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New Zealand law explained for everyone

Resource Management Act 1991

Interpretation and application

2B: Rules that control fishing

You could also call this:

"Rules to help keep fishing fair and safe"

Illustration for Resource Management Act 1991

When you are fishing, there are rules that control what you can do. A rule that controls fishing is one that directly affects fishing, like a rule about what fishing gear you can use or where you can fish. This type of rule also includes ones that say what fish or seaweed you can take.

You should know that some rules do not directly control fishing, but can still affect it, like rules about noise or vessels, are not considered rules that control fishing. When we talk about fishing in this section, we do not include activities related to aquaculture. The rules about fishing are part of the Resource Management Act 1991, which was amended by the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Act 2025.

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View the original legislation for this page at https://legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1986/0120/latest/link.aspx?id=LMS1494426.

Topics:
Environment and resources > Farming and fishing
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"What happens when someone is replaced by someone else in the Resource Management Act"

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3: Meaning of effect, or

"What 'effect' means in the Resource Management Act 1991: any change that happens because of something, whether it's good, bad, big, or small."

Part 1Interpretation and application

2BRules that control fishing

  1. In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires, a rule that controls fishing—

  2. means a rule that directly controls fishing, for example, a rule that controls—
    1. the use of fishing gear or particular fishing methods; or
      1. the taking of fish, aquatic life, or seaweed; or
        1. areas where fishing may occur; but
        2. does not include a rule that affects fishing indirectly, for example,—
          1. a rule that restricts the release of noise, odours, or harmful substances; or
            1. a rule that relates to anchoring, navigation, or vessels.

            2. In this section, fishing excludes any aquaculture activity.

            Notes
            • Section 2B: inserted, on , by section 5 of the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 41).