New Zealand's energy and resources minister has fired the starting gun for the country's Block Offer 2017.
The Block Offer 2017 will see consultation start on the awarding oil and gas exploration permits in the country - onshore and offshore.
“This is an important first step in the Block Offer process. Feedback from iwi and local authorities ensures that any areas of sensitivity are identified and carefully considered before the tender round is finalized,” minister Simon Bridges says.
Schedule 4 areas (including national parks and marine reserves) and World Heritage sites are excluded from the Block Offer process.
Consultation will take place on four proposed offshore areas, one proposed offshore/onshore area, and two proposed onshore areas, covering a total area of around 508,691sq km.
New Zealand adopted an annual Block Offer approach in 2012. The consultation period for Block Offer 2017 runs until 18 November 2016. The final tender area will be announced in March next year.