Application for a marine mammal permit by Cathedral Cove Kayaks Limited
Have your say on a marine mammal permit application by Cathedral Cove Kayaks Limited to view marine mammals (excluding bottlenose dolphins) from guided kayak tours. Submissions close at 11:59 pm, 3 November 2026.

This application is notified under regulation 11(1) of the Marine Mammals Protection Regulations 1992. The Minister of Conservation has received an application for a marine mammal permit for a term of 10 years.

Application details

Applicant: Cathedral Cove Kayaks Limited

Application number: 125768-MAR

Location of proposed activity: Hahei Beach, Cathedral Cove, Whitianga

Permission type: Marine Mammal Protection Regulations 1992 Permit

Summary of proposal: The application is for a marine mammal viewing permit for a term of 10 years, to view marine mammals (excluding bottlenose dolphins) from guided kayak tours around the wider Hahei/Whitianga region.

Application form (PDF, 4,626K)

How to make a submission

Any person or organisation may make a submission in writing to the Director-General on the proposal.

Submissions close: 11:59 pm, 3 November 2026.

1 Prepare your submission

Record what you think on the submission form.

Any person or organisation wishing to be heard at a possible hearing in support of their submission must request an opportunity to appear before the Director-General. This request must be included in your submission.

2. Send your submission

Send your submission by email or post. 

Email: permissionschristchurch@doc.govt.nz
Subject line: Submission on 125768-MAR

Post:

Director-General
Department of Conservation
C/- Hannah Zwalue
Christchurch Shared Services
Private Bag 4715
Christchurch Mail Centre
Christchurch 8140

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, you need to state this in writing when making your submission.

Submissions are supplied to Cathedral Cove Kayak Tours. They can then comment on submissions.

What happens next

After submissions close:

  1. DOC will analyse and consider all submissions and comments on the submissions.
  2. DOC will make a recommendation to the Minister of Conservation.
  3. The Minister of Conservation will make a decision on the application.

Decision

No details at this point.

Contact

If you have a question about the application or the submission process you can contact Hannah Zwalue, Permissions Advisor.

Email: hzwalue@doc.govt.nz