The EEZ Act sets up a legislative framework for environmental management in New Zealand’s Exclusive Economic Zone and the Continental Shelf.
The purpose of the Act is to promote the sustainable management of the natural resources in this area. The Act enables regulations to be developed to assist with the administration of the Act.
Further information about the development of the EEZ Act and associated policy and regulation can be found on the Ministry for the Environment’s website.
EPA functions
The EPA will undertake the day-to-day operations of administering the legislation - including decision making, assessment of information, and required monitoring and enforcement.
Other marine management regimes
The new EEZ legislation forms a part of New Zealand’s marine management regime. Some controls already exist for activities in the EEZ. For example, fishing and shipping are already regulated, and the new legislation does not replace this. However, some activities may have requirements under more than one Act.