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. A Conservation Management Strategy is a 10-year plan for managing and protecting the natural and historic features and wildlife of the region. Conservation Management Strategies are prepared by a board and the Department in consultation with local communities. Once a Conservation Management Strategy has been approved by the New Zealand Conservation Authority, boards advise on their implementation.
Conservation boards consist of up to twelve members appointed mostly from public nominations.
Members are appointed for the knowledge they have of nature conservation, natural earth and marine sciences, historic heritage, recreation, tourism, the local community and Maori perspectives. Before making appointments to the boards the Minister consults with the New Zealand Conservation Authority. The Minister of Maori Affairs is consulted for any appointment representing tangata whenua interests. Boards are a multi-talented team of people from diverse backgrounds. For example, teachers, farmers, scientists, tangata whenua, trampers, historians and tourism operators.