This application is notified under section 17SC of the Conservation Act 1987. The Minister of Conservation has received an application for a lease/licence concession from:
Application details
Applicant: Anna Guild
Location of proposed activity: Sounds Foreshore Reserve at Fence Bay Totaranui, fronting Lot 43 DP 1196.
Map reference: Approx 41.2299° S, 173.9785° E
Permission type: Lease for structures of exclusive use; Licence for structures of non-exclusive use
Summary of proposal: The application is for access paths and seawall to support the installation of a new boatshed and slipway. These replace existing, damaged access structures.
This proposal amounts to a reduction of foreshore structures on the SFR by approximately 50%, through the removal of the existing concrete seawall and most of the timber boardwalk sited on the Sounds Foreshore Reserve.
The proposed changes to existing structures on the Sounds Foreshore Reserve are:
- The construction of a 13–15 m long rock revetment wall directly behind the boatshed on and adjacent to SFR to assist with land stability and access to the new boatshed going forward; and
- Replacement of timber decking to connect into new rock revetment works and new linkspan from SFR to the new boatshed (approximate length from bottom of steps from dwelling is approximately 8 m).
The application also encompasses the existing house encroachment onto the Sounds foreshore Reserve, which remains the same (81 sqm encroachment area) as previous authorisations at the site.
Application documents:
Note the following changes since the application was originally submitted:
- James Guild has passed away since submitting the application.
- Anna Guild is now progressing the application as of May 2026.
- The proposed term has been changed to 30 years, consistent with the intended lifetime of the structures, increased from 10 years as initially submitted.
How to make a submission
Any person or organisation may make a submission in writing to the Director-General on the proposal.
Submissions close 22 June 2026 at 5 pm.
1. Prepare your submission
Record what you think in the submission form.
2. Send us your submission
Send your submission by email or post. You'll get a confirmation email or letter when a submission has been received.
Email: Maclark@doc.govt.nz
Post:
Director-General
161 Cashel Street
Central Christchurch, 8011
Attention: Max Clark Permissions Advisor
Once submitted, submitters' information is subject to the Official Information Act 1982 and may be released under that Act. If you wish to keep any part of your submission confidential, state this in writing when making your submission.
What happens next
After submissions close:
- DOC will analyse and consider all submissions.
- A hearing will be held if there have been requests to be heard by the Director-General. If you have expressed an interest in presenting your submission at a hearing, you'll be contacted by DOC regarding this.
- DOC will analyse and consider information raised at the hearing if a hearing occurred.
- DOC will make a recommendation to the Minister of Conservation.
- The Minister of Conservation will make a decision on the application.
Hearing details
If a hearing is required, it's likely to occur on the week starting 20 July 2026.
Decision
No details at this point. Details, such as submissions and the decision outcome, will be added when they are available.
DOC comment regarding publicly notified applications
The Minister of Conservation has made no determination regarding the suitability of this proposed concession on public conservation land. This public notification should not be interpreted as an intention on the part of the Minister of Conservation to grant the proposed concession.
Contact
If you have a question about the application or the submission process you can contact Max Clark Permissions Advisor.
Email: Maclark@doc.govt.nz