1976 CoEnCo renamed as ECO. NZ rejoins the International Whaling Commission. 1977 The "Territorial Sea and Exclusive Economic Zone Act" is passed. Queen Elizabeth II National Trust Act set up to encourage the protection of private land from development. 20 July — The Maruia Declaration with a 341,159 signature petition is presented to Government. 23 December — The Reserves Act is passed (includes provision for Wilderness Areas). 23 December — The Wild Animal Control Act is passed. 1978 Tree top protest in Pureora Forest to halt the logging of native forest. 1 April — The Reserves Act 1977 comes into force. 1979 Five black robins left but saved from extinction by Don Merton and team. The Litter Act 1979 is passed. 1 January — Marine Mammals Protection Act came into force. 1980s 1980 Protests over a proposed aluminium smelter at Aramoana (See also: Independent State of Aramoana) Clyde Dam protests. Native Forest Restoration Trust established to purchase and protect native forests. The National Parks Act 1980 was enforced. 1982 The approval of the water rights necessary for the high Clyde Dam is overturned on appeal in Gilmore v. National Water and Soil Conservation Authority (1982) The National Government enacts the Clutha Development (Clyde Dam Empowering) Act 1982 to overturn the High Court case refusing water rights. 1983 Friends of the Earth NZ joins Friends of the Earth International. 1 October — Fisheries Act comes into force (establishes a fishing quota system). 1984 New Zealand's nuclear-free zone declared by the Labour Government. 1985 10 July — Bombing of Rainbow Warrior by French secret agents. 1986 The Environment Act is passed, establishing the Ministry for the Environment (MfE) and the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment (PCE). Quota Management System (QMS) introduced to conserve fish stocks within the Exclusive Economic Zone. Kea are given full protection. West Coast Accord signed for the protection of portions of native forest from logging. 1987 Paparoa National Park established. 1 January — Environment Act comes into force 1 April — Conservation Act 1987 comes into force (establishes DoC, Fish and Game) 1989 The Tasman Accord is signed between Tasman Forestry Ltd environmental groups and the Government. 1 June — Trade in Endangered Species Act 1989 comes into force (CITES) 1990s 1990 Banning of wood chip exports. Creation of Tongariro National Park World Heritage site. Creation of Te Wahipounamu World Heritage site. Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand