New regulations to manage waste and pollution in the waters around New Zealand have come into effect today.

The law will manage discharges, dumping of waste and burial at sea from offshore installations like oil rigs and ships within the country's Exclusive Economic Zone.

Environment Minister Nick Smith says the new rules are the final stage of implementing the Government's environmental law covering the ocean, which was passed in 2012.

He says the Government has an aim for New Zealand to be a world leader in ocean environment protection, and the next step is to update marine protected area laws.