New Zealand initiates 2017 lease round talks

Sept. 20, 2016
New Zealand’s Minister of Energy and Resources has opened consultations on the country’s Block Offer 2017.  

Offshore staff

WELLINGTON, New Zealand-- Simon Bridges, New Zealand’s Minister of Energy and Resources, has opened consultations on the country’s Block Offer 2017. Discussions with local authorities will start on Oct. 17.

The offer includes four proposed offshoreblock areas:

  • OffshoreNorthland-Reinga basins (150,566 sq km/58,133 sq mi)
  • OffshoreTaranaki basin (64,978 sq km/25,088 sq mi)
  • Offshore Pegasus and East Coast North Island basins (75,180 sq km/25,088 sq mi)
  • Offshore Canterbury- Great South basin (210,884 sq km/81,422 sq mi)

The purpose of the consultation is to identify areas of sensitivity or significance that the minister needs to be aware of, and any possible drilling restrictions.

Once the process is complete, New Zealand Petroleum and Minerals will supply advice to the minister, who will decide the final blocks to be released for tender next March.

9/20/2016