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.
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.
- Select the relevant form from the list below.
- 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.
Partial surrender or Full surrender
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.
If you need advice on the Crown Minerals Act, the Petroleum Regulations, or the Petroleum Programme, we recommend you seek independent legal advice.