New regulations to manage waste and pollution in the waters around New Zealand are already being criticised.

Regulations to manage discharges, dumping of waste and burial at sea in New Zealand's Exclusive economic Zone have come into effect this weekend.

The new rules are the final stage of implementing the Government's environmental law covering the ocean, which was passed in 2012.

Minister for the Environment Nick Smith said the rules are part of a “broader plan by the government for New Zealand to be a world leader in responsible use of the ocean environment”.

“That puts us in great shape in terms of leadership around responsible ocean use.”

The Green Party isn't convinced, however. Environment spokesperson Eugenie Sage claimed the government failed to do a proper scientific assessment and there is significant potential for impacts on the seabed.

“It’s not world class where you have it as a permitted activity to discharge sediment associated with seabed prospecting for gold, sulphites and iron sand.”

“The government’s agenda for our deep sea is to maximise economic exploitation, to have some regulation, but these regulations are far too permissive.”