New Zealand opens 2017 block offer

More than 481,730sq km of exploration acreage has been opened to tender offers in New Zealand, including five offshore, two onshore and one straddling on- and offshore.

The country's Block Offer 2017 tender for petroleum exploration permits was opened by New Zealand's Energy and Resources Minister Judith Collins and acreage in the Taranaki, Northland-Reinga, Pegasus - East Coast, Hawke Bay and Great South - Canterbury offshore release areas.

Bidders will be assessed on proposed work programs, technical and financial capability to carry out that work, compliance history, and likely ability to meet New Zealand’s health, safety and environmental requirements.

Companies have until 6 September 2017 to make bids. The ministry expects to grant permits in December 2017.

The acreage being tendered is:

• The Northland-Reinga Offshore Release Area (17NRN-R1) – 150,566sq km
• The Taranaki Offshore Release Area (17TAR-R1) – 64,978sq km
• The Taranaki Onshore Release Area (17TAR-R2) – 1021sq km
• The Taranaki North Release Area (17TAR-R3) – 1475sq km
• The Pegasus - East Coast Offshore Release Area (17PEC-R1) – 49,630sq km
• The Hawke Bay Offshore Release Area (17PEC-R2) – 5569sq km
• The Southland Onshore Release Area (17SLD-R1) – 3,568sq km
• The Great South - Canterbury Offshore Release Area (17GSC-R1) – 204,928sq km