Competitive allocation process for commercial activities in Molesworth Recreation Reserve

DOC is running a competitive allocation process for farming and commercial opportunities in the Molesworth Recreation Reserve, ahead of the existing farming lease expiring.

Background

Rangitahi/Molesworth is an iconic drylands landscape with a rich history, deep cultural significance and hugely important biodiversity values. At 180,787 ha, Molesworth Recreation Reserve is slightly larger than Stewart Island and larger than 10 of the 13 National Parks.

There’s a long history of farming in the reserve. Rangitahi/Molesworth was transferred to DOC’s management as public conservation land in 2005. This was preceded by a farming lease being put in place under the Land Act for Landcorp Farming Ltd (trading as Pāmu Farms of New Zealand) to farm the reserve.

This lease expires on 30 June 2026 and DOC wants to confirm the next farming and commercial arrangements, which may include other commercial opportunities like guiding or short-stay accommodation. DOC wants to consider the future of these concessions within Rangitahi/Molesworth in a fair and consistent manner, by way of a competitive process.

All land and water-based commercial activity on public conservation land requires a DOC concession. As Molesworth is now a recreation reserve, a new lease or licence will be under the Reserves Act 1977, processed in accordance with Part 3B of the Conservation Act 1987. This will better recognise the special ecological, recreation, cultural and heritage values of the reserve, and allow better public access.

DOC decided in August 2025 to invite interest pursuant to s17ZG(2)(a) of the Conservation Act. This means no new concession applications will be accepted for commercial activities in Rangitahi/Molesworth (other than ‘one offs’) outside of the competitive process we’re currently running.

Competitive process

The period for operators to submit proposals for stock farming and other ancillary commercial activities in the reserve has now closed.

Proposals will now be considered against the allocation criteria outlined in the tender document and the relevant legislation (listed below).

Once a preferred operator is selected, they will be invited to apply for a concession or concessions. The preferred farming lease and licence application(s) will be publicly notified.

Relevant documents

Relevant legislation

DOC is required to consider concessions in accordance with legislation and relevant statutory documents. These include:

Reserves Act 1977
Section 4 of the Conservation Act, to give effect to the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi
Part 3B of the Conservation Act
Conservation General Policy
Canterbury (Waitaha) Conservation Management Strategy 2016
2013 Molesworth Management Plan

Timeline

DOC aims to confirm a preferred operator by the end of May. The successful party will then be invited to submit a concession application for a farming lease and grazing license. This application will be publicly notified.

Fees

There is a fee of $750.00 for consideration of a tender application.

A processing fee will be charged for subsequent concession applications arising from the competitive allocation process. 

Concessions granted as a result of the allocation process will be subject to ongoing fees. These may include an annual management fee, activity fees, and fees to monitor the effects of the activity and compliance with authorised terms and conditions.

Rent, fees, and royalties for a concession will be reviewed at intervals not exceeding 3 years.

Contact

If you have a question regarding this process, email Molesworth-Allocation@doc.govt.nz.