On 1 April 2026, we’re increasing:
- the hourly staff charge-out rates we use to calculate processing, management, and monitoring fees, and
- the standard minimum rates for processing and managing permissions.
Hourly charge-out rate changes
|
Current rates (excluding GST) |
New rates from 1 April 2026 (excluding GST) |
|---|---|
|
$130–$205 |
$186–$301 |
Applications received from 1 April 2026 onwards will be charged using the new rates.
We will update all permissions webpages on 1 April 2026, so the new fees are clear and easy to find.
Why are the fees changing?
Our hourly charge-out rates haven’t changed in seven years, despite rising costs. The changes were informed by an external review and will align DOC’s fees with other government agencies.
Our standard minimum rates have been updated to align with the new hourly charge-out rates and more accurately reflect how long it takes to process and manage permissions.
DOC has been absorbing costs for some time. These updates ensure our fees more accurately reflect the time and cost involved in managing permissions, meaning more of DOC’s funding can go back into protecting nature.
You can read more about the fee changes below and what this means for you.
Processing fee changes
We charge processing fees based on the time it takes to process your application using fixed hourly charge-out rates.
We have minimum rates for most applications, so you know what fees to expect before you apply.
Processing fees may be higher than the minimum rates if your application is complex and/or requires public notification. If your fee is likely to be higher, we will provide you an estimate of your processing fee.
Applications for a new permission
You can see a comparison of the changes to the minimum rates for common activity types below.
|
Activity type |
Current minimum rate (excluding GST) |
New minimum rate from 1 April 2026 (excluding GST) |
|---|---|---|
|
One-off concessions |
||
|
Aircraft (commercial) |
$130 |
$740 |
|
Land-based guided activities |
$130 |
$930 |
|
Filming, Sporting events |
$230 |
$930 |
|
Longer-term activities |
||
|
Guided day walks (conforming tracks) |
$400 for up to 10 tracks $115 for each additional 10 tracks |
$740 for up to 10 tracks $90 for each additional 10 tracks |
|
Access/easements, Beekeeping on public conservation land, Filming, Grazing, Orange zone research and commercial drone use, Sporting events, Watercraft activities |
$2,065 |
$2,450 |
|
Marine mammal filming and viewing, National wild animal recovery operations |
$2,065 |
$3,750 |
|
Private or commercial structures, Tenanting or using existing structures |
$2,065 |
$7,600 |
Applications to change your current permission
You can see a comparison of the changes to the minimum rates for some of the common processes carried out during the term of your permission below.
|
Application type |
Current minimum rate (excluding GST) |
New minimum rate from 1 April 2026 (excluding GST) |
|---|---|---|
|
Administrative variations |
$275 |
$460 |
|
Assignments |
$500 |
$740 |
|
Surrenders |
$230 |
$460 |
|
Variations |
$2,065 |
$2,450 |
Monitoring fees
We charge monitoring fees based on the actual time spent carrying out monitoring using fixed hourly charge-out rates, and the actual costs incurred such as mileage.
From 1 April 2026, monitoring hourly-charge-out rates will increase from $130–$205 + GST per hour to $186–$301 per hour.
From 1 April 2026, mileage will be charged based on the Tier 1 Inland Revenue Kilometre rates.
Management fees
We charge annual management fees for concessions to cover DOC’s time managing your concession. Your current management fee won’t change to reflect the fee increases until the next fee review process for your concession.
For concessions granted after 1 April 2026, our standard management fees will change from a range of $250–$500 plus GST per annum to $260–$920 + GST per annum. If your concession requires additional management, your management fee will be adjusted to reflect this.
You can see a comparison of the changes in the components of the management fees listed below.
|
Management fee rate |
Current rate (excluding GST) |
New rate from 1 April 2026 (excluding GST) |
|---|---|---|
|
Base rate This rate covers general enquiries and invoicing costs and is applied to all concessions. |
$150 |
$180 |
|
Rent/fee review processing rate This rate applies to all concessions and covers the time spent undertaking the scheduled fee reviews. |
$100 |
$80–$200 If valuation required additional rates apply |
|
Activity return processing rate This rate applies to all concessions that require an annual activity return. The standard fee varies based on the complexity of the activity return. |
$150–$200 |
$180–$360 |
|
Rates recovery processing rate This rate applies to any concession that triggers the requirement for local rates under Section 9 of the Local Government (Rating) Act 2002. These rates are typically for concessions with occupied buildings such as baches but also apply to grazing. |
$100 |
$180 |
Contact us
If you have questions or would like more information about the fee changes, contact permissionsrates2026@doc.govt.nz.