The Nelson Marlborough Conservation Board is the community’s voice in conservation management in the region. The board gives advice to DOC on local conservation matters and carries out important planning roles.

A major responsibility of the board is in the development and implementation of the Nelson/Marlborough Conservation Management Strategy, the Abel Tasman National Park Management Plan (NPMP), the Kahurangi NPMP, and the Nelson Lakes NPMP.

These statutory plans identify and establish objectives for the integrated management of natural and historic resources within the region. The Conservation Board is involved in the preparation, review, amendment, and implementation monitoring of the plan.