Other Legislation

Environmental management

The New Zealand system of environmental management is intended to be integrated, consistent, and effects-based. The Resource Management Act 1991 is the core of the legislation intended to help achieve environmental sustainability. The purpose of the Resource Management Act 1991 is to promote the sustainable management of natural and physical resources by setting out the management of the environment, including air, water, soil, biodiversity, the coastal environment, noise, and land use planning in general. The Ministry for the Environment is responsible for administering the Resource Management Act 1991. The Resource Management Act 1991 applies onshore and offshore out to a 12 nautical mile boundary.

The Maritime Transport Act 1994 provides for the management of the marine environment beyond the 12-nautical mile boundary out to the 200-nautical mile boundary, as well as providing for health and safety matters to seafarers and obligations to international maritime agreements and conventions. The Maritime Transport Act 1994 is administered by the Maritime Safety Authority.

Health and Safety

The Health and Safety in Employment (Pipelines) Regulations 1999, made under the Health and Safety in Employment Act 1992, replace the Petroleum Pipelines Regulations 1984. These regulations concern matters relating to health and safety in the operations of pipelines and typically apply to pipelines carrying gas or oil from production facilities to distribution points.

The Health and Safety in Employment (Petroleum Exploration and Extraction) Regulations 1999, made under the Health and Safety in Employment Act 1992, concern health and safety issues in the operation of installations for petroleum exploration and extraction, both onshore and offshore.

The Occupational Safety and Health Service, within the Department of Labour administer the Health and Safety in Employment Regulations.

For further information contact:

Occupational Safety and Health Service
Department of Labour
PO Box 342
New Plymouth

Website: www.osh.dol.govt.nz