The Ministry’s role is to act as the Government’s principal adviser on New Zealand’s fisheries management and the impacts of fishing on the aquatic environment.
In performing its role, the Ministry operates within the framework of a range of laws, most notably the Fisheries Act 1996
The essential purpose of the Fisheries Act 1996 is to provide for the utilisation
of fisheries resources, while ensuring sustainability
In addition to the Fisheries Act 1996, the Ministry is also responsible for the administration of a range of other laws, including:
The Ministry has a vital role in delivering the Crown's obligations to Maori under the Treaty of Waitangi (Fisheries Claims) Settlement Act 1992, the Maori Commercial Aquaculture Claims Settlement Act 2004 and the Maori Fisheries Act 2004.
The Ministry also administers a significant number of regulations which relate to the management of fisheries within New Zealand and fishing outside New Zealand’s Exclusive Economic Zone
All of the relevant laws and rules relating to the management of fisheries within New Zealand can be found in NORA, the Ministry’s database of fisheries related legislation, grouped by notices, orders, regulations and Acts.