The goals are to achieve improvements that benefit the economy, enhance people’s experiences, and ensure that nature – our most valuable asset – is protected.
Our work programme to achieve this includes:
- clarifying rules to make it easier to know what information is needed for permission applications
- developing technology to make it easier for people to find and apply for permissions online, view permits, and see their permit application progressing
- publishing standards to support consistent decision-making and transparency.
Recent improvements
We are reducing the number of applications in our system, making progress toward Ministerial targets, and improving timeliness for applicants. The backlog has reduced and applications in the system have halved.
From 1 January to 30 June 2025, we completed 1842 applications, and we are on track to meet permissions targets. Processing of these applications in May 2025 was nearly three times faster than the same time last year – up by 180%.
Around a third of the permit applications processed since February 2025 are related to tourism, the country’s second-largest export earner.
We have increased the pace of permit application processing by:
- using new technology to track applications through the decision process
- implementing efficient assessment and decision-making processes
- using AI tools to support tasks such as statutory document research.
Changes to health and safety reporting requirements for tourism operators
In August 2026 DOC implemented a new Health and Safety framework for recreation and tourism operators undertaking Adventure Actions (AA) and non-Adventure Activities (non-AA) on conservation land.
This replaces DOC’s existing system in which all concessionaires undertaking tourism related activities on conservation land required an independently audited Safety Plan.
This approach applies a new risk-based safety assurance framework for non-AA operators. For non-AA operators undertaking activities assessed as low-risk, DOC will accept self-declarations of operators completing their own Health and Safety plans. Medium and high-risk non-AA operators will still be required to submit evidence of an independently audited Safety Plan.
This approach will reduce time and cost pressures for many concessionaires who provide tourism services. This approach reduces regulatory complexity and reduces cost pressures for concessionaires. In turn, this framework also improves the efficiency for granting and managing tourism-based concessions.
For more information see Safety Plans
Drone permit applications
Recent changes to drone applications show the power of simplifying processes for faster decisions.
In November 2024, we introduced a traffic light system to show where drones can and can’t be flown on conservation land. This helps applicants understand the rules and apply easily.
We now provide faster decisions for drone applicants while protecting the natural environment. When you get a drone permit, it gives you permission to all allowed areas instead of just the area you apply for, and for longer – so you don’t have to apply multiple times. We are exceeding our timeliness target of processing these applications.
DOC’s work to improve our regulatory system sits alongside Ministerial-led work to simplify conservation legislation.
Proposals to modernise the conservation system: Consultations 2024
Together, these changes will help us deliver for nature, people and the economy.