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Our policies and plans

Introduction

Our policies, plans and procedures describe how we manage the resources we are entrusted with.

    DOC a range of plans, strategies and agreements which set out our goals, actions and directions for our work.

    Also see corporate publications and science publications.

    General policy

    General policy

    General policy is the highest level of statutory policy for conservation management on all public conservation lands and waters, including national parks.

    Statutory planning documents

    Statutory planning documents

    Our statutory planning documents set out how the natural and cultural heritage of New Zealand is to be managed.

    Non-statutory management plans

    Non-statutory management plans

    View published non-statutory management plans for the operations of conservation areas.

    Heritage and Visitor Strategy

    Heritage and Visitor Strategy

    DOC’s Heritage and Visitor Strategy guides our work to sustainably manage visitors to protect and enhance the values of New Zealand’s natural, cultural and historic heritage.

    Biodiversity guidance

    Biodiversity guidance

    View guidance on biodiversity offsetting and guidance for biodiversity protection on private land.

    DOC’s law enforcement policies

    DOC’s law enforcement policies

    Our Enforcement Policy and Prosecution Policy guide DOC’s approach to enforcement and decision-making when conservation laws are broken.

    Discount policy for recreational facilities

    Discount policy for recreational facilities

    The discount policy for recreational facilities encourages engagement with nature and heritage, and rewards contributions to recreation and conservation. Published March 2024.

    Education strategies

    Education strategies

    View DOC's National Education Strategy and the governments Environmental Education for Sustainability Strategy and Action Plan.

    Workplace alcohol and drug policy

    Workplace alcohol and drug policy

    Our workplace alcohol and drug policy is for DOC staff, independent contractors and volunteers. Published 2017.

    Deer control policy

    Deer control policy

    This policy statement sets out our approach to deer control. Published 2001.

    Crown Conservation Contract guidance

    Crown Conservation Contract guidance

    A Crown Conservation Contract is a mechanism in the Climate Change Response Act 2002 that enables public conservation land to be entered into the Emissions Trading Scheme.

    Code of Ethical Conduct

    Code of Ethical Conduct

    DOC must comply with the Code of Ethical Conduct when using animals in research, testing and teaching. Published 2019.

    Procurement strategy for roading activities

    Procurement strategy for roading activities

    DOC engages contractors to help maintain over 1,800 km of roads.

    Access Charter for Recreational Hunting and Fishing on Public Conservation Land and Waters

    Access Charter for Recreational Hunting and Fishing on Public Conservation Land and Waters

    This charter was developed collaboratively with DOC, stakeholders and other agencies. It was announced by Minister Todd McClay on 2 November 2024.

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