The New Zealand Dragon Boat Association (NZDBA) has as it primary aim to represent the interests of all dragon boat paddlers in New Zealand.

The objects and aims of the NZDBA are to:

• to promote and develop dragon boating as a sport and to foster the control and management of the pursuit of dragon boating in New Zealand
• promote and encourage safety and a safe environment on and around the water at all times
• promote,be responsible for, manage, develop and encourage dragon boat competitions and regattas, at all levels, whilst maintaining the established traditions of the sport in New Zealand 
• promote, develop and mandate design, safety, construction and equipment standards and specifications for dragon boats and associated equipment
• promote and foster good fellowship, social interaction, friendship and fair play within the sport of dragon boating 
• promote, develop and maintain a cultural and social aspect to the sport of dragon boating
• advise, guide and encouragement of all participants in the sport of dragon boating including but not limited to schools, supporters and sponsors of dragon boating
• develop and promulgate rules, bylaws and codes of conduct for the administration and control of dragon boating in New Zealand
• act as an authority over dragon boat racing. Hear and determine or otherwise arbitrate over disputes and protests
• represent the interests of dragon boating with governing bodies of sport, national sports bodies and local or national government organisations or authorities
• establish and support, and aid in the establishment and support of, any other association formed to promote all or any of the principal objects
•  to assess and determine selection criteria and co-ordinate participation of New Zealand teams at IDBF events such as CCWC and World Dragon Boat Championships
• select and control the associations New Zealand representative team
• liaise and maintain contact with dragon boat racing organisations in other countries and communicate international news to local teams
• promote New Zealand as a venue for international dragon boat races
•  develop and implement an accredited coach and sweep training programme on a national basis to meet IDBF standards
• determine the venue of the New Zealand National Dragon Boat Championships on an annual basis and to ensure that such venue adequately meets the IDBF International Standards
• maintain the principle of neither interfering nor permitting interference in the matters concerning its members;
• ensure that no political, racial, gender or religious discrimination occurs towards any dragon boat paddler, official, supporter or member of the public at any dragon boat training, regatta, festival or any other event concerning dragon boating within New Zealand

NZDBA is a full member of the international governing body, the International Dragon Boat Federation (IDBF), which is recognised by the General Assembly of International Sports Federation (GAISF) as the international governing body for the sport of dragon boating.

NZDBA is a member of the New Zealand Canoe Federation, which is recognised as an 'NSO' by SPARC.  Teams, clubs and associations need NSO affiliation to apply for funding in NZ.