Press Release – Department of Conservation The Department of Conservation has decided that media should have the same access to conservation land that the public enjoy, and media will no longer need to apply for a media permit. DOCs Deputy Director General Operations, Michael Slater says … The Department of Conservation has decided that media should have the same access to conservation land that the public enjoy, and media will no longer need to apply for a media permit. DOC’s Deputy Director General Operations, Michael Slater says the requirement for permits is waived on the basis that the media activity is low impact in areas where the general public is allowed free access.