Environmental Requirements
Learn about the environmental regulations that apply to commercial vessels operating in New Zealand waters and accepted international practices operators are expected to follow.
Environmental requirements for operators
All vessels, from large ships to small dinghies, must comply with the marine protection requirements laid out in the Marine Protection Rules, Resource Management Act and associated regulations.
Marine protection legislation, conventions and jurisdictional arrangements in New Zealand
A number of regulatory authorities combine to implement New Zealand’s marine protection regime, including Maritime NZ, regional councils, the Environment Protection Authority and Biosecurity NZ.
Oil pollution response
The National Maritime Response System leads responses to marine oil pollution incidents in New Zealand.
Environmental case studies
Access information about environmental incidents and case studies, including the Rena incident.