ForestPass
Modernising Forest Access Management
A comprehensive digital solution for forest access and permit management
Matariki Forests ForestPass
Forest Access Management System
Matariki Forest Group (MFG) currently manages recreational access through varied regional permit processes that are largely manual and inefficient. Our proposed solution will standardise and automate the permitting system across all five MFG regions, improving user experience whilst reducing administrative burden.
This modern system will streamline permit issuance, reduce turnaround times, and consolidate management of all recreational forest access types, from casual day visitors to annual permit holders.
Ultimately we see the Forest Access System mandated to all forest users regardless of access reason, to give MFG full visibility and access management across all your forests.
Current Challenges
Regional Inconsistency and manual processes
Current permitting varies widely by region with inefficient paper-based workflows creating bottlenecks for both staff and forest users
Limited Visibility
Administrators lack real-time insight into forest visitors, creating potential safety concerns and operational challenges as well as a lack of any meaningful management data
Emergency Management
If an emergency were to occur, such as a weather event, flood, fire, etc, there is no way to know who is currenly in a particular forest or any ability to notify them
Friction for Users and Staff
The process is cumbersome and confusing for users. Staff need to be specially trained. Annual and sick leave cover is problematic.
Matariki ForestPass
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Permit Types
Initial Focus
1. Casual/Short-Duration (current focus)
Day permits for visitors like walkers, joggers, or pinecone collectors through a simple date-based booking workflow
2. Annual/Long-Duration (current focus)
Recurring permits for horse riders, dog walkers with annual fees and/or key fobs for gate access
Later Phases
3. Club Permits (medium term focus)
Registration for Mountain Bike and Hunting Clubs with the ability to manage multiple individuals at once
4. Commercial Permits (long term focus)
Authorisation for businesses conducting commerical work or supporting forestry operations
The system will enable online induction integration with the Forest Induction System, booking calendars for casual users, and robust notification capabilities including blacklisting management and operational closure broadcasts.
User Journey & Workflow
1
User Registration
Users create accounts with basic information. Once logged in, users are presented with a Dashboard.
2
Booking Application
Users select an activity type, forest and dates for auto-generated passes; annual users pay upfront for year-round access
3
Induction Completion
User completes the relevant induction via the Forest Induction System which will automatically synchronise with the ForestPass
4
Permit Issuance (automated or manual release)
System generates appropriate permits or prompts based on user type, forest selection and date
5
Access Management
Administrators can block dates or forests for operational reasons and send automated notifications to affected users
Administrator Features
Forest Management
Enable/disable access to specific forests. Archive forests when sold. Region and forest selection capabilities
Booking Management
Dashboard showing all bookings. Approval workflows. Notifications for closures or hazards
Reporting
Operational reports for daily management. Management reports for strategic decisions
User Roles
Forest Manager, Business Administrator, Regional Manager, and Head Office roles
Administrative Roles and Capabilities
Forest Manager
Authorises permits, sets closures, and monitors daily activity within their forest.
Regional Manager
Oversees regional settings and usage across multiple forests with expanded reporting.
Business Administrator
Handles billing, account creation, and event/group management tasks.
Head Office
Provides high-level oversight for environmental, H&S, and senior leadership reporting.
Phased Approch
1
Discovery
Confirm requirements and documentation. Confirm scope, deliverables and acceptance criteria for this stage
2
Design & Wireframes
Create mockups for user interfaces and admin consoles with iterative reviews by the MFG project team
3
Development
Building the system with database structures, front-end design, admin features and integration with existing applications
4
Implementation
Phased rollout to avoid overburdening staff during transition
5
Move to next phase
Once we've successfully implemented this current phase and incorporated any lessons learned or new requirements, we'll be ready to move forward to the next stage.
With our expertise in developing similar systems, we can deliver this solution on time and within budget, transforming MFG's forest access management into a streamlined, user-friendly experience for both visitors and administrators.
Technical Approach & Integration
Craft CMS Foundation
Leveraging Craft's robust user management, structures, and pages for optimal performance and scalability
Modern Frameworks
Leveraging frameworks such as Twig, Vue, GraphQL and Laravel for performance
Seamless Integration
API integration with Tickbox for user verification and data management
E-Commerce
Craft Commerce to handle integrated payment processing for permit fees, upgrades, and potential add-ons like key fob purchases
Booking System
Integrated calendar solutions for event scheduling and daily permit management with restriction capabilities
Rollout
1
Core System - one location
Core permit functionality for recreational visitors.
Basic Backend Administration & Reporting
Basic Backend Administration & Reporting
2
Rollout, Ecommerce & Reporting
Rollout the basic permitting functionality nationwide. Enable In-app payment integration. More advanced Admin level tools reporting
3
Expanded Access to capture all Forest Users
Add Association level management of Hunters and Mountain Bikers. Event Management. Consider extending to Commercial Users and Contractors
Phased Investment Approach
Our investment strategy begins with a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) that delivers core functionality while minimising initial investment. This foundation allows us to gather real-world feedback before expanding capabilities.
A phased approach will avoid overwhelming staff, and allow the project to stay agile with updated business outcomes and goals. The initial focus on would be on casual users and simple activity booking, with later expansions to include e-commerce and the wider user group community, and advanced management tools & reporting.
1
Core
$50,000
2
Multiple phases
3
Full System
$150,000
This measured approach ensures we can validate each component before investing in the next development phase, maximising return on investment while minimising risk.
* For clarity, we are suggesting a ballpark estimate for the total project would be approximately $150,000 excluding GST.
About MOCA
MOCA is a leading digital solutions agency in New Zealand that specialises in crafting tailored web solutions to support business growth. With expertise across website development, eCommerce platforms, custom software, and digital strategy, MOCA delivers scalable, user-centric digital experiences. The team takes a collaborative approach to ensure results-driven, high-performing outcomes. MOCA's focus on innovation, usability, and measurable impact makes them a trusted partner for businesses seeking to elevate their digital presence.
Why Partner with MOCA for ForestPass
Proven Expertise
Our track record with similar systems ensures a solution tailored to MFG's unique forest management needs
Enhanced Safety
Real-time visitor tracking and permit management dramatically improves forest safety protocols and emergency response
Low Risk Approach
Our staged implementation minimizes disruption while maximizing ROI through carefully planned development cycles
Transformative Results
ForestPass will revolutionise your operations from manual processes to a streamlined digital ecosystem
Next Steps
Q&A
Decision Process
Timeline
Approve Discovery Phase