This study addresses the question of whether New Zealand is prepared to deal with a major oil spill in its coastal waters. To this end, the New Zealand Oil Pollution Contingency Plan was examined and analysed for its effectiveness in the event of such an emergency. It was found that the New Zealand Oil Pollution Contingency Plan in its present form was inadequate and in urgent need of improvement. The major shortcomings of oil pollution control in New Zealand were identified as a lack of guidelines to carry out an effective oil spill response, a lack of trained personnel at all levels, and a lack of ongoing development within the contingency planning process. If New Zealand is to avoid the environmental disaster that may result from a large oil spill, more commitment to comprehensive and effective preparation is required.