New Doc processes hailed

Some Queenstown-based tourism operators are welcoming changes to the way the Department of Conservation (Doc) processes permits for commercial activities on public conservation land.

Minister of Conservation Kate Wilkinson recently announced a revamp of the concession application process, including tighter timeframes.

Ngai Tahu Tourism southern regional general manager David Kennedy said the changes would make the process more consistent.

"It is good to have tighter systems in place. Response times have been an issue for some people in the past," he said.

Ngai Tahu Tourism runs Dart River Safaris, Hollyford Guided Walks in the Hollyford Valley and Shotover Jet.

Totally Tourism managing director Mark Quickfall said he was pleased the department had reviewed its processes, particularly the renewal of concession permits.

Totally Tourism runs adventure activities on Doc land, including Harris Mountains Heli-Ski, Challenge Rafting and scenic flights.

The Tourism Industry Association New Zealand (TIA) advocacy manager Geoff Ensor said the improvements would give tourism operators more certainty and clarity.

He said the changes were a "big step forward".

"Several hundred TIA members hold concessions to operate on public conservation lands and marine reserves. These activities offer visitors some of their most memorable experiences in New Zealand, including tramping, mountaineering, jet-boating, whale watching and caving," he said.

The association had been working closely with Doc to find ways to improve the processing of consent applications to protect the conservation estate and the safety and quality of visitor experiences.

Alpine Guides managing director Bryan Carter said his organisation had had a long and largely positive relationship with Doc.

"Given the many challenges faced by our industry, it's particularly encouraging to see them focus attention on delivering better, shorter and more consistent concession processes, while ensuring quality, safety and conservation values remain paramount," he said.

Adventure South operations manager Tim de Jong said he applauded the plans to address consistency and timeliness.

The Minister said Doc had granted more than 4500 concessions for activities ranging from boating to filming, guiding, bungy jumping, bee keeping, stock grazing and skiing.

It received more than 1100 applications every year from private operators and individuals.

"Doc was asked to review how it handles concession applications in response to concerns that the consistency and timeliness of permit processing varied between conservancies around the country," Ms Wilkinson said.

The concessions provided opportunities for thousands of New Zealand businesses, many of which supported the $20 billion-a-year tourism industry.

"It's important that there is a consistent approach to handling these permits and that applicants and the department know exactly what is expected of each other," she said.

Assessment criteria would not change.

"Applications will continue to be carefully vetted to ensure the activities respect conservation values and public input is sought when there could be significant impacts."

The changes, the result of working party recommendations, will take effect from July 1.