The New Zealand Marine Department was a government department in New Zealand that managed the administration of marine law.
[1] The New Zealand Marine Department was created in late 1866, initially holding responsibility for the administration of the country's lighthouses.
It grew in scope to cover many other responsibilities including overseeing mercantile marine activities and harbour duties, regulating the fisheries industry and the administration of the Ross Dependency.
The Shipping and Seamen's Act of 1877 gave the Marine Department statutory recognition and authorised the Governor to appoint both a Minister and a Secretary to head the Department.
[3] During the early 1970s, following a report of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into the State Services in New Zealand, the Marine Department was converted into the Marine Division of the Ministry of Transport.