Scott, Karen N.2020-09-012020-09-012016Scott KN (2016). Evolving MPA management in New Zealand: Between principle and pragmatism. Ocean Development and International Law. 47(3). 289-307.0090-83201521-0642https://hdl.handle.net/10092/100977© 2016 Taylor and Francis Group, LLC. In January 2016 New Zealand released a consultation document proposing a new act on marine protected areas designed to significantly reform current and now dated policy. This article explores those reform proposals in the context of the current regulatory regime, international obligations, and the best practice of selected other states. While the proposed act provides for a much firmer legislative base from which to develop an MPA network to conserve biodiversity and ecosystem function, nevertheless it is limited in geographic and functional scope. As such, it represents a missed opportunity and undermines New Zealand’s claims to be an international leader in ocean management.enAll rights reserved unless otherwise statedSocial SciencesInternational RelationsLawGovernment & LawMarine protected areas (MPAs)New ZealandreformMARINEJournal Article2020-08-251801 LawFields of Research::48 - Law and legal studies::4803 - International and comparative law::480309 - Ocean law and governanceFields of Research::48 - Law and legal studies::4802 - Environmental and resources law::480203 - Environmental lawFields of Research::44 - Human society::4407 - Policy and administration::440704 - Environment policyhttp://doi.org/10.1080/00908320.2016.1194096