Native Plants Protection Act 1934 (No. 15 of 1934).

The Act, consisting of 10 sections, gives the power to the Governor-General to declare native plants which are to be protected. It is an offence to take protected native plants, except for medicinal purposes or for bona fide scientific research or nature study in schools, provided that this is not done in such a manner as to deplete the species in any one habitat. Possession of the protected native plant is prima facie evidence of offence, which is punishable by fine. The responsible Minister may however issue permits authorizing the taking of protected plants. "Native plant" is defined in the Act as "any plant which is indigenous to New Zealand and includes any part thereof except ripe fruit, ripe seed and spores."
The Act prohibits the unauthorized taking of protected native plants from Crown land, State forest land, public reserves, or private property without consent. However, there are exceptions for medicinal or scientific purposes, as well as for nature study or propagation in gardens, provided it does not deplete the species in their habitat. Possession of a protected native plant is considered evidence of an offense. The Act also empowers the issuance of authority to take protected native plants and outlines penalties for offenses. Additionally, it states that other Acts, such as the Scenery Preservation Act 1908 and the Forests Act 1921,22, are not affected by its provisions. The Act is administered by the Department of Conservation The Act serves as a crucial tool in preserving New Zealand's native plant species and maintaining ecological balance.