Department Of Conservation Concessions OP 09

Department of Conservation (DOC)

Concessions for Tour Operators

ConcessionsTourguiding.wordpress.com

Hillary Jenkins, Otago Polytechnic 2008

Who is DOC?

• The government department who look after New Zealand’s historic heritage

• National Parks

• Conservation areas and reserves

• Protected marine areas

• A license issued by DOC for the commercial use of public conservation land for a specified period (renewable every 5 years)

• for recreational and non recreational use

e.g. glacier hiking, mountain guiding, tramping, animal grazing, scenic flight landings, fishing, hunting, ski areas

What is a Concession?

Guided Glacier Walks

Milford Cruises

Ski Areas

Grazing animals on DOC land

If you are an operator who holds a concession, you are known as a

‘concessionaire’

Being a concessionaire means you have:

• Legal right to carry out a commercial activity on DOC land

• A good relationship between yourself and DOC

• Security for the future of your business provided the conditions of the concession are met

Why have a concession system?

• To manage commercial activity on DOC land

• To ensure activities are compatible with caring for New Zealand’s heritage

• To monitor & limit negative impacts on the environment

• So, operators offer a safe, sound, educational & enjoyable experience

Conditions of a concession…

• Must pay annual fee based on use (either a % of turn over or per person basis)

• Must adhere to strict environmental conditions

• Should get involved in conservation projects

• Must have an independently audited safety plan

Why a Safety Plan?

• DOC is obliged to provide a safe environment for visitors & concessionaires who use DOC land

• Concessionaires have similar obligations to their guests

• The environment comes with hazards

• Brings value to your business

Having a DOC concession means you are:

Contributing to a

• Clean

• Green

• SAFE

New Zealand Tourism Industry

Guides safely guiding guests across a river

Mueller Hut Aoraki NP

See www.doc.govt.nz

Search: Concessionaire Safety Plans for more information

Photos by Nicky Snoyink