Concession applications

These apply to non-commercial events or activities involving 30 - 150 participants, and are processed by the relevant Park Ranger.  An activity or event granted a streamlined concession would involve:

• low impacts on park infrastructure eg tracks or structures
• no impacts on sensitive environmental areas eg significant vegetation, waterways, wetlands or coastal dunes
• minimal conflicts with other users

NOTE: There are no fees charged for non-commercial activities or events with fewer than 150 participants eg club orienteering or harrier events.  Charges may apply for other non-commercial activities or events. 

A full concession is required for an activity or event that is commercial in nature or non-commercial but involves more than 150 participants.  Applications for full concessions are processed by the Regional Council's Wellington office.  In addition to completing an application form you will also need to supply a  Health and Safety Plan (PDF 246 KB)  and pay an application fee.

Park usage fees are payable for events or activities requiring a full concession (fees for commercial activities). This includes filming in the parks (fees for filming).

The decision making process for a full concession varies according to the type of activity.  Activities are generally categorised as: 

Major concessions

A major concession is required by high-impact activities that may involve the building of structures, regular use or occupation of land, or impacts of regional significance.  Examples of major concessions include golf courses and some major sporting events.  They require approval by Greater Wellington Regional Council or one of its committees.  If a proposed activity is not specifically allowed for in the park's management plan the public will be notified.  Where an activity is already provided for in the park's management plan, then public notification will be at the Regional Council's discretion.  A major concession may also need a resource consent.  Obtaining a resource consent is a separate procedure, and is not part of the concession application.   A major concession is likely to have a term of over 5 years.

Minor concessions

A minor concession is required for low-impact, small-scale or occasional operations such as some guiding services or tours.  They require authorisation by a delegated officer of Greater Wellington Regional Council and are likely to be authorised as a licence or permit with a term of up to 5 years.

Temporary concessions

A temporary concession applies to low-impact, single events within a six-month period, such as filming.  They require authorisation by a delegated Regional Council officer.

Commercial use refers to an individual, group or organisation's use that is carried out for profit or as a means of livelihood or gain.  This includes but is not limited to, recreation, tourism and filming businesses.

NOTE: Fees are payable for commercial activities or events in the regional parks. Charges apply to filming and general commercial activities.

For answers to commonly asked questions, see the information provided below:

Can I get exclusive rights?

Exclusive commercial rights (that is, an operator having a monopoly) are rarely granted, and may only be possible where environmental and or social/cultural values outweigh the benefits or principles of competition.  Film companies may be granted exclusive use of a specified area, for a short term, at the discretion of Greater Wellington.

Can I get a fee waiver or discount?

Greater Wellington Regional Council will consider waiving fees for:

•  film activities or still photography that are:
  
  • undertaken by students for educational purposes; and/or
  • low budget
•  events or activities raising money primarily for charitable purposes

If you would like the applicable fees waived, then you need to fill out a film fee waiver form. (See the "Forms" box at the top corner of this screen for a downloadable waiver form.)  It is at the Regional Council’s discretion if a partial or full fee waiver is granted.

How is my application assessed?

The criteria depends on whether the activity is classified as a major, minor or temporary concession.  In general the application should:

• comply with all relevant legislation and management plans
• note expected effects on the environment and other park users, and how these will be addressed
• have an audited health and safety plan

The application may also require:

• evidence of operator and guide experience and qualifications
• a comprehensive business plan and/or evidence of proven business skills
• evidence of consultation with iwi and other key stakeholders

Anything else?

Greater Wellington Regional Council may require your application to be publicly notified. You may need to obtain a resource consent in some cases. This is a separate procedure and not part of the concession application.

Want to discuss further?

You are welcome to check details or discuss your event/activity further with the relevant Park Ranger or by calling 0800 496 734.

All fee negotiations and waivers will be at the discretion of the Parks Manager. You will need to fill out a Fee Waiver application form (PDF 160 KB) .

The following rates apply for all commercial activities:

There is a non-refundable application fee of $50 for low impact filming and $175 for all other new applications. Renewal fees may be reduced based on the estimated work involved in renewing the application.

Processing charges are based on an estimate of staff costs, public notification, consultation or any other processing costs required. These will be assessed and discussed with you at the time of your application.

A bond may be required depending on the activity and its effects. This is dependent on the type of filming but is set at a minimum of the one-day charge and at the discretion of the Parks Manager.

Greater Wellington Regional Council will consider waiving fees for film activities undertaken by students for educational purposes, or for low budget film activities. You will need to complete a  fee waiver form (PDF 160 KB) .

The following rates apply during filming and where the film or photography company has exclusive possession of the site:

Non-commercial use of the regional parks refers to non-business, non-profit making use and can include club, association or school group use.  

There is generally no charge for non-commercial use of the regional parks if the activity involves fewer than 150 participants and has a low impact.

It is important to apply for a concession for your planned activity or event, to ensure it does not clash with other groups' arrangements and goes ahead with Greater Wellington Regional Council Parks staff support.

Points to note:

• You should apply for your concession at least one month ahead of the date planned for your activity or event.
• In most cases you will also need to submit a health and safety plan.
• To check available dates or other details, please contact the Park Ranger.  Or you can discuss your event/activity with our Events Advisor (concessions@gw.govt.nz ph 0800 496 734).

Fees & bonds (GST included)

Refer to the non-commercial fee schedule for a full list of associated event and activity fees.

Can I get a fee waiver or discount?

Greater Wellington Regional Council will consider waiving fees for any non-commercial events/activities exclusively associated with school or college aged children (<19 years) or events raising money primarily for charitable purposes. If you would like the applicable fees waived, then you need to fill out a fee-waiver form (PDF 160 KB) .  It is entirely at the Regional Council's discretion as to whether a partial or full fee waiver is granted.

The table below refers to charges for activities that may be conducted in one or more of the regional parks or forests.  All activities must be consistent with the relevant park or forest management plan.  All charges include GST.