The Sounds Foreshore Reserve occupies 900 km of the Marlborough Sounds coastline. It is owned by all New Zealanders and is managed on their behalf by DOC.
For more information on when and what you are permitted to construct on the Sounds Foreshore Reserve see Private access structures on Sounds Foreshore Reserve.
Transfer of Sounds Foreshore Reserve concessions and licences
When a property adjoining the Sounds Foreshore Reserve changes hands DOC authorisation for private structures or activities on the Sounds Foreshore Reserve must be transferred to the new owner. This can be arranged by the new owner once they receive the Record of Title.
For more information about transferring a Sounds Foreshore Reserve licence or concession(s) into your name, contact askpermissions@doc.govt.nz.
Pre-application advice
To ensure your concession application goes smoothly, we offer up to one hour of pre-application advice. See Pre-application advice: Apply for permits for further information about this service.
Type of concession
You may need different types of authorisation from DOC. For example, a Sounds Foreshore Reserve lease concession for your boatshed, and an easement concession for the power and water running to your boatshed.
Your DOC advisor will advise on what concession(s) you will need in your pre-application meeting.
Apply for your concession
You may need more than one type of concession from DOC, depending on the structures or activities involved. For example:
- Access structures require a licence concession.
- Buildings, or parts of buildings, located on the Sounds Foreshore Reserve (SFR) require a lease concession.
- Utility services, such as electricity, water, or wastewater infrastructure, require an easement concession.
Concessions are required for both existing and proposed structures on the Sounds Foreshore Reserve.
A DOC Permissions Advisor can help determine which concession types you need. To discuss your proposal, email askpermissions@doc.govt.nz. DOC may offer a pre-application meeting if it is considered necessary.
To apply, complete the Sounds Foreshore Reserve concession application form and email it to permissions@doc.govt.nz.
For guidance on preparing your application, see Preparing a permission application: Permissions.
Note: You may also need approvals from the Marlborough District Council, including building consents and resource consents. Contact the Council directly to confirm any requirements.
Timeframe
Complex applications could take several months to be processed.
See How long it takes to process an application for more information on application timeframes.
Permission fees
You will be required to pay fees for processing your application, no matter the outcome.
If your application is approved, you will be required to pay associated ongoing fees.
See Permission fees: Managing your concession for further information on our permission fees approach, application processing fees and ongoing concession fees.
Contact us
For more information or assistance with your application contact askpermissions@doc.govt.nz.