Conservation Law Reform Act (No. 31 of 1990).

This Act introduces major changes to the Marine Reserves Act of 1971 and this can be seen in section 53 containing the new sections 6-16 on management of marine reserves. In fact, management committees are abolished (sect. 61) and their functions and powers are divested to the Director-General of Conservation who shall administer, manage and control such reserves in accordance with approved general policies, conservation management strategies (establishing objectives for the integrated management of marine reserves) and conservation management plans (sect. 9). The Director-General also takes over the functions of inquiry and advice to the Minister on all matters relating to marine reserves (sect. 10). In exercising his powers under section 11, the D-G shall be guided by certain conservation objectives set out in section 12. Responsibility is also handed over to the New Zealand Conservation Authority who shall advise the D-G on the welfare of marine reserves (sect. 13). Whereas in the principal Act "any suitable person" could be appointed as a ranger by the Director General, rangers are now deemed to be any Fishery Officers appointed under the Fisheries Act of 1983 (see Fisheries Act 1996 for possible amendments) or under the Conservation Act of 1987. Section 24 on regulation-making powers now lists specific areas for further regulation. By-laws made by ex-management committees are now deemed to be regulations under the principal Act (sects. 62-63).