Pursuant to section 5 (5) of the Marine Mammals Protection Act 1978, and to a delegation from the Minister of Conservation, the Department of Conservation notifies that they have received a permit application from NHNZ Worldwide Limited to film marine mammals.
A permit under the Act is required to authorise activity outside of Part 3 of the Marine Mammal Protection Regulations.
Application details
Applicant: NHNZ Worldwide Limited
Location of proposed activity: Kaitaia, East Coast and Golden Bay
Permission type: Filming marine mammals, and via drone (RPAS)
Summary of proposal: This is an application for a permit to film marine mammals for the television series "Stranded".
This applicant seeks approval to film marine mammals using drones from a vessel in Golden Bay, the East Coast and Kaitaia.
The proposed activity will follow conditions that manage approach distances, drone altitude, and operational safeguards to minimise disturbance to marine mammals. Iwi endorsement is a key requirement to ensure alignment with cultural values and Treaty partnership obligations.
While there is a moratorium on new permits for commercial vessel operations to view marine mammals for Northland and the Bay of Plenty, the proposed activity will focus on filming marine mammals from drones and vessels in Kaitaia, Golden Bay, and the East Coast.
Application 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 5 February 2025.
1. Prepare your submission
Record what you think on the submission form.
Any person or organisation wishing to be heard at a possible hearing in support of their submission must request an opportunity to appear before the Director-General.
2. Send us your submission
Send your submission by email or post. You'll get a confirmation email or letter when a submission has been received.
Email: christchurchpermissions@doc.govt.nz
Subject line: Submission on 118008-MAR NHNZ Worldwide Limited
Post:
Director-General
Department of Conservation
Christchurch Shared Services
Private Bag 4715
Christchurch Mail Centre
Christchurch 8140
Attention: Marama Hotere, 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, state this in writing when making your submission.
What happens next
After submissions close:
- DOC will analyse and consider all submissions and comments on the submissions.
- DOC will make a recommendation to the Minister of Conservation.
- The Minister of Conservation will make a decision on the application.
Decision
No details at this point. Details, such as submissions and the decision outcome, will be added when they are available.
Contact
If you have a question about the application or the submission process you can contact Marama Hotere, Senior Treaty Permissions Advisor. Email: christchurchpermissions@doc.govt.nz