
| all species in the order Scleractinia | ||
| Hydrozoa (hydra-like animals)— | ||
| Hydrocorals— | ||
| all species in the family Stylasteridae | ||
CHORDATA
| Chondrichthyes (cartilaginous fishes)— | ||
| Carcharhiniformes (ground sharks)— | ||
| Oceanic whitetip shark (Carcharhinus longimanus) | ||
| Lamniformes (mackerel sharks)— | ||
| Basking shark (Cetorhinus maximus) | ||
| Deepwater nurse shark (Odontaspis ferox) | ||
| White pointer shark (Carcharodon carcharias) | ||
| Orectolobiformes (carpet sharks)— | ||
| Whale shark (Rhincodon typus) | ||
| Rajiformes (skates and rays)— | ||
| Manta ray (Manta birostris) | ||
| Spinetail devil ray (spinetail mobula) (Mobula japanica) | ||
| Osteichthyes (bony fishes)— | ||
| Perciformes (perch-like fishes)— | ||
| Giant grouper (Queensland grouper) (Epinephelus lanceolatus) | ||
| Spotted black grouper (Epinephelus daemelii) | ||
Schedule 8 Wildlife not protected but may be kept, bred, or farmed in captivity pursuant to regulations made under principal Act or by Minister’s direction
Schedule 8: inserted, on 6 December 1983, by section 2(3) of the Wildlife Amendment Act 1983 (1983 No 48).
Ferret (family Mustelidae)
Polecat (family Mustelidae)
Stoat (family Mustelidae)
Weasel (family Mustelidae)
Schedule 9 Acts not affected by this Act
Schedule 9 schedule number: replaced, on 6 December 1983, by section 2(2)(a) of the Wildlife Amendment Act 1983 (1983 No 48).
Coal Mines Act 1979 (1979 No 21)
Fisheries Act 1908 (Reprinted 1976, Vol 5, p 3705)
Forest and Rural Fires Act 1977 (1977 No 52)
Government Railways Act 1949 (1949 No 40) (Reprinted 1973, Vol 2, p 1403)
Government Roading Powers Act 1989 (1989 No 75)
Mining Act 1971 (1971 No 25)
National Parks Act 1980 (1980 No 66)
Peel Forest Act 1926 (1926 No 31)
Petroleum Act 1937 (1937 No 27) (Reprinted 1976, Vol 5, p 4249)
Public Works Act 1928 (Reprinted 1975, Vol 3, p 2283)
Rabbits Act 1955 (1955 No 28)
Reserves Act 1977 (1977 No 66)
Soil Conservation and Rivers Control Act 1941 (1941 No 12) (Reprinted 1969, Vol 4, p 3063)
Tramways Act 1908 (1957 Reprint, Vol 15, p 855)
Waitangi Endowment Act 1932–33 (1932–33 No 44)
Waitangi National Trust Board Act 1932 (1932 No 28)
Schedule 9: amended, on 1 August 2008, by section 50(1) of the Land Transport Management Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 47).
Schedule 9: amended, on 1 April 1987, by section 65(1) of the Conservation Act 1987 (1987 No 65).
Schedule 9: amended, on 1 April 1981, pursuant to section 80(2) of the National Parks Act 1980 (1980 No 66).
Schedule 9: amended, on 1 April 1980, pursuant to section 268(2) of the Coal Mines Act 1979 (1979 No 21).
Schedule 9: amended, on 1 April 1978, pursuant to section 125(1) of the Reserves Act 1977 (1977 No 66).
Schedule 9: amended, on 1 April 1979, pursuant to section 70(a) of the Forest and Rural Fires Act 1977 (1977 No 52).
Schedule 9: amended, on 1 April 1973, pursuant to section 247(1) of the Mining Act 1971 (1971 No 25).
Schedule 9: amended, on 17 October 1955, pursuant to section 118(1) of the Rabbits Act 1955 (1955 No 28).
Schedule 9: amended, on 1 April 1954, by section 107(1) of the Reserves and Domains Act 1953 (1953 No 69).
Schedule 10 Enactments repealed
Schedule 10 schedule number: replaced, on 6 December 1983, by section 2(2)(b) of the Wildlife Amendment Act 1983 (1983 No 48).
Animals Protection and Game Act 1921–22 (1921–22 No 57) (Reprint of Statutes, Vol I, p 183)
Injurious Birds Act 1908 (1908 No 87) (Reprint of Statutes, Vol I, p 234)
Local Legislation Act 1951 (1951 No 69)
Amendment(s) incorporated in the Act(s).
Reserves and other Lands Disposal and Public Bodies Empowering Act 1923 (1923 No 35)
Amendment(s) incorporated in the Act(s).
Statutes Amendment Act 1936 (1936 No 58)
Amendment(s) incorporated in the Act(s).
Statutes Amendment Act 1945 (1945 No 40)
Amendment(s) incorporated in the Act(s).
Statutes Amendment Act 1946 (1946 No 40)
Amendment(s) incorporated in the Act(s).
Wildlife Amendment Act 1983
Public Act |
1983 No 48 |
|
Date of assent |
6 December 1983 |
|
Commencement |
6 December 1983 |
1 Short Title
This Act may be cited as the Wildlife Amendment Act 1983, and shall be read together with and deemed part of the Wildlife Act 1953 (hereinafter referred to as “the principal Act”
).
13 Increase in penalties for offences
(1)
Amendment(s) incorporated in the Act(s).
(2)
Any proceedings commenced (whether before or after the commencement of this Act) for an offence against the principal Act or any regulations made under it arising out of any act done or omitted before the passing of this Act shall be heard and determined as if subsection (1) had not been passed.
(3)
Amendment(s) incorporated in the Act(s).
Conservation Law Reform Act 1990
Public Act |
1990 No 31 |
|
Date of assent |
10 April 1990 |
|
Commencement |
see section 1 |
1 Short Title and commencement
(1)
This Act may be cited as the Conservation Law Reform Act 1990.
(2)
Except as provided in subsection (3), this Act shall come into force on the day on which it receives the Royal assent.
(3)
Sections 6A and 6L of the Conservation Act 1987 (as inserted by section 5 of this Act), sections 26B and 26P of that Act (as inserted by section 17 of this Act), and sections 36, 38, 41, 42, 74, 112, and 114 of this Act shall come into force on a date to be appointed by the Governor-General by Order in Council.
Section 1(3): section 112 brought into force, on 25 May 1990, by the Conservation Law Reform Act Commencement Order 1990 (SR 1990/116).
Section 1(3): section 74 brought into force, on 31 May 1990, by the Conservation Law Reform Act Commencement Order (No 2) 1990 (SR 1990/125).
Section 1(3): sections 36, 38, 41, 42, and 114 brought into force, on 19 July 1990, by the Conservation Law Reform Act Commencement Order (No 3) 1990 (SR 1990/170).
Part 3 Amendments to Wildlife Act 1953
64 Part to be read with Wildlife Act 1953
This Part shall be read together with and deemed part of the Wildlife Act 1953 (in this Part referred to as “the principal Act”
).
89 Assets and liabilities of acclimatisation societies
(1)
Notwithstanding section 74 of this Act, the following provisions shall apply with respect to acclimatisation societies in existence and registered or deemed to be registered under the Wildlife Act 1953 immediately before the commencement of that section, and to those assets of any former acclimatisation society that are being held in trust or otherwise held at the commencement of this Act:
(a)
by 31 August 1990, each society shall forward to the Minister of Conservation—
(i)
a report of its operations since the end of the previous financial year; and
(ii)
an audited statement of accounts showing in detail its receipts and expenditure since the end of the previous financial year; and
(iii)
such other information relating to its assets and liabilities as the Minister may require:
(b)
the Minister shall identify the assets and liabilities of each society and transfer those assets and liabilities (including all real and personal property, money, contracts, and engagements) to the Transitional New Zealand Fish and Game Council and Transitional Fish and Game Councils, as the Minister considers appropriate; and those assets and liabilities shall vest in the Transitional Councils to which they are so transferred:
(c)
the Minister may transfer to an appropriate Transitional Council any assets of a former acclimatisation society that are being held in trust at the commencement of this Act:
(d)
on the disestablishment of Transitional Councils, the Minister shall transfer their assets and liabilities to the New Zealand Fish and Game Council and Fish and Game Councils, as the Minister considers appropriate; and those assets and liabilities shall vest in the Councils to which they are so transferred:
(e)
all proceedings pending by or against any society may be carried on, completed, and enforced by or against the Fish and Game Council for the area in which that society formerly operated before the commencement of this Act:
(f)
district Land Registrars are hereby directed and empowered to do all such things as are reasonably necessary to give effect to the transfer of any land under this subsection.
(2)
Subject to subsection (3) of this section, any person who, immediately before the commencement of section 74 of this Act, was an employee of any acclimatisation society, shall be offered employment by the Transitional Fish and Game Council established for the area in which that society operated for a period of not less than 6 months commencing from the date of the commencement of this Act, on terms and conditions of employment no less favourable than the terms and conditions of employment applying immediately before the commencement of that section to that person’s employment with that society.
(3)
Any person who, immediately before the commencement of section 74 of this Act, was an employee of either the Council of North Island Acclimatisation Societies or the Council of South Island Acclimatisation Societies, shall be offered employment by the Transitional New Zealand Fish and Game Council for a period of not less than 6 months commencing from the date of the commencement of this Act, on terms and conditions of employment no less favourable than the terms and conditions of employment applying immediately before the commencement of that section to that person’s employment with that Council.
(4)
Every person who accepts employment under subsection (2) shall, if so requested in writing by the Minister, provide the Minister with such assistance as the Minister may reasonably require for the purposes of paragraphs (b) and (c) of subsection (1).
(5)
Notwithstanding section 74 of this Act, all fish and game licences issued under any enactment by acclimatisation societies or conservancy councils, and District Anglers Notices issued by acclimatisation societies under the Fisheries Act 1983, shall continue in force according to their tenor until revoked or cancelled or replaced.
(6)
Notwithstanding anything in subsection (1), the Minister may transfer to the New Zealand Fish and Game Council or any Fish and Game Council all or any of the following:
(a)
the assets of the Council of North Island Acclimatisation Societies:
(b)
the assets of the Council of South Island Acclimatisation Societies:
(c)
the assets of the National Executive of Acclimatisation Societies:
(d)
the assets vested in or held by the Minister or any department of State in his or her or its capacity as the person having control of an acclimatisation district under the Wildlife Act 1953;—
and, upon such transfer, the following provisions apply:
(e)
the assets so transferred shall vest in the New Zealand Fish and Game Council or the Fish and Game Council, as the case may be:
(f)
nothing in the Public Works Act 1981 or in Part 4A of the Conservation Act 1987 shall apply in respect of any such transfer of assets:
(g)
all proceedings pending by or against the Council or Executive whose assets are so transferred, or by or against the Minister or a department of State in his or her or its capacity as the person having control of such a district, may be carried on, completed, and enforced by or against the body to whom the assets are so transferred:
(h)
District Land Registrars are hereby directed and empowered to do all such things as are reasonably necessary to give effect to the transfer of any land under this subsection.
Section 89(6): inserted, on 13 March 1996, by section 10 of the Wildlife Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 2).
Wildlife Amendment Act 1996
Public Act |
1996 No 2 |
|
Date of assent |
13 March 1996 |
|
Commencement |
see section 1 |
1 Short Title and commencement
(1)
This Act may be cited as the Wildlife Amendment Act 1996, and shall be read together with and deemed part of the Wildlife Act 1953 (hereinafter referred to as “the principal Act”
).
(2)
Sections 2(1), 3, and 8 shall come into force on 1 July 1996.
(3)
Section 6 shall come into force on a date to be fixed by the Governor-General by Order in Council.
(4)
Except as provided in subsections (2) and (3), this Act shall come into force on the day on which it receives the Royal assent.
3 Granting of concessions in wildlife sanctuaries, wildlife refuges, and wildlife management reserves
(1)
Amendment(s) incorporated in the Act(s).
(2)
Where any person lawfully occupied any wildlife sanctuary, wildlife refuge, or wildlife management reserve at the commencement of this Act in accordance with any right lawfully granted on or before 1 April 1987 under any Act or any contract made on or before 1 April 1987 then, notwithstanding sections 17U or 17W of the Conservation Act 1987, as inserted by section 7 of the Conservation Amendment Act 1996, the Minister may grant a concession to that occupant for the area lawfully occupied by the occupant, but the extent of the activities authorised by any such concession shall be no greater than was lawfully exercised by the occupant.
(3)
Where any concession is granted under subsection (2) to the occupant, any prior right given to the occupant to occupy the land shall be void and of no effect.
(4)
The provisions of section 17T(4) and (5) of the Conservation Act 1987 (as so inserted) shall not apply to any concession granted under subsection (2) of this section.
Biosecurity Law Reform Act 2012
Public Act |
2012 No 73 |
|
Date of assent |
17 September 2012 |
|
Commencement |
see section 2 |
1 Title
This Act is the Biosecurity Law Reform Act 2012.
2 Commencement
(1)
Section 19 and Part 2 come into force on the date appointed by the Governor-General by Order in Council.
(2)
The rest of this Act comes into force on the day after the date on which it receives the Royal assent.
(3)
An order under subsection (1) is secondary legislation (see Part 3 of the Legislation Act 2019 for publication requirements).
Section 2(1): section 19 and Part 2 brought into force, on 8 September 2017, by the Biosecurity Law Reform Act 2012 Commencement Order 2017 (LI 2017/173).
Section 2(3): inserted, on 28 October 2021, by section 3 of the Secondary Legislation Act 2021 (2021 No 7).
Part 3 Related amendments to other enactments
91 Amendments to Wildlife Act 1953
(1)
This section amends the Wildlife Act 1953.
(2)–(5)
Amendment(s) incorporated in the Act(s).
92 Transitional provision on wallabies and possums
(1)
The organism wallaby (family Macropodidae) is deemed to be an unwanted organism within the meaning in the Biosecurity Act 1993 for 2 years from the day on which this section commences.
(2)
The Governor-General may, by Order in Council, extend the period referred to in subsection (1).
(3)
The order is secondary legislation (see Part 3 of the Legislation Act 2019 for publication requirements).
(4)
Subsections (5) to (7) apply to a permit, licence, or other authority (permission) that—
(a)
was issued under the Wild Animal Control Act 1977; and
(b)
relates to a wallaby (family Macropodidae) or possum (family Phalangeridae); and
(c)
exists on the day on which this section commences.
(5)
A permission continues in force according to its tenor.
(6)
A reference in a permission to the Director-General of Conservation or to any other office or officer of the Department of Conservation or to the Minister of Conservation is deemed to be a reference to the Director-General as defined in the Biosecurity Act 1993.
(7)
The Director-General, as defined in the Biosecurity Act 1993, may exercise any or all of the powers under the Wild Animal Control Act 1977 to amend, suspend, revoke, or renew a permission.
Section 92(3): replaced, on 28 October 2021, by section 3 of the Secondary Legislation Act 2021 (2021 No 7).
Notes
1 General
This is a consolidation of the Wildlife Act 1953 that incorporates the amendments made to the legislation so that it shows the law as at its stated date.
2 Legal status
A consolidation is taken to correctly state, as at its stated date, the law enacted or made by the legislation consolidated and by the amendments. This presumption applies unless the contrary is shown.
Section 78 of the Legislation Act 2019 provides that this consolidation, published as an electronic version, is an official version. A printed version of legislation that is produced directly from this official electronic version is also an official version.
3 Editorial and format changes
The Parliamentary Counsel Office makes editorial and format changes to consolidations using the powers under subpart 2 of Part 3 of the Legislation Act 2019. See also PCO editorial conventions for consolidations.
4 Amendments incorporated in this consolidation
Statutes Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 74): Part 41
Wildlife (Authorisations) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 22)
Wildlife Order 2025 (SL 2025/22)
Wildlife Order 2022 (SL 2022/122)
Secondary Legislation Act 2021 (2021 No 7) section 3
Public Service Act 2020 (2020 No 40): section 135
Wildlife Order 2019 (LI 2019/154)
Conservation (Infringement System) Act 2018 (2018 No 61): Part 8
Customs and Excise Act 2018 (2018 No 4): section 443(3)
Electronic Interactions Reform Act 2017 (2017 No 50): Part 4 subpart 2
Wildlife (Powers) Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 2)
Statutes Amendment Act 2016 (2016 No 104): Part 29
Wildlife Amendment Act 2015 (2015 No 39)
Conservation (Natural Heritage Protection) Act 2013 (2013 No 89): Part 4
Wildlife Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 18)
Wildlife (Oceanic Whitetip Shark) Order 2012 (SR 2012/356)
Biosecurity Law Reform Act 2012 (2012 No 73): section 91
Search and Surveillance Act 2012 (2012 No 24): section 309
Criminal Procedure Act 2011 (2011 No 81): section 413
Wildlife (Canada Goose) Order 2011 (SR 2011/128)
Wildlife (Basking Shark) Order 2010 (SR 2010/411)
Wildlife Order 2010 (SR 2010/159): clause 3
Land Transport Management Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 47): section 50(1)
Relationships (Statutory References) Act 2005 (2005 No 3): section 7
Public Finance Amendment Act 2004 (2004 No 113): section 37(1)
Wildlife Amendment Act 2003 (2003 No 103)
Sentencing Act 2002 (2002 No 9): section 186
Human Rights Amendment Act 2001 (2001 No 96): section 70(1)
Public Audit Act 2001 (2001 No 10): section 53
Wildlife (Penalties and Related Matters) Amendment Act 2000 (2000 No 43)
Interpretation Act 1999 (1999 No 85): section 38(1)
Wildlife Order (No 2) 1996 (SR 1996/258)
Wildlife Amendment Act (No 2) 1996 (1996 No 151)
Fisheries Act 1996 (1996 No 88): section 316(1)
Wildlife Order 1996 (SR 1996/95)
Conservation Amendment Act (No 2) 1996 (1996 No 14): section 8
Wildlife Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 2)
Wildlife Amendment Act 1994 (1994 No 109)
Biosecurity Act 1993 (1993 No 95): section 168(1)
Wildlife Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 39)
Conservation Law Reform Act 1990 (1990 No 31): Part 3
Regulations (Disallowance) Act 1989 (1989 No 143): section 11
Public Finance Act 1989 (1989 No 44): section 83(7)
Conservation Act 1987 (1987 No 65): section 65(1)
Wildlife Order (No 2) 1986 (SR 1986/330)
Wildlife Order 1986 (SR 1986/7)
Wildlife Amendment Act 1983 (1983 No 48)
Public Works Act 1981 (1981 No 35): section 248(1)
National Parks Act 1980 (1980 No 66): section 80(2)
Wildlife Amendment Act 1980 (1980 No 17)
Coal Mines Act 1979 (1979 No 21): section 268(2)
Fencing Act 1978 (1978 No 50): section 28(1)
Reserves Act 1977 (1977 No 66): section 125(1)
Public Finance Act 1977 (1977 No 65): section 163(1)
Forest and Rural Fires Act 1977 (1977 No 52): section 70(a)
Government Superannuation Fund Amendment Act 1976 (1976 No 30): section 3(3)
Protected Objects Act 1975 (1975 No 41): section 24(a)
Wildlife Amendment Act 1973 (1973 No 99)
Wildlife (Cape Barren Goose) Order 1973 (SR 1973/210)
Wildlife (Canada Goose) Order 1973 (SR 1973/2): clause 2
Wildlife Amendment Act 1972 (1972 No 116)
Ministry of Transport Amendment Act 1972 (1972 No 4): section 6(2)(a)
Wildlife Amendment Act 1971 (1971 No 140)
Mining Act 1971 (1971 No 25): section 247(1)
Wildlife Order (No 2) 1970 (SR 1970/208)
Wildlife Order 1970 (SR 1970/124)
Wildlife Amendment Act 1968 (1968 No 120)
Wildlife Amendment Act 1964 (1964 No 63)
Animals Protection Act 1960 (1960 No 30): section 21(1)
Wildlife Amendment Act 1959 (1959 No 49)
Wildlife (Canada Goose) Order 1959 (SR 1959/43)
Wildlife Amendment Act 1956 (1956 No 5)
Tenancy Act 1955 (1955 No 50): section 59(1)
Rabbits Act 1955 (1955 No 28): section 118(1)
Gazette 1955, p 431
Reserves and Domains Act 1953 (1953 No 69): section 107(1)
Versions
Wildlife Act 1953
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