Looking back – looking forward? Institutional aspects of New Zealand approaches to nature conservation

Abstract

This issue of Policy Quarterly examines the issue of governing human-nature relationships for the future. This article aims to provide context by examining the history of how New Zealand’s institutions for nature conservation have developed. Some may argue about the strengths or weaknesses, effectiveness, efficiency or legitimacy of New Zealand’s conservation governance. But understanding what it is, and how it came about, provides a platform from which to look at the future.