National Parks Act 1980 (No. 66 of 1980).

This Act, consisting of 8 Parts and 3 Schedules, provides a framework for the creation, management and maintenance of national parks as areas where the following three principles are to apply: (i) parks are to be maintained in a natural state and the public is to have right of entry; (ii) indigenous plants and animals are to be preserved; (iii) the Minister of Conservation may authorize the introduction of biological organisms so as to control wild animal or animal pests, after consulting the New Zealand Conservation Authority and having regard to whether such organisms will themselves have adverse effects and to the presence of sufficient scientific advice to support their introduction. Within national park areas, the Governor-General may declare specially protected areas (access to which is allowed only by permit); wilderness areas in which no building or machinery shall be preserved, constructed and in which no animals, motorised vehicles or vessels shall be allowed to enter. The New Zealand Conservation Authority as well as the Conservation Boards established under the Conservation Act 1987 are responsible for the management of national parks, including the preparation of general policy and the approval of management plans for each national park which shall be reviewed at intervals of not more than ten years. Concessions may be granted by the Minister for farming and grazing land, the continuing of which is in the public interest. Dogs are not allowed in national parks, unless with a permit, according to Part Va on the control of dogs. The remainder of the Act deals with financial provisions and offences.