Collection of natural materials

GW has a permit system in place for anyone who wishes to collect any material and/or carry out research within our parks and forests.  

Please read the attached letter and complete the application forms for either a Low Impact or a High Impact Permit.  For access into Akatarawa and Pakuratahi Forest, a $100 Key bond is also required.

Generally the Low Impact Permit will be sufficient.  However, use the High Impact Permit application if the activity involves:

• commercial use of the material
• collection of DNA samples (except for exotic species and/or purely taxonomic classification purposes)
• genetic modification
• material being removed from New Zealand
• rare or endangered species
• significant adverse effects on a species or its habitat
• any other invasive collection methods
• any other significant effect

What to do

Fill out pages 1-4 of the Low Impact application form or pages 1-5 of the High Impact application form and drop or send to:

Attn: Advisor, Biodiversity Monitoring
Greater Wellington Regional Council
PO Box 11646 Manners Street 
Wellington 6142

Low Impact Application form, there is no processing fee.

High Impact Application form processing fee is $150 (GST inclusive).  This must accompany your application or it will not be processed.

Each application received will be individually assessed by GW and Tangata Whenua.  If your application is successful, you will be sent the completed and signed copy of the Permit.  When you receive the Permit, sign in the space provided at the end of it.  Any permit that is not signed by a GW Biodiversity staff member and the Applicant is deemed invalid.

When conducting the activity, you must carry the Permit with you at all times.

If you are unsuccessful in your application, you will be notified by a Greater Wellington staff member in writing or by telephone.

Please allow 2-3 weeks from Greater Wellington's receipt of your application for processing.

For further information contact

Owen Spearpoint
Advisor, Biodiversity Monitoring
04 830 4418 (office)
027 285 8083
Owen.Spearpoint@gw.govt.nz