The Minister of Conservation gives notice under former (pre-2017) section 17T(4) of the Conservation Act 1987 of his intention to grant 27 leases for 28 bach sites on Rangitoto Island.
Applicant details
Applicant: Rangitoto Island Bach Community Association (RIBCA)
Location of proposed activity: 28 bach sites within three areas of Rangitoto Island Scenic Reserve
Summary of intention to grant
The delegated decision-maker, Stephanie Rowe (Deputy Director-General, Biodiversity, Visitor and Heritage) has made a decision-in-principle to grant 27 individual leases for 28 bach sites to RIBCA members. The proposed lease term is 10 years with no right of renewal.
Background
The baches were built in the 1930s and approved by the reserve authority at the time, but without proper legal authority.
Since then, the baches have since been subject to a succession of leases. Until about 1990, baches were removed after each bach lessee died. In 1990, a moratorium stopped removals, allowing families to remain while their future was considered.
Around 2003, the Minister of Conservation decided not to renew occupation rights. Bach families formed RIBCA and sought judicial review. In 2006, the High Court found the decision unlawful because the Minister had not considered the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park Act 2000. The High Court directed that the Minister remake the decision.
On 13 November 2015, RIBCA applied for individual leases for all 28 baches for private accommodation.
Context on intention to grant
The application was received before the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017, which changed public notification rules. As a result, the applications must be processed under the law in force at that time.
For applications received before this change, public notification occurs once an intention to grant has been made. Submissions and objections are open for 40 working days.
Submissions can be made using the information in the decision documents below.
Decision documents
How to make a submission
Any person or organisation may make a submission in writing to the Director-General on the proposal.
Submissions close Friday 7 August 2026.
1. Prepare your submission
Submissions must be made on a submission form.
2. Send us your submission
You may make a submission by email or post.
Email: ltrewavas@doc.govt.nz
Post:
Director-General
Department of Conservation
Permissions Team
Private Bag 3072
Hamilton 3204
Attention: Lynette Trewavas
National 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, you need to state this in writing when making your submission.
Any person or organisation wishing to be heard in support of his/her submission, must request (within that submission) an opportunity to appear before the Director-General.
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.
Hearing details
If a hearing is required, it is likely to occur on the week starting 24 August 2026.
Decision
No details at this point.
Contact
If you have a question about the application or submission process you can contact Lynette Trewavas, National Permission Advisor.
Email: ltrewavas@doc.govt.nz