Concession processing timeframes
Information about the timeframes for you and DOC for each concession process.
On this page:
DOC's timeframes
DOC will process your application within these timeframes unless otherwise agreed with you:
-
Conforming: 5 working days
-
One-off: 5 working days
-
Non-notified: 45 working days for very simple applications (up to 65 working days if complex)
-
Notified: 85 working days if no submissions received (up to 140 working days if submissions received but no Hearing, or 160 working days if submissions received and a Hearing)
The Abel Tasman Explorer, Torrent
Bay, Abel Tasman National Park
Non-notified and Notified processes are extendable by up to a further 20 working days for additional iwi consultation, but only in special circumstances.
Please note:
- These timeframes do not include the time DOC spends waiting for responses for you (See Applicant's timeframes below)
- Working days do not include weekends, public holidays, or the days between and including Christmas Day and 15 January.
Large or complex applications
The processing times above apply to the vast majority of concession applications. However, for particularly complex or large scale activities more suitable timeframes may be mutually agreed, for whole or parts of the process, between DOC and yourself.
Once those new timeframes are agreed both parties must adhere to them. Any negotiated timeframe cannot exceed one year.
Applicant's timeframes
The processing times above assume that you respond to all correspondence and requests within the required timeframes. You must:
- Apply well before you want to begin your activity.
- Provide a quality application with sufficient information to be processed
- Agree to pay additional processing costs (if required) within 10 working days or the process will not continue
- Respond to a request for further information within 15 working days or the process will continue without it, which may result in a decline of the concession due to insufficient information
- Provide comment on the draft report (if requested to) within 10 working days or the decision will be made anyway
- Accept and sign the concession contract within one month (if application granted) or the offer will expire and you will have to re-apply.
Refund policy
As part of DOC's new approach, if we fail to meet our processing timeframes the estimate of costs to process your application will be reduced depending on the length of the delay.
Our reduction policy is the same as councils use for resource consents: 1% per day late after the deadline, up to a maximum of 50% of the total processing fee.
However, this will not apply if you have delayed the process.
back to top