New Zealand Opens 2017 Round

New Zealand’s energy and resources minister Judith Collins has opened the Block Offer 2017 tender for petroleum exploration permits. The tender includes five offshore release areas, two onshore release areas, and one offshore/onshore release area, totalling 481,735 km².

The launch of the tender follows extensive consultation with 146 indigenous Iwi and Hapu groups and 43 local councils on the proposal for Block Offer 2017, the ministry said March 22.

New Zealand’s energy and resources minister Judith Collins (Credit: New Zealand Parliament) 

The bids will be assessed on parameters such as work program, technical and financial capability, compliance history and the likely ability to meet New Zealand’s health, safety and environmental requirements.

The Invitation for bids for Block Offer 2017 closes on September 6, 2017 and the ministry expects to grant permits in December 2017.

Shardul Sharma