Discounts policy review

In 2021, DOC produced an interim policy with a structured process for awarding discounts. The objectives of the policy were to:

• encourage use of DOC facilities and engagement with nature and heritage, and
• reward contributions to recreation and conservation.

The policy was aimed particularly at partner groups and stakeholders who assist and support DOC in our work.

Various pressures at the time meant the policy was developed without partner and stakeholder input. This has now been done.

Issues of transparency and fairness were identified, and the policy itself was seen as:

• overly complex
• presenting opportunities for simplification
• improvement to reduce administrative costs and revenue loss.

Revised policy

Recreation facilities and service discount policy (PDF, 5,329K)

Summary of changes

The review’s changes focused on the nature of discounts DOC currently offers.

Incentives

Incentives primarily for children and youth. The current 50% discount off adult prices are built-in to the pricing structure and remain unchanged.

Rewards

Rewards for organisations contributing to conservation and recreation. These discounts have been reviewed and amended to:

• reduce the range and level of the discounts available
• raise the qualification bar for eligibility
• only provide discounts only on Backcountry Hut Passes and Campsite Passes.

The overall process remains essentially the same, but the criteria and structure of the discounts offered will be simpler.

Affordability

In addition to the two categories of discount currently in place, a third affordability discount has been added. It will provide 25% off fees for adult holders of Community Services Cards. It will be applied in the same way as the 50% discount for children and youth – where eligible adults will need to select this price.

In order to set up an account for this in DOC’s booking system, evidence of holding a Community Services Card must be provided.

Key benefits of changes

The following positive outcomes are expected from these changes.

A transparent, fairer, and simpler discount awarding system for everyone

The price incentive for children and youth to access DOC facilities remains unchanged. The new affordability discount will provide an opportunity for lower socio-economic groups to access DOC facilities.

DOC will still offer organisations the opportunity for reduced facility fees for their contribution to conservation and recreation, but at a reduced discount. There is a clear process for applying and criteria for approving these discounts.

A reduction in revenue lost due to discounts

This will be partly due to:

• some organisations not receiving discounts (or not applying for discounts),
• lower discount levels on offer,
• and a reduced range of discounted product-experiences available. 

Reduced costs through reduced complexity 

The simplified discount structure is expected to reduce Booking Services, Visitor Centre and Operations staff time and costs processing discounts, or visitor interactions over discounts.

The simpler discount structure and refined application process will also help DOC better understand the extent of revenue forgone through discounts. Currently the revenue loss cannot be quantified accurately.

What happens next

The revised policy will be implemented through DOC’s systems and processes. Existing discount holders will be advised of the changes and invited to re-apply under the new criteria and structure. The discount policy itself will enter a three year cycle of review and revision – next review 2027.

For anyone wishing to apply for a discount under this policy, the necessary information is here:

• Applying for a discount on DOC accommodation and passes - guidance for organisations (PDF, 950K)
• DOC discount application form (DOCX, 18K)

Contact

If you need any further information, email the SIP Review Team at SIPengagement@doc.govt.nz.

Related information

Interim policy – recreational facilities and services discounts (PDF, 4,221K)