A series of factors have combined for the NZMCA to decide against applying for a Department of Conservation (DOC) campsite pass discount for the 2025/26 season.
In announcing the decision, James Imlach, the Association’s National Manager Property & Policy, said it was made on the following basis:
1. Declining uptake
“Over time, fewer and fewer members have purchased the pass,” says James. “This year, only 612 members (that’s only about 0.5% of our total membership) used the NZMCA discount to purchase a campsite pass for the 2024/25 season.”
2. Stricter eligibility criteria
“As we have all read in the media, the Minister of Conservation has directed DOC to increase revenue, and as a result, they’ve taken a firmer stance on discount eligibility.
“Under the new criteria,” explains James “the NZMCA would need to demonstrate a quantifiable contribution of over $7 million (through free advertising, financial contributions towards environmental initiatives, volunteering at conservation events, etc.) to qualify for a 10% discount.
“For context, our total contribution in 2023/24 was around $500,000.”
3. There are alternative discounts available
“Any members with a Community Services Card are eligible for a 25% discount; and 129 members have already taken advantage of this considerably more favourable discount instead of the 10% organisational discount.
“Given all these factors, it’s just not economical for the Association to apply for a discount for the 2025/26 season,” said James.
“Although having said all that, we really value our longstanding relationship with DOC and are actively exploring other opportunities with them that will benefit our members in the long run.”