Info: Fast-track team offline 25 December 2025 to 4 January 2026
The contact centre closes at midday on 24 December. The application portal and this website remain available throughout the break.
The New Zealand Conservation Authority, relevant Conservation Boards, the New Zealand Fish and Game Council, and the Game Animal Council must be invited to provide written comments on applications for the certain approvals.
These approvals are:
concessions and conservation covenants relating to the Conservation Act 1987, Reserves Act 1977, Wildlife Act 1953, and National Parks Act 1980 (Schedule 6 of the Fast-track Approvals Act 2024)
wildlife approvals under the Wildlife Act 1953 (Schedule 7 of the Fast-track Approvals Act 2024)
access arrangements under the Crown Minerals Act 1991 (Schedule 11 of the Fast-track Approvals Act 2024).
These comments are invited at the expert panel stage of the substantive application process.
These organisations must also be invited by the Director-General of Conservation to provide written comments on applications for land exchanges relating to the Conservation Act 1987, Reserves Act 1977, Wildlife Act 1953, and National Parks Act 1980 (Schedule 6 of the FTA Act).
Establishment of the specified conservation organisations
The New Zealand Conservation Authority, Conservation Boards, and the New Zealand Fish and Game Council are organisations established under the Conservation Act 1987.
New Zealand Fish and Game Council – Conservation Act 1987 – NZ Legislation website
The Game Animal Council is an organisation established by the Game Animal Council Act 2013.
Game Animal Council – Game Animal Council Act 2013 – NZ Legislation website
Both Acts are administered by the Department of Conservation.