Jonathan Young - Energy and Resources

28 March 2018

Minister needs to be clear on permit process

Minister for Energy and Resources Megan Woods needs to send a clear signal that those companies who have existing exploration permits, and who meet New Zealand Petroleum and Minerals current criteria, will be able to progress through the permitting regime for their full programme of work, National Party spokesperson for Energy and Resources Jonathan Young says.

“Ms Woods told delegates at the New Zealand Petroleum Conference that they had nothing to worry about and that existing permits and work programmes would be protected,’ Mr Young says.

“However, in a recent answer to a question in the House she refused to confirm that a company with an exploration permit would have an open pathway to the next step of gaining a Petroleum Mining Permit, should their exploration prove successful.

“Companies invest hundreds of millions of dollars in exploration programmes, with huge benefits to New Zealand companies and their employees, which has massive spinoff benefits for regions like Taranaki.

“This investment in exploration never earns a company a cent, until they have a proven commercial discovery and then can secure a petroleum mining permit.

“The current permitting process gives companies surety that when they won their right to explore they could secure a permit to enable them to move into production.

“Ms Woods needs to be unequivocal in her statements regarding existing permits and work programmes in the petroleum sector. Any uncertainty that might undermine this process will have significant ramifications for the industry.”

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