Holiday shutdown period
Applications for permits and concessions will not be processed during our statutory shutdown period from Monday 22 December 2025 to Friday 9 January 2026. Processing will resume on Monday 12 January 2026.
DOC offices will close at 5 pm on 24 December 2025 and will reopen on Monday 5 January 2026.
Application processing targets introduced
DOC is focused on making sure it is easier for people and businesses to work with us, protect nature, manage conservation land while enabling recreation and tourism.
In November 2024 performance targets were introduced for processing permissions. The targets will see:
- most applications processed within specific timeframes
- that there are no active applications over one year old (with some exceptions) by the end of the 25/26 financial year.
The introduced timeframes are being phased in and will be fully in place by July 2026.
In the meantime, DOC is making many improvements to the way we process applications to ensure we can process them faster. For example, we have changed how drone applications are processed. Some other areas need longer-term programmes of work to achieve the step change that will be required to reach the targets.
Application targets
|
Application type |
Target for end of 24/25 FY |
Target for end of 25/26 FY |
|---|---|---|
|
Permits (concessions under the Conservation Act) including one-off permits. Examples: guiding, aircraft landings. |
80% within 4 months |
95% within 4 months |
|
Wildlife Authorities (under the Wildlife Act). Examples: lizard salvage for development, species translocation. |
80% within 6 months |
95% within 6 months |
|
Non-notified licenses and easements (concessions under the Conservation Act). Examples: grazing, telecoms sites. |
80% within 7 months |
95% within 7 months |
|
Leases and notified licenses (concessions under the Conservation Act). Examples: ski fields, accommodation. |
70% within 9 months |
95% within 9 months |
|
Mining access arrangements (under the Crown Minerals Act). Example: coal and alluvial gold mining. |
70% within 6 months |
95% within 6 months |
|
Application backlog. No active applications are older than one year (exceptions may be identified). |
n/a |
100% |
Application process
The application process involves:
- assessment of the activity against legislation and statutory planning documents
- assessment of the effects of the activity
- assessment of Māori rights and interests which may require engagement with iwi and hapū
- undertaking a statutory public notification process if required (minimum of 20 working days for public notification, but typically more time is required).
More information about the application process
If you carry out your activity before your application has been approved, you are likely to be committing an offence. Find out about DOC’s compliance and law enforcement function
Why some applications are processed faster
Complex proposals, with long terms and significant impacts take longer to process. Delays will also arise if more information is required to support the application.
Complete applications prevent delays
You can ensure you avoid preventable delays by checking what information you need to supply to make a complete application. Many applications are missing key information such as specific locations, and these are fundamental.
Iwi and hapū engagement is required for most applications
We may contact iwi and hapū in the area about your application and seek their formal comments. This process usually takes 20-40 working days, and we continue processing your application during our engagement process.
Engagement may take longer if:
- your application spans multiple regions
- there are significant iwi or hapū interests
- your activity is complex.
We recommend you consult with local iwi and hapū before you apply. If you want to consult iwi and hapū, your local DOC office can advise you on the best people to contact as part of your pre-application advice.
Effects of your proposal need to be considered
Some applications require input from technical experts within DOC to assess the effects of the activity and ensure adverse effects can be avoided, remedied, or mitigated.
Similarly, if your activity occurs in multiple locations, more time is needed to assess the impacts of the activity. There can also be multiple iwi, hapū and whānau groups to consult, or the activity or location of the activity may include sites of significance or taonga species.