6 December 2016

DOC working through shark cage diving permit process

The Department of Conservation (DOC) says it expects to decide in the next few weeks whether to reissue permits for shark cage diving operators off Rakiura/Stewart Island. The shark cage diving season traditionally starts on December 1.

DOC’s Southern South Island Operations Director Allan Munn, says the Department had hoped to have resolved the permit issue by now. “We are working as fast as we can. However, the process for issuing permits is complex and has been further complicated by the legal proceedings before the High Court.”

The High Court is still considering whether DOC has the authority to issue permits for shark cage diving, and if so, whether it should consider public safety when issuing permits.

“The Department is aware that the shark cage diving operators have made bookings for the new season while they wait for new permits to be issued,” Allan Munn says.

“We are working closely with the operators to ensure that the activity continues in a manner that is consistent with the terms and conditions of their previous permits” Mr Munn says.

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