Block Offer 2019 tender opens

The release area is restricted to the onshore Taranaki region, and covers 2,451 km².

“The launch of Block Offer 2019 follows consultation with iwi and hapū,” says Susan Baas, National Manager, Petroleum and Minerals.

“The bid document features an additional engagement condition that was included last year after feedback during consultation.

“The condition explicitly requires new 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 legislation change 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 4 November 2020.

Nominations from industry for areas within the onshore Taranaki Regional Territorial Area to be considered for inclusion in Block Offer 2020 have also opened today and close on 21 August 2020.

More information on Block Offer 2019