The Department of Conservation is the central government organisation charged with conserving the natural and historic heritage of New Zealand on behalf of and for the benefit of present and future New Zealanders.
Its mission is "to conserve New Zealand's natural and historic heritage for all to enjoy now and in the future".
The department's responsibilities are encapsulated in its Maori name - Te Papa Atawhai; Te papa signifies a box or container (for the taonga or treasures) and atawhai the act of caring, nurturing or preserving.
