Conservation Act 1987 (No. 65 of 1987).

This Act aims to promote the conservation of natural and historic resources of New Zealand and provides for the establishment of the Department of Conservation.
Functions of the Board include the management for conservation purposes, of all land and other natural and historic resources, and the preservation of all indigenous freshwater fisheries and freshwater fish habitats.
The Act also establishes the New Zealand Conservation Authority whose functions and powers include advising the Minister on general policy prepared under a series of related acts, approving conservation management strategies and plans, encouraging educational activities and making proposals regarding the classification of protected areas. The work of this Authority shall be supported by a series of Conservation Boards, each with responsibility for a specific area of conservation.
The Act empowers the Minister of Conservation to: appoint suitable persons to be the Guardians of Lakes Manapouri, Monowai and te Anau; create conservation areas for conservation purposes (reserves, national parks, etc.) which shall be managed by the Department of Conservation in accordance with conservation management strategies, management plans and freshwater fisheries management plans; grant a concession in the form of a lease, licence, permit or easement in respect of any activity carried out in any conservation area; create specially protected areas such as ecological, sanctuary, watercourse, amenity or wilderness areas; etc.
The Act further provides for: prohibition to sell or dispose of marginal strips as specified in Part 4A; establishment of the New Zealand Fish and Game Council and of regional Fish and Game Councils to represent the interests of anglers and hunters and provide coordination of the management, enhancement and maintenance of sports fish and game; freshwater fisheries; Maori fishing rights; taking sports fish without a licence; restrictions on fishing; closed seasons for fishing; control of dogs; offences and penalties; administrative matters; etc.