Apply for petroleum permits and manage current permits

Under the Crown Minerals Act 1991 (CMA) you need a permit to prospect, explore or mine for petroleum.

How to apply for or manage a permit

You can apply for a new petroleum permit, or manage an existing petroleum permit, in the following ways:

  • Using the Online Permitting System (OPS).
  • Emailing the application form.

Online Permitting System

The online permitting system enables you to apply for, and manage, existing petroleum prospecting, exploration and mining permits (onshore and offshore) online. Specifically, you can:

  • apply for new permits
  • make changes to existing permits  
  • access information about permit obligations and compliance.

Online Permitting System

Types of petroleum permits you can apply for

Emailing your application form

If you do not have access to reliable internet service, you can complete the application form and email it to us.

  1. Select the relevant form from the list below.
  2. Once you click on a form, you will find instructions on how to apply, along with references to supporting guidelines and fee information.

Before you apply

We recommend you review the relevant legislation, including the Crown Minerals Act 1991 and the Minerals Programme for Petroleum 2025.

Overview of the minerals and petroleum regulatory environment

Forms to apply for or manage a permit.

New petroleum permit

Change of control

Change to conditions

Extension of land

Transfer of interest

Amalgamate permits

Change of minerals

Consent to a dealing

Partial surrender or Full surrender

Application authority

Appraisal extensions

Change of operator

Extension of duration

Flare or vent protection

Change permit contact or authorised contact

Privacy Act

The personal information you must include in your application is needed to process your application under the Act. You have the right under the Privacy Act 2020 and/or the Official Information Act 1982 to access information held about you by New Zealand Petroleum & Minerals and request that this information be corrected if necessary.

Assistance

If you have a question, please contact us.

Contact us

If you need advice on the Crown Minerals Act, the Petroleum Regulations, or the Petroleum Programme, we recommend you seek independent legal advice.

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