New Zealand Petroleum & Minerals has today launched the Block Offer 2018 tender for petroleum exploration permits.

The release area is restricted to the onshore Taranaki region, and covers 2,188 km².

Map source: New Zealand Block Offer 2018 opens

The launch of Block Offer 2018 follows consultation with iwi and hapū which has led to an additional engagement condition being added to the bid document,” says Ilana Miller, National Manager, Petroleum and Minerals.

“The new condition explicitly requires permit holders to engage with iwi on an ongoing basis, with specific early engagement requirements in relation to activities to be undertaken within 200 metres of areas of significance to iwi.”

The Crown Minerals (Petroleum) Amendment Act 2018 gave effect to the Government’s announcement that it would no longer grant offshore petroleum exploration permits, and that the Block Offer process would be restricted to the onshore Taranaki region.

The change in the legislation also prohibits access to conservation land, as part of the Block Offer process, except for minimum impact activities.

The release area does not include any land listed in Schedule 4 of the Crown Minerals Act (including national parks, nature reserves, and wildlife sanctuaries), World Heritage sites, as well as areas of importance to Māori identified in section 3.1 of the Petroleum Programme (such as Mount Taranaki and the Pouakai, Pukeiti and Kaitake Ranges). Parihaka Pā has also been excluded along with land that is being investigated by the New Plymouth District Council and Taranaki iwi regarding possible wāhi tapu sites.

The tender will close on 28 August 2019.

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