The White Pointer shark will now be fully protected within New Zealand waters, although shark nets will still be used off Dunedin beaches.

Conservation Minister Chris Carter has announced changes to legislation to protect the shark.

From April it will be illegal to hunt, kill or harm a White Pointer shark within New Zealand's 200 nautical mile exclusive economic zone.

New Zealand flagged boats are also prohibited from catching the White Pointer outside our exclusive economic zone.

Anyone caught possessing or trading any part of a White Pointer Shark will face up to $250,000 in fines, or six months imprisonment.