Permits

Summary

A permit is required for all Crown owned minerals in New Zealand, which include all gold, silver and petroleum.

Since the Crown owns the in-ground petroleum resource and associated hydrocarbons, anyone wanting to prospect, explore or mine petroleum in New Zealand must obtain a permit. This includes petroleum on the New Zealand continental shelf and coal seam gas.

View online now...
Current permits Search the Register for current permits and contest rounds.
Recent applications received and granted Search the Register to view the most recent permit activity.
Permit maps Click here to view the locations of current petroleum prospecting, exploration and mining permits in New Zealand.

Frequently asked questions...
 

What is a permit?

A permit is permission granted by the crown to prospect, explore or mine for petroleum in a defined area. New Zealand Petroleum & Minerals business unit administers the permitting regime through the powers granted under the Crown Minerals Act 1991.
 

What are the different types of permits?

New Zealand Petroleum & Minerals issues permits to prospect, explore or mine petroleum under the Crown Minerals Act 1991.
View key information for the types of petroleum permits available.
 

How do I apply for a permit?

All applications for petroleum permits must be submitted to New Zealand Petroleum & Minerals in the manner prescribed in the Crown Minerals (Petroleum) Regulations 2007.
New Zealand Petroleum & Minerals recommends that applicants also familiarise themselves with the Crown Minerals Act 1991 (the “Act”), the relevant minerals programme and also to seek professional advice where appropriate before making an application for a permit.
 

Where are the application forms?

Click here to view the updated Petroleum application forms as writable PDFs.
 

How much does it cost?

Click here to view the costs for permit applications and changes and annual permit fees.
 

Relevant legislation

The Crown Minerals Act 1991 is accompanied by other important pieces of legislation.
Find out more...