Apply for or move to a Tier 3 mining permit

We issue permits for small scale gold mining under a Tier 3 permit.

A Tier 3 permit is for:

• mining for alluvial gold contained in riverbeds, or
• mining for gold contained in beach sand.

In some areas of the South Island, you don’t need a permit to fossick for gold.

Gold fossicking

Tier 3 permit requirements

Work Programme

A Tier 3 permit is only for gold mining.

Permits for Tier 3 mining are limited to the use of small-scale mining equipment:

• unpowered hand tools (e.g. gold pans, shovels, picks)
• riffle boxes and related equipment
• powered equipment not exceeding a combined total of 10 horsepower (or the equivalent of 10 horsepower) at any one time
• other similar equipment that is consistent with small-scale non-commercial gold mining.

If your proposed mining operation does not fit with the work programme above, we will not grant you a Tier 3 permit.

If you want to use large machines such as excavators, you will need to apply for a Tier 2 mining permit.

Apply for a minerals Tier 1 or Tier 2 mining permit

Area

• The permit must be for one unbroken area of less than 50 hectares.
• If mining in a river, your permit it must extend from riverbank to riverbank.
• If mining on a beach, your permit must be limited to an area that can be practically worked.
• You cannot hold two or more Tier 3 permits next to each other.

See an example of allowed areas below:

Duration

A Tier 3 mining permit lasts for a maximum of 10 years. However, you can apply for an extension of duration.

APP 02 Application to change a permit [PDF 351KB]

Fees & royalties

• Application fee: $2,783 including GST. You need to pay the full amount when you submit your application.
• An annual fee: $1,150 including GST will be payable each year.
• Royalties: must be paid only where enough gold is mined to meet the royalty threshold set out in regulations.

Obligations & conditions

If you are granted a Tier 3 mining permit, there are also obligations you must meet in relation to matters such as rehabilitation, reporting and land access.
Failure to comply with your obligations could result in your permit being revoked.

For an example of a Tier 3 permit certificate, and the conditions and obligations a Tier 3 permit holder must meet, see here:

Example Tier 3 permit certificate [PDF 389KB]

How to apply

You can either:

• Apply online using the online permitting system. You will need a RealMe login to use the system and you can save your application as you go and come back to it at any time.

Online permitting system

• Complete the application form and email it to us at nzpam@mbie.govt.nz

Application for a Tier 3 minerals mining permit [PDF 409KB]

Supporting information guidance for Tier 3 permit applications [PDF 781KB]

Moving to a Tier 3 permit

If you currently hold a Tier 2 permit, you may submit a proposal to move to a Tier 3 permit, at no cost.

Proposals must be submitted, by 12 December 2026.

Proposals must specify how you will meet the Tier 3 requirements, including any changes you plan to make. We will work with you to help meet these requirements, but please note:

• we may accept or decline your proposal
• if declined, we will provide feedback outlining what changes are needed to meet the Tier 3 requirements
• you may resubmit an amended proposal at no cost.

How to submit a proposal

You can submit a proposal:

• through our online permitting system, or
• by completing and emailing our proposal form.

Online permitting system

Proposal to transition a Tier 2 mining permit to Tier 3 [PDF 312KB]

If you have a current application under consideration

If you have a Tier 2 permit application (including a change of permit) that was submitted before Tier 3 came into effect and is still under consideration, you may be able to move to a Tier 3 permit without submitting a new application or proposal.

We will contact you directly to discuss your options if this applies to you.