A conservation board provides for interaction between a community and the Department of Conservation.
Conservation boards are independent bodies, established by statute.
Each board represents the community interest in the work of the Department, and conservation in general, within the area of jurisdiction of that board. They are advisors to the Department and the New Zealand Conservation Authority. There are 14 conservation boards, each with a defined geographical area and up to 12 members. The functions of boards are set out in Section 6M of the Conservation Act 1987 and in the National Parks, Reserves and Walkways Acts. A major responsibility for each board is overseeing the Conservation Management Strategy for its region.