I was going to get rainbow skinks of Trade me once and ask and here is the email I got back ...
Further to your query about Rainbow Skinks and permits last night.
I have asked DOC and MAF's resident herpetologist and this is what they have got back to me with:
"Anyone wanting to hold rainbow skinks requires a permit from DOC, under the Wildlife Act.
It is illegal for anyone to hold ‘absolutely protected’ wildlife without the permission of our Director-General. While I appreciate that it is somewhat odd that rainbow skinks (a known pest) is absolutely protected, this is the law as it currently stands – and this is something I am addressing with MAFBNZ as we speak. Until that resolution comes though, anyone wanting to do anything with rainbow skinks needs a permit from DOC.
To apply for the permit, the person should contact the relevant conservancy – in this case, East Coast/Bay of Plenty (ph: 07 349 7400, to call reception).
You are right on your interpretation on the release of rainbow skinks. It is illegal under the Wildlife Act to liberate any wildlife (without permission), this includes rainbow skinks."
So I was not correct in my interpretation: you do need a permit to keep them even though they are a pest species. This may change it seems, but as the law stands now, a permit is needed.
Thankyou for your call to the exotic pest and disease hotline, and please do not hesitate to contact me if you have other queries.
Best regards