Environment Minister Nick Smith has announced new national rules for the use of poisons such as 1080.

Dr Smith made the announcement while visiting the Tiritiri Matangi Sanctuary in Auckland's Hauraki Gulf.

The rules have come about after concern over inconsistency among different regional guidelines.

Dr Smith says despite opposition to the poisons, they are essential for protecting New Zealand's natural heritage.

"The change will not increase any of the risks around the use of these poisons...It is expected to save $11 million over the next 20 years, enabling more pests to be controlled and more species saved."

Smith said the new approach would standardise the rules for using poisons like 1080.

The change was advocated for by the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment, who expressed concern about the duplication and inconsistency between regional rules.

The new national regulations will start from April 1, and are approved under the Resource Management Act.