Crown Minerals Act 1991
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Version as at 10 July 2026
Crown Minerals Act 1991
Public Act |
1991 No 70 |
|
Date of assent |
22 July 1991 |
|
Commencement |
see section 1(2) |
Note
The Parliamentary Counsel Office has made editorial and format changes to this version using the powers under subpart 2 of Part 3 of the Legislation Act 2019.
Note 4 at the end of this version provides a list of the amendments included in it.
This Act is administered by the Ministry of Business, Innovation, and Employment.
Contents
Title: repealed, on 24 May 2013, by section 4 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
1 Title and commencement
(1)
This Act may be cited as the Crown Minerals Act 1991.
(2)
This Act shall come into force on 1 October 1991.
Section 1 heading: amended, on 24 May 2013, by section 5 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
1A Purpose
(1)
The purpose of this Act is to promote prospecting for, exploration for, and mining of Crown owned minerals for the benefit of New Zealand.
(2)
To this end, this Act provides for—
(a)
the efficient allocation of rights to prospect for, explore for, and mine Crown owned minerals; and
(b)
the effective management and regulation of the exercise of those rights; and
(c)
the carrying out, in accordance with good industry practice, of activities in respect of those rights; and
(d)
a fair financial return to the Crown for its minerals.
1B Provisions affecting application of Act
Schedule 1 contains savings and transitional provisions that affect other provisions of this Act (see section 106).
Section 1B: inserted, on 24 May 2013, by section 6 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
Part 1 Preliminary provisions
Part 1 heading: replaced, on 24 May 2013, by section 7 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
Interpretation and application[Repealed]
Heading: repealed, on 24 May 2013, by section 8 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
2 Interpretation
(1)
In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires,—
access arrangement and arrangement means an arrangement to permit access to land—
(a)
entered into by way of arrangement or determined by an arbiter in accordance with this Act; and
(b)
between a person desiring to carry out mineral-related activities and either—
(i)
the owner (and occupier, if any) of the land; or
(ii)
in the case of land in the common marine and coastal area that is not a customary marine title area, the appropriate Minister
appropriate Minister has the meaning given by section 2A
bed means—
(a)
in relation to any river, the space of land which the waters of the river cover at its fullest flow without overtopping the banks; and
(b)
in relation to a lake, the space of land which the waters of the lake cover at its highest level without exceeding its physical margin; and
(c)
in relation to the sea, the submarine areas covered by the internal waters and the territorial sea
change includes amend, add to, delete from, and replace
chief executive means the chief executive of the department that, with the authority of the Prime Minister, is responsible for the administration of this Act
coal means anthracite, bituminous coal, sub-bituminous coal, lignite, and peat; and includes every other substance worked or normally worked with coal
coastal marine area has the meaning given in section 2(1) of the Resource Management Act 1991
common marine and coastal area has the meaning given in section 9(1) of the Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Act 2011
consent authority has the same meaning as in section 2(1) of the Resource Management Act 1991
continental shelf has the same meaning as in section 2(1) of the Continental Shelf Act 1964
contravene includes fail to comply with
controlling authority, in relation to land, means—
(a)
in the case of land within 20 metres of a road, the authority having control of the road:
(b)
in the case of land within 100 metres of a public bridge, the authority having control of the public bridge:
(c)
in the case of land within 60 metres of a private bridge, the person owning or having control of the private bridge:
(d)
in the case of land within 100 metres of a railway, the person responsible for the administration of that railway:
(e)
in the case of land within 60 metres of any river control or flood protection work, the authority having control of the river control or flood protection work
crop means plants grown on cultivated land, the produce of which is to be harvested
Crown land means all land held in allodium by, or the fee simple title to which is vested in, the Crown whether by virtue of Crown prerogative, operation of law, any enactment, or any deed or instrument; and includes—
(a)
land alienated by way of lease or licence under section 66, section 68, or section 69 of the Land Act 1948; and
(b)
Crown land within the meaning of paragraphs (a) to (f) of the definition of the term Crown land in section 2 of the Land Act 1948
Crown owned mineral means any mineral that is the property of the Crown
current means, in relation to a permit, that the permit has been granted and has not expired or been surrendered or revoked; and currency has a corresponding meaning
customary marine title agreement has the meaning given to agreement in section 9(1) of the Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Act 2011
customary marine title group has the meaning given in section 9(1) of the Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Act 2011
customary marine title order has the meaning given in section 9(1) of the Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Act 2011
decommissioning has the meaning set out in section 89E
discovery means the discovery of a deposit or occurrence of a mineral
draft minerals programme means a programme prepared or in the course of preparation under section 15
dwellinghouse means any building, whether permanent or temporary, that is occupied, in whole or in part, as a residence; and includes any structure or outdoor living area that is accessory to, and used wholly or principally for the purposes of, the residence; but does not include the land upon which the residence is sited
enforcement officer,—
(a)
other than for the purposes of sections 101A to 101C, means a person appointed under section 99A:
(b)
for the purposes of sections 101A to 101C, has the meaning given by section 101C(6)
enter includes to re-enter; and entry has a similar meaning
existing privilege means any of the following:
(a)
any mining privilege granted under Part 4 of the Mining Act 1971:
(b)
any mining privilege or licence referred to in section 136(b) and (c) of the Mining Act 1971:
(c)
any coal mining right or other right, lease, sublease, tenancy, licence, or easement granted under the Coal Mines Act 1979:
(d)
any prospecting licence or mining licence granted under Part 1 of the Petroleum Act 1937 or authorisation granted under Part 2 of that Act:
(e)
any authorisation given, agreement entered into, or grant of rights under the Iron and Steel Industry Act 1959, and any existing rights referred to in section 5 of that Act
exploration means any activity undertaken for the purpose of identifying mineral deposits or occurrences and evaluating the feasibility of mining particular deposits or occurrences of 1 or more minerals; and includes any drilling, dredging, or excavations (whether surface or subsurface) that are reasonably necessary to determine the nature and size of a mineral deposit or occurrence; and to explore has a corresponding meaning
exploration permit means an exploration permit granted under this Act
foreshore means any land covered and uncovered by the flow and ebb of the tide at mean spring tides and, in relation to any such land that forms part of the bed of a river, does not include any area that is not part of the coastal marine area
fuel minerals includes coal and petroleum
gold includes any substance containing gold, or having gold mixed in it
gold fossicking area means any area designated under section 98 or 98A to be a gold fossicking area
good industry practice, in relation to an activity, means acting in a manner that is technically competent and at a level of diligence and prudence reasonably and ordinarily exercised by experienced operators engaged in a similar activity and under similar circumstances, but (for the purposes of this Act) does not include any aspect of the activity regulated under environmental legislation
Government policy statement or GPS means a Government policy statement issued under section 12
health and safety regulator has the same meaning as regulator in section 16 of the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015
in, in relation to land, means on or under the surface of land
industrial rocks and building stones includes aggregate, basalt, diatomite, dunite, granite, limestone, marble, perlite, pumice, sandstone, serpentine, slate, sand, and gravel
initial permit means a permit that is not a subsequent permit
internal waters has the meaning given by section 4 of the Territorial Sea, Contiguous Zone, and Exclusive Economic Zone Act 1977
land includes land covered by water; and also includes the foreshore and seabed to the outer limits of the territorial sea
local authority means a regional council or a territorial authority (as those terms are defined in section 5(1) of the Local Government Act 2002)
Maori land has the same meaning as in Te Ture Whenua Maori Act 1993; and includes Maori reserves within the meaning of that Act
metallic minerals includes compounds of aluminium, chromium, copper, gold, iron, lead, manganese, mercury, molybdenum, nickel, platinum, silver, tin, titanium, tungsten, uranium, vanadium, and zinc
mineral means a naturally occurring inorganic substance beneath or at the surface of the earth, whether or not under water; and includes all metallic minerals, non-metallic minerals, fuel minerals, precious stones, industrial rocks and building stones, and a prescribed substance within the meaning of the Atomic Energy Act 1945
minerals programme means a programme issued by the Governor-General under section 19 that is current
minimum impact activity means any of the following:
(a)
geological, geochemical, and geophysical surveying:
(b)
taking samples by hand or hand held methods:
(ba)
taking small samples offshore by low-impact mechanical methods:
(c)
aerial surveying:
(d)
land surveying:
(e)
any activity prescribed as a minimum impact activity:
(f)
any lawful act incidental to any activity to which paragraphs (a) to (e) relate—
to the extent that it does not involve any activity that results in impacts of greater than minimum scale and in no circumstances shall include activities involving—
(g)
the cutting, destroying, removing, or injury of any vegetation on greater than a minimum scale; or
(h)
the use of explosives; or
(i)
damage to improvements, stock, or chattels on any land; or
(j)
any breach of the provisions of this or any other Act, including provisions in relation to protected native plants, water, noise, and historic sites; or
(k)
the use of more persons for any particular activity than is reasonably necessary; or
(l)
any impacts prescribed as prohibited impacts; or
(m)
entry on land prescribed as prohibited land
mining—
(a)
means to take, win, or extract, by whatever means,—
(i)
a mineral existing in its natural state in land; or
(ii)
a chemical substance from a mineral existing in its natural state in land; and
(b)
includes—
(i)
the injection of petroleum into an underground gas storage facility; and
(ii)
the extraction of petroleum from an underground gas storage facility; but
(c)
does not include prospecting or exploration for a mineral or chemical substance referred to in paragraph (a)
mining operations—
(a)
means operations in connection with mining, exploring, or prospecting for any Crown owned mineral; and
(b)
includes, when carried out at or near the site where the mining, exploration, or prospecting is undertaken,—
(i)
the extraction, transport, treatment, processing, and separation of any mineral or chemical substance from the mineral; and
(ii)
the construction, maintenance, and operation of any works, structures, and other land improvements, and of any related machinery and equipment connected with the operations; and
(iii)
the removal of overburden by mechanical or other means, and the stacking, deposit, storage, and treatment of any substance considered to contain any mineral; and
(iv)
the deposit or discharge of any mineral, material, debris, tailings, refuse, or wastewater produced from or consequent on the operations; and
(v)
the doing of all lawful acts incidental or conducive to the operations; and
(c)
includes any activities relating to the injection into and extraction of petroleum from an underground gas storage facility
mining permit means a mining permit granted under this Act
Minister means the Minister of the Crown who, under the authority of a warrant or with the authority of the Prime Minister, is responsible for the administration of this Act
non-exclusive permit means a permit which confers a right to prospect or explore for, or mine, any Crown owned mineral which right is not exclusive to the holder of the permit
non-metallic minerals includes asbestos, barite, bentonite, calcite, clays, dolomite, feldspar, fluorite, magnesite, mica, phosphate, potash, quartz, salt, silica lump, silica sand, sulphur, talc, and wax
occupier, in relation to land, means a person who has a right to occupy the land by virtue of a lease, sublease, licence, or any renewal thereof, granted by the owner of the land; and includes—
(a)
a holder of an exploration permit or mining permit who has a right of access in respect of the land for the purpose of carrying out an activity under the permit or mining operations; and
(b)
a person in actual occupation of the land by virtue of being the holder of an existing privilege (other than an authorisation granted under Part 2 of the Petroleum Act 1937); and
(c)
a controlling authority in respect of the land
offshore means anywhere that is the seaward side of the mean high-water mark
ORE designated area has the meaning given in section 60 of the Offshore Renewable Energy Act 2026
owner means—
(a)
in relation to Crown land, the appropriate Minister within the meaning of subsection (2); and
(b)
in relation to land other than Crown land, the person or persons who hold the fee simple title to the land; and includes, except for the purposes of sections 8 and 49 to 52, the person or persons (other than the Crown) who owns or own the minerals in the land
participating interest,—
(a)
in relation to a permit, means an undivided share of the permit that is expressed as a percentage recorded on the permit:
(b)
in relation to a licence granted under Part 1 of the Petroleum Act 1937, means an undivided share of the licence that is recorded on the licence
permit means a prospecting permit, an exploration permit, or a mining permit to the extent that it remains current; or, if the context requires, all or any of these permits, except in subparts 2 and 3 of Part 1B
permit holder means the person who is the sole permit participant, or all of the permit participants, as the case may be
permit operator means the person described in section 27
permit participant means a person who holds a participating interest in a permit
permit year means the period of 12 months from the commencement of a permit, or any successive period of 12 months from an anniversary of the commencement of a permit
person includes the Crown, a corporation sole, and also a body of persons, whether corporate or unincorporate
petroleum means—
(a)
any naturally occurring hydrocarbon (other than coal) whether in a gaseous, liquid, or solid state; or
(b)
any naturally occurring mixture of hydrocarbons (other than coal) whether in a gaseous, liquid, or solid state; or
(c)
any naturally occurring mixture of 1 or more hydrocarbons (other than coal) whether in a gaseous, liquid, or solid state, and 1 or more of the following, namely hydrogen sulphide, nitrogen, helium, or carbon dioxide—
and, except in sections 10 and 11, includes any petroleum as so defined which has been mined or otherwise recovered from its natural condition, or which has been so mined or otherwise recovered but which has been returned to a natural reservoir for storage purposes
petroleum infrastructure has the meaning set out in section 89F
petroleum mining permit means a mining permit for petroleum
prescribed means prescribed by regulations made under this Act
prescribed form means a form prescribed by regulations made under this Act and containing and having attached such information and documents as those regulations may require
private bridge means a bridge or culvert (other than a footbridge) that is owned by or under the control of any person other than the Government or a public authority
prospecting—
(a)
means any activity undertaken for the purpose of identifying land likely to contain mineral deposits or occurrences; and
(b)
includes the following activities:
(i)
geological, geochemical, and geophysical surveying:
(ii)
aerial surveying:
(iii)
taking samples by hand or hand held methods:
(iv)
taking small samples offshore by low-impact mechanical methods
prospecting permit means a prospecting permit granted under this Act
public bridge means a bridge or culvert intended for public use or for use in connection with any public work within the meaning of the Public Works Act 1981 and under the control of the Government or any public authority
public notice, when given by the Minister, means notice published in 1 or more daily newspapers circulating in the main metropolitan areas
railway means a railway within the meaning of the New Zealand Railways Corporation Act 1981 and also within the meaning of section 2 of the Public Works Act 1981
regulations means regulations made under this Act
regulatory agency means—
(a)
the Environmental Protection Authority established by section 7 of the Environmental Protection Authority Act 2011:
(b)
a consent authority:
(c)
Maritime New Zealand and the Director of Maritime New Zealand:
(d)
WorkSafe New Zealand:
(e)
the Department of Conservation
relevant minerals programme,—
(a)
in relation to a permit that had effect immediately before the commencement of section 13 (as enacted by section 18 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013), means the minerals programme that for the time being applies to the permit under clause 3 of Schedule 1:
(b)
in relation to a permit granted on or after the commencement of section 13 (as so enacted), means the minerals programme that for the time being applies to that permit under Part 1A
right of access means, in respect of land, the right of a permit holder (and employees, agents, and contractors of a permit holder) to enter, use, occupy, and enjoy (with or without vehicles and equipment) the land for the purpose of carrying out lawful activity under a permit or any mining operations
road means—
(a)
a road within the meaning of section 121 of the Public Works Act 1981 or section 315 of the Local Government Act 1974:
(b)
a motorway within the meaning of section 2 of the Public Works Act 1981:
(c)
a limited access road within the meaning of section 153 of the Public Works Act 1981 or section 346 of the Local Government Act 1974:
(d)
a regional road within the meaning of section 362 of the Local Government Act 1974:
(e)
a limited access regional road within the meaning of section 371 of the Local Government Act 1974:
(f)
a regional motorway within the meaning of section 374 of the Local Government Act 1974
royalties means money payable to the Crown under section 33(1)(c) in accordance with—
(a)
section 34(b); or
(b)
regulations made under section 105A
sand does not include ironsand
serve means serve in accordance with sections 96 to 96C
ship has the same meaning as in section 2(1) of the Maritime Transport Act 1994
silver includes any substance containing silver, or having silver mixed in it, other than a substance that also contains gold or has gold mixed in it
special purpose mining activity means an activity carried out to demonstrate historical mining methods
specified Act means the—
speculative prospector has the meaning given by section 90C(7)
submission means a written submission
subsequent permit means a permit granted in accordance with section 32
territorial sea means the territorial sea of New Zealand as defined by section 3 of the Territorial Sea, Contiguous Zone, and Exclusive Economic Zone Act 1977
Tier 1 permit has the meaning given by section 2B(1)
Tier 2 permit has the meaning given by section 2B(2)
Tier 3 permit has the meaning given by section 2B(2A)
Treaty of Waitangi (Te Tiriti o Waitangi) has the same meaning as the word Treaty as defined in section 2 of the Treaty of Waitangi Act 1975
underground gas storage facility means a natural reservoir into which petroleum is injected in a gaseous state for subsequent extraction
uranium includes thorium and all natural substances, chemical compounds, and physical combinations of uranium or thorium
work programme means a programme of work to be undertaken by a permit holder in relation to the holder’s permit
working day means any day except—
(a)
a Saturday, a Sunday, Waitangi Day, Good Friday, Easter Monday, Anzac Day, the Sovereign’s birthday, Te Rā Aro ki a Matariki/Matariki Observance Day, and Labour Day; and
(ab)
if Waitangi Day or Anzac Day falls on a Saturday or a Sunday, the following Monday; and
(b)
a day in the period commencing with 20 December in any year and ending with 15 January in the following year.
(2)
[Repealed](3)
[Repealed](4)
In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires,—
(a)
a reference to a Part, section, or Schedule, is a reference to a Part, section, or Schedule of this Act; and
(b)
a reference in a section to a subsection is a reference to a subsection of that section; and
(c)
a reference in a subsection to a paragraph is a reference to a paragraph of that subsection; and
(d)
a reference in a section to a paragraph is a reference to a paragraph of that section.
(5)
For the purposes of this Act, a transfer of a participating interest in a permit or the transfer of a licence or a participating interest in a licence is effective on and after the date of the Minister’s consent to that transfer.
Section 2(1) access arrangement and arrangement: substituted, on 1 April 2011, by section 128 of the Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Act 2011 (2011 No 3).
Section 2(1) appropriate Minister: inserted, on 24 May 2013, by section 9(1) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
Section 2(1) chief executive: inserted, on 24 May 2013, by section 9(1) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
Section 2(1) coal: amended, on 24 May 2013, by section 9(2) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
Section 2(1) coastal marine area: inserted, on 1 April 2011, by section 128 of the Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Act 2011 (2011 No 3).
Section 2(1) coastal marine area: amended, on 23 December 2023, by section 6 of the Resource Management (Natural and Built Environment and Spatial Planning Repeal and Interim Fast-track Consenting) Act 2023 (2023 No 68).
Section 2(1) common marine and coastal area: inserted, on 1 April 2011, by section 128 of the Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Act 2011 (2011 No 3).
Section 2(1) consent authority: inserted, on 24 May 2013, by section 9(1) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
Section 2(1) consent authority: amended, on 23 December 2023, by section 6 of the Resource Management (Natural and Built Environment and Spatial Planning Repeal and Interim Fast-track Consenting) Act 2023 (2023 No 68).
Section 2(1) continental shelf: inserted, on 24 May 2013, by section 9(1) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
Section 2(1) customary marine title agreement: inserted, on 1 April 2011, by section 128 of the Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Act 2011 (2011 No 3).
Section 2(1) customary marine title group: inserted, on 1 April 2011, by section 128 of the Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Act 2011 (2011 No 3).
Section 2(1) customary marine title order: inserted, on 1 April 2011, by section 128 of the Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Act 2011 (2011 No 3).
Section 2(1) draft minerals programme: amended, on 24 May 2013, by section 64 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
Section 2(1) decommissioning: inserted, on 2 December 2021, by section 4(1) of the Crown Minerals (Decommissioning and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 53).
Section 2(1) enforcement officer: replaced, on 24 May 2013, by section 9(3) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
Section 2(1) existing privilege: inserted, on 24 May 2013, by section 9(1) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
Section 2(1) exploration permit: amended, on 28 September 1993, by section 2(2)(a) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 139).
Section 2(1) gold fossicking area: amended, on 24 May 2013, by section 9(4) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
Section 2(1) good industry practice inserted, on 24 May 2013, by section 9(1) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
Section 2(1) Government policy statement or GPS: inserted, on 6 August 2025, by section 5(1) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 40).
Section 2(1) health and safety regulator: replaced, on 4 April 2016, by section 232 of the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 (2015 No 70).
Section 2(1) industrial rocks and building stones: amended, on 28 September 1993, by section 2(2)(b) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 139).
Section 2(1) internal waters: inserted, on 24 May 2013, by section 9(1) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
Section 2(1) local authority: inserted, on 24 May 2013, by section 9(1) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
Section 2(1) Maori land: amended, on 1 July 1993, pursuant to section 362(2) of Te Ture Whenua Maori Act 1993 (1993 No 4).
Section 2(1) metallic minerals: amended, on 28 September 1993, by section 2(2)(c) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 139).
Section 2(1) minerals programme: amended, on 24 May 2013, by section 9(5) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
Section 2(1) minimum impact activity paragraph (ba): inserted, on 24 May 2013, by section 9(6) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
Section 2(1) mining: replaced, on 24 May 2013, by section 9(7) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
Section 2(1) mining operations: replaced, on 24 May 2013, by section 9(8) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
Section 2(1) mining permit: amended, on 28 September 1993, by section 2(2)(d) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 139).
Section 2(1) Minister: replaced, on 24 May 2013, by section 9(9) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
Section 2(1) occupier paragraph (a): amended, on 21 August 2003, by section 3 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2003 (2003 No 45).
Section 2(1) occupier paragraph (b): amended, on 24 May 2013, by section 9(10) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
Section 2(1) offshore: inserted, on 24 May 2013, by section 9(1) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
Section 2(1) onshore Taranaki region: repealed, on 6 August 2025, by section 5(2) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 40).
Section 2(1) ORE designated area: inserted, on 10 July 2026, by section 180 of the Offshore Renewable Energy Act 2026 (2026 No 39).
Section 2(1) owner paragraph (b): amended, on 28 September 1993, by section 2(2)(e) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 139).
Section 2(1) participating interest: replaced, on 2 December 2021, by section 4(2) of the Crown Minerals (Decommissioning and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 53).
Section 2(1) permit: amended, on 2 December 2021, by section 4(3) of the Crown Minerals (Decommissioning and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 53).
Section 2(1) permit holder: replaced, on 24 May 2013, by section 9(11) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
Section 2(1) permit operator: inserted, on 24 May 2013, by section 9(1) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
Section 2(1) permit participant: inserted, on 24 May 2013, by section 9(1) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
Section 2(1) permit year: inserted, on 24 May 2013, by section 9(1) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
Section 2(1) petroleum: amended, on 24 May 2013, by section 9(12) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
Section 2(1) petroleum infrastructure: inserted, on 2 December 2021, by section 4(1) of the Crown Minerals (Decommissioning and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 53).
Section 2(1) prospecting: replaced, on 24 May 2013, by section 9(13) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
Section 2(1) prospecting permit: amended, on 28 September 1993, by section 2(2)(f) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 139).
Section 2(1) public foreshore and seabed: repealed, on 1 April 2011, by section 128 of the Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Act 2011 (2011 No 3).
Section 2(1) regulatory agency: inserted, on 24 May 2013, by section 9(1) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
Section 2(1) regulatory agency paragraph (d): replaced, on 16 December 2013, by section 22 of the WorkSafe New Zealand Act 2013 (2013 No 94).
Section 2(1) relevant minerals programme: replaced, on 24 May 2013, by section 9(14) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
Section 2(1) royalties: inserted, on 24 May 2013, by section 9(1) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
Section 2(1) Secretary: repealed, on 24 May 2013, by section 9(15) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
Section 2(1) serve: amended, on 6 August 2025, by section 5(3) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 40).
Section 2(1) ship: inserted, on 2 December 2021, by section 4(1) of the Crown Minerals (Decommissioning and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 53).
Section 2(1) special purpose mining activity: inserted, on 24 May 2013, by section 9(1) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
Section 2(1) specified Act: inserted, on 24 May 2013, by section 9(1) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
Section 2(1) specified Act paragraph (a): amended, on 4 April 2016, by section 232 of the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 (2015 No 70).
Section 2(1) specified Act paragraph (c): replaced, on 23 December 2023, by section 6 of the Resource Management (Natural and Built Environment and Spatial Planning Repeal and Interim Fast-track Consenting) Act 2023 (2023 No 68).
Section 2(1) speculative prospector: inserted, on 24 May 2013, by section 9(1) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
Section 2(1) territorial sea: amended, on 1 August 1996, pursuant to section 5(4) of the Territorial Sea and Exclusive Economic Zone Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 74).
Section 2(1) Tier 1 permit: inserted, on 24 May 2013, by section 9(1) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
Section 2(1) Tier 2 permit: inserted, on 24 May 2013, by section 9(1) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
Section 2(1) Tier 3 permit: inserted, on 25 September 2025, by section 5(1) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 40).
Section 2(1) underground gas storage facility: inserted, on 24 May 2013, by section 9(1) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
Section 2(1) work programme: inserted, on 24 May 2013, by section 9(1) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
Section 2(1) working day paragraph (a): replaced, on 12 April 2022, by wehenga 7 o Te Ture mō te Hararei Tūmatanui o te Kāhui o Matariki 2022/section 7 of the Te Kāhui o Matariki Public Holiday Act 2022 (2022 No 14).
Section 2(1) working day paragraph (ab): inserted, on 1 January 2014, by section 8 of the Holidays (Full Recognition of Waitangi Day and ANZAC Day) Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 19).
Section 2(1) WorkSafe: repealed, on 4 April 2016, by section 232 of the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 (2015 No 70).
Section 2(2): repealed, on 24 May 2013, by section 9(16) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
Section 2(3): repealed, on 24 May 2013, by section 9(16) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
Section 2(5): inserted, on 6 August 2025, by section 5(4) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 40).
2A Meaning of appropriate Minister
(1)
In this Act, appropriate Minister, in relation to Crown land or land in the common marine and coastal area, means—
(a)
the Minister charged with the administration of the land; or
(b)
if the land is part of the common marine and coastal area, the Minister described in paragraph (a) and the Minister of Conservation (if he or she is not the Minister described in that paragraph); or
(c)
if neither of paragraphs (a) and (b) applies, the Minister of Lands.
(2)
However, if after subsection (1) is applied there is uncertainty as to who is the appropriate Minister, the appropriate Minister is the Minister designated by the Governor-General by Order in Council.
Section 2A: inserted, on 24 May 2013, by section 10 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
2B Meaning of Tier 1 permit, Tier 2 permit, and Tier 3 permit
(1)
In this Act, Tier 1 permit means the following permits:
(a)
a prospecting, exploration, or mining permit that relates to petroleum:
(b)
[Repealed](c)
an exploration permit that relates to a mineral listed in the first column of Schedule 5, unless the expected total work programme expenditure in relation to the permit for the final 5 permit years of its life, or for the entire duration of its life if the permit is for less than 5 permit years, is, in the Minister’s estimation, less than the amount specified for the mineral in the second column of that schedule:
(d)
a mining permit that relates to a mineral listed in the first column of Schedule 5, if, in any 1 permit year in the next 5 permit years of its life, the annual royalty or annual production in relation to the permit will be, in the Minister’s estimation, equal to or more than the amount specified in the third or fourth column of that schedule:
(e)
an exploration or mining permit that (irrespective of the type of mineral to which the permit relates, the year of the permit’s life, or any threshold amounts specified for the mineral to which the permit relates in Schedule 5)—
(i)
relates to an underground operation or an operation that is (whether wholly or partially) 50 metres or more beyond the seaward side of the mean high-water mark; and
(ii)
is not for a special purpose mining activity.
(2)
In this Act, Tier 2 permit means a permit that is not a Tier 1 permit or a Tier 3 permit.
(2A)
In this Act, Tier 3 permit means a permit that—
(a)
authorises mining for gold in the bed of a river, on a beach, or both; and
(b)
does not authorise mining for any other mineral; and
(c)
applies to an area not exceeding 50 continuous hectares; and
(d)
authorises work in accordance with the work programme set out in section 2BA; and
(e)
is not a Tier 1 permit.
(3)
For the purposes of the Minister making an estimate for the purposes of subsection (1)(c) or (d), the life of a permit includes any extensions of duration to the permit granted under this Act.
(4)
In this section and sections 2BA and 29AB, river includes a stream or creek.
Section 2B: inserted, on 24 May 2013, by section 10 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
Section 2B heading: amended, on 25 September 2025, by section 6(1) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 40).
Section 2B(1)(b): repealed, on 2 December 2021, by section 5(1) of the Crown Minerals (Decommissioning and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 53).
Section 2B(1)(e): amended, on 2 December 2021, by section 5(2) of the Crown Minerals (Decommissioning and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 53).
Section 2B(2): amended, on 25 September 2025, by section 6(2) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 40).
Section 2B(2A): inserted, on 25 September 2025, by section 6(3) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 40).
Section 2B(4): inserted, on 25 September 2025, by section 6(4) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 40).
2BA Work programme for Tier 3 permits
(1)
The work programme for a Tier 3 permit is—
(a)
the permit holder will mine for gold:
(b)
the permit holder may only use the following equipment:
(i)
unpowered hand tools:
(ii)
riffle boxes and associated equipment:
(iii)
powered equipment not exceeding a combined total of 10 horsepower (or the equivalent of 10 horsepower) at any one time:
(iv)
other similar equipment that is consistent with small-scale non-commercial gold mining:
(v)
equipment permitted by regulations:
(c)
a work programme that is otherwise in accordance with requirements specified in regulations.
(2)
For the purposes of subsection (1)(b), the permit holder may not use any equipment prohibited by regulations.
Section 2BA: inserted, on 25 September 2025, by section 7 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 40).
2C Determination of permit tier status
(1)
The Minister must determine the tier status of a permit—
(a)
on first granting the permit; and
(b)
at any time that the permit is changed under section 36(1).
(2)
The Minister may determine the tier status of a permit at any other time the Minister thinks fit.
(3)
Despite subsections (1) and (2), the Minister may not make a determination that would result in a Tier 3 permit becoming a Tier 2 permit.
Section 2C: replaced, on 25 September 2025, by section 8 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 40).
2D Consequences of change in status of permit
(1)
This section applies if, as a result of a determination made by the Minister under section 2C, the tier status of a permit changes.
(2)
The chief executive must notify the permit holder of the change in tier.
(3)
The change in tier takes effect,—
(a)
if a Tier 2 permit is being changed to a Tier 3 permit, on the date of the notification under subsection (2); or
(b)
in any other case, at the start of the permit year following the date of the notification under subsection (2).
Section 2D: inserted, on 24 May 2013, by section 10 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
Section 2D(1): amended, on 25 September 2025, by section 9(1) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 40).
Section 2D(3): replaced, on 25 September 2025, by section 9(2) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 40).
3 Act to bind Crown
This Act shall bind the Crown.
4 Treaty of Waitangi
All persons exercising functions and powers under this Act shall have regard to the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi (Te Tiriti o Waitangi).
Functions, powers, and duties of Minister and chief executive
Heading: amended, on 24 May 2013, by section 11 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
5 Functions of Minister
The Minister has the following functions under this Act:
(a)
to attract permit applications, including by way of public tender:
(b)
to grant permits, grant changes to permits, and revoke permits:
(ba)
to prepare Government policy statements:
(c)
to prepare minerals programmes:
(caa)
to make decisions (with others) on whether to require outgoing guarantees and, if so, to determine what outgoing guarantees are appropriate:
(ca)
to make decisions on decommissioning petroleum infrastructure and wells and impose requirements for acceptable financial security arrangements to secure the performance of decommissioning obligations under subpart 2 of Part 1B and related matters:
(d)
to co-operate with regulatory agencies that perform functions in relation to Crown owned minerals (including under section 90E):
(e)
to collect and disclose information in connection with mineral resources and mineral production in order to—
(i)
promote informed investment decisions about mineral exploration and production; and
(ii)
improve the working of related markets:
(f)
any other functions conferred on him or her by or under this Act.
Section 5: replaced, on 24 May 2013, by section 12 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
Section 5(a): amended, on 6 August 2025, by section 10(1) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 40).
Section 5(ba): inserted, on 6 August 2025, by section 10(2) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 40).
Section 5(caa): inserted, on 6 August 2025, by section 10(3) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 40).
Section 5(ca): replaced, on 6 August 2025, by section 10(4) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 40).
6 Delegation of functions by Minister
(1)
The Minister may, either generally or particularly, delegate to the chief executive, in accordance with clause 5 of Schedule 6 of the Public Service Act 2020, any of the Minister’s functions, powers, or duties under this Act other than—
(a)
the making of decisions on submissions on a draft minerals programme under section 18 and the recommendation of a minerals programme under section 19:
(b)
this power of delegation.
(2)
Section 6 heading: amended, on 24 May 2013, by section 13(1) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
Section 6(1): amended, on 7 August 2020, by section 135 of the Public Service Act 2020 (2020 No 40).
Section 6(1)(a): replaced, on 24 May 2013, by section 13(2) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
Section 6(2): amended, on 7 August 2020, by section 135 of the Public Service Act 2020 (2020 No 40).
Section 6(3): amended, on 7 August 2020, by section 135 of the Public Service Act 2020 (2020 No 40).
7 Functions of chief executive
The chief executive has the following functions under this Act:
(a)
to require, and monitor, compliance with permits, this Act, and the regulations:
(b)
to investigate conduct that constitutes or may constitute a contravention of a permit, this Act, or the regulations:
(c)
to keep a register of permits and permit holders:
(d)
to advise the Minister on any matter relating to this Act:
(e)
to co-operate with regulatory agencies that perform functions in relation to Crown owned minerals (including under section 90E):
(f)
any other functions conferred on him or her by or under this Act.
Section 7: replaced, on 24 May 2013, by section 14 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
Duties and restrictions
8 Restrictions on prospecting or exploring for, or mining, Crown owned minerals
(1)
No person may prospect or explore for, or mine, Crown owned minerals in land unless the person—
(a)
is the holder of a permit granted under this Act which authorises the holder to do so, or is authorised to do so by the holder of such a permit in accordance with the permit, or is otherwise authorised to do so under this Act; and
(2)
Subsection (1)(a) does not apply to the taking by any person of—
(a)
any Crown owned mineral that—
(i)
exists in a natural state in land of which the person is an owner or occupier; and
(ii)
is in land which is not the subject of a permit in respect of such mineral—
for use for any reasonable agricultural, pastoral, domestic, roadmaking, or building purpose on land of which the person is an owner or occupier; or
(b)
any sand, shingle, or other natural material in the bed of a river or a lake or in the coastal marine area unless otherwise specified in a minerals programme.
(2A)
Subsection (1) does not apply to the taking by any person of any Crown owned mineral in a legal road, whether formed, unformed, or stopped, if—
(a)
the mineral is—
(i)
coal; or
(ii)
a mineral (other than coal) for which a Tier 2 permit or a Tier 3 permit would, but for this provision, be required; and
(b)
the road is within an area of land that otherwise contains privately owned minerals.
(3)
Subsection (1) does not prohibit prospecting or exploring for, or mining, gold in a gold fossicking area by means of hand held non-motorised machinery in accordance with section 98 or 98A.
(4)
This section applies subject to section 86 of the Ngāti Awa Claims Settlement Act 2005.
Section 8(1)(b): amended, on 19 February 2019, by section 4 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2019 (2019 No 2).
Section 8(2A): inserted, on 24 May 2013, by section 15(1) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
Section 8(2A)(a)(ii): amended, on 25 September 2025, by section 11 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 40).
Section 8(3): amended, on 24 May 2013, by section 15(2) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
Section 8(4): added, on 25 March 2005, by section 87 of the Ngāti Awa Claims Settlement Act 2005 (2005 No 28).
9 Other legal requirements not affected
Compliance with this Act or the regulations does not remove the need to comply with all other applicable legislation and other rules of law.
Section 9: amended, on 28 October 2021, by section 3 of the Secondary Legislation Act 2021 (2021 No 7).
Section 9: amended, on 24 May 2013, by section 64 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
Minerals owned by the Crown
10 Petroleum, gold, silver, and uranium
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in any Act or in any Crown grant, record of title, lease, or other instrument of title, all petroleum, gold, silver, and uranium existing in its natural condition in land (whether or not the land has been alienated from the Crown) shall be the property of the Crown.
Section 10: amended, on 12 November 2018, by section 250 of the Land Transfer Act 2017 (2017 No 30).
11 Minerals reserved to Crown
(1)
Every alienation of land from the Crown made on or after the commencement of this Act (whether by way of sale, lease, or otherwise) shall be deemed to be made subject to a reservation in favour of the Crown of every mineral existing in its natural condition in the land.
(1A)
Nothing in subsection (1) applies to pounamu to which section 3 of the Ngai Tahu (Pounamu Vesting) Act 1997 applies.
(2)
For the avoidance of doubt, every mineral reserved in favour of the Crown by any enactment shall continue to be reserved in favour of the Crown, notwithstanding the repeal of that enactment.
Section 11(1A): inserted, on 29 October 1997, by section 2 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 1997 (1997 No 82).
Government policy statements
Heading: inserted, on 6 August 2025, by section 12 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 40).
12 Minister may issue GPS
(1)
The Minister may, at any time, issue 1 or more Government policy statements.
(2)
The purpose of a GPS is to state the Government’s objectives and priorities in relation to the mining of Crown owned minerals.
(3)
The Minister may, before issuing a GPS, consult any individuals or organisations that the Minister considers appropriate.
(4)
The Minister must, when issuing a GPS, be satisfied that the GPS contributes to the purpose of this Act.
(5)
A person who performs a function under this Act must have regard to a GPS.
Section 12: inserted, on 6 August 2025, by section 12 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 40).
12A Content of GPS
(1)
A GPS may contain, without limitation, either or both of the following:
(a)
the Government’s medium- to long-term objectives in relation to the mining of 1 or more types of Crown owned minerals:
(b)
the Government’s plans and priorities in order to achieve the objectives.
(2)
A GPS may—
(a)
cover all Crown owned minerals or only certain types of Crown owned minerals:
(b)
differentiate between different types of Crown owned minerals, geographical areas, and activities.
Section 12A: inserted, on 6 August 2025, by section 12 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 40).
12B Issuing and changing GPS
(1)
A GPS must be made publicly available, on an Internet site maintained by or on behalf of the chief executive, as soon as practicable after it is issued.
(2)
The Minister may amend, replace, or revoke a GPS at any time.
(3)
The Minister may, before amending, replacing, or revoking a GPS, consult any individuals or organisations that the Minister considers appropriate.
(4)
If a GPS is amended, replaced, or revoked, public notice must be given, on an Internet site maintained by or on behalf of the chief executive, as soon as practicable.
(5)
An amended or replacement GPS must be made publicly available, on an Internet site maintained by or on behalf of the chief executive, as soon as practicable after it is issued.
Section 12B: inserted, on 6 August 2025, by section 12 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 40).
Minerals programmes[Repealed]
Heading: repealed, on 24 May 2013, by section 16 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
12 Purpose of minerals programme
[Repealed]Section 12: repealed, on 24 May 2013, by section 16 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
Part 1A Minerals programmes
Part 1A heading: inserted, on 24 May 2013, by section 17 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
13 Application of minerals programmes
The most recent version of a minerals programme issued or changed by the Governor-General under section 19 applies to all permits for minerals that are subject to the programme.
Section 13: replaced, on 24 May 2013, by section 18 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
14 Contents of minerals programmes
(1)
A minerals programme—
(a)
must specify the mineral or minerals to which it applies; and
(b)
must set out or describe how the Minister and the chief executive will have regard to the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi (Te Tiriti o Waitangi) (as required by section 4) for the purposes of the minerals programme.
(2)
A minerals programme—
(a)
may set out or describe how the Minister or the chief executive will exercise any specified powers or discretions conferred on him or her by or under this Act in relation to the mineral or minerals that are subject to the programme; and
(b)
may include any other information that the Minister considers is likely to be of assistance to any person wishing to use or understand the Act and the regulations, including—
(i)
general guidance on the scheme of the Act and the regulations; and
(ii)
how the Minister or the chief executive will interpret and apply specified provisions of the Act or the regulations (other than those referred to in paragraph (a)) in relation to any Crown owned mineral or minerals subject to the programme; and
(c)
on the request of an iwi or hapū, may provide that defined areas of land of particular importance to the iwi’s or hapū’s mana are excluded from the operation of the minerals programme or are not to be included in any permit.
(3)
There must not be more than 1 minerals programme for any mineral, but a minerals programme may provide that different practices, procedures, and provisions in the programme apply—
(a)
to different areas within New Zealand; or
(b)
to a mineral that occurs in different states, places, phases, or strata; or
(c)
to a mineral that is to be explored for or mined by substantially different methods.
(4)
A minerals programme must not be inconsistent with this Act or the regulations.
(5)
However, if there is any inconsistency between a minerals programme (or a relevant minerals programme that has effect during a transitional period) and this Act or any of the regulations, this Act or the regulation prevails.
Section 14: replaced, on 24 May 2013, by section 18 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
15 Minister must prepare draft minerals programmes in certain situations
The Minister must, as soon as practicable, prepare a draft minerals programme for a Crown owned mineral, or group of Crown owned minerals, if—
(a)
there is no minerals programme for that mineral or group of minerals; and
(b)
in the opinion of the Minister, that mineral or group of minerals is likely to be the subject of a permit application under this Act.
Section 15: replaced, on 24 May 2013, by section 18 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
16 Changes to minerals programmes
(1)
The Minister may propose any change to a minerals programme.
(2)
In sections 17 and 18, a reference to a draft minerals programme includes a reference to a draft change to a minerals programme.
(3)
Nothing in section 17 or 18 applies to any change to a minerals programme if the purpose of the change is to—
(a)
correct any error and the effect of the change is minor; or
(b)
reflect and give effect to the amendments made by the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2023; or
(c)
reflect and give effect to the amendments made by the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2025; or
(d)
reflect and give effect to a designation notice under subpart 5 of Part 2 of the Offshore Renewable Energy Act 2026.
(4)
Subsection (5) applies if the Minister decides not to proceed with a proposed change to a minerals programme and no recommendation is made to the Governor-General under section 19(1).
(5)
The Minister must—
(a)
publicly notify his or her decision; and
(b)
notify every person who made a submission on the proposed change under section 18.
Section 16: replaced, on 24 May 2013, by section 18 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
Section 16(3): replaced, on 31 August 2023, by section 6 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2023 (2023 No 53).
Section 16(3)(c): inserted, on 6 August 2025, by section 13 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 40).
Section 16(3)(d): inserted, on 10 July 2026, by section 181 of the Offshore Renewable Energy Act 2026 (2026 No 39).
17 Public notice
(1)
The Minister must ensure that—
(a)
public notice is given of a draft minerals programme; and
(b)
notice is given of a draft minerals programme to all iwi; and
(c)
the draft minerals programme is available on an Internet site maintained by or on behalf of the chief executive.
(2)
Every notice under subsection (1)(a) must—
(a)
give reasonable notice of the contents of the draft minerals programme; and
(b)
specify the Internet site referred to in subsection (1)(c) where the draft minerals programme may be inspected; and
(c)
indicate that submissions may be made on the draft minerals programme, how submissions may be made, and by what date.
Section 17: replaced, on 24 May 2013, by section 18 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
18 Submissions
(1)
Any person may make a submission on a draft minerals programme.
(2)
A submission under subsection (1) must be received by the chief executive not later than 40 working days after the date of public notification under section 17.
(3)
If any submission is made under this section, the chief executive must, following the expiry of the time for making submissions, arrange for a report and recommendations to be made to the Minister in respect of all submissions.
(4)
The Minister must consider the report and recommendations made under subsection (3) and may make such changes to the draft minerals programme as the Minister thinks fit.
(5)
Despite the provisions of the Official Information Act 1982, if a request is made by any person for disclosure of information contained in a submission, the department or Minister to whom the request was made may refuse to make the information available if the department or Minister is satisfied that—
(a)
such refusal is necessary to avoid serious offence to tikanga Māori or to avoid the disclosure of the location of wāhi tapu; and
(b)
in the circumstances of the particular case, the importance of avoiding such offence or disclosure outweighs the public interest in making that information available.
Section 18: replaced, on 24 May 2013, by section 18 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
19 Issue of minerals programmes
(1)
The Governor-General may, by Order in Council made on the recommendation of the Minister, issue a minerals programme or a change to a minerals programme.
(2)
Before recommending the making of an order, the Minister must satisfy those requirements of sections 15 to 18 relevant to the order.
(3)
An order under this section—
(a)
is secondary legislation (see Part 3 of the Legislation Act 2019 for publication requirements); but
(b)
despite section 67(d)(i) of that Act, is not to be drafted by the PCO.
(4)
[Repealed]| Legislation Act 2019 requirements for secondary legislation made under this section | ||||
| Publication | The maker must: | LA19 ss 73, 74(1)(a), Sch 1 cl 14 | ||
| • notify it in the Gazette, and in 1 or more daily newspapers circulating in the main metropolitan areas, with details of where it is publicly available | ||||
| • publish it on a website maintained by, or on behalf of, the chief executive | ||||
| • make it available for inspection | ||||
| • comply with section 20 | ||||
| Presentation | The Minister must present it to the House of Representatives | LA19 s 114, Sch 1 cl 32(1)(a) | ||
| Disallowance | It may be disallowed by the House of Representatives | LA19 ss 115, 116 | ||
| This note is not part of the Act. | ||||
Section 19: replaced, on 24 May 2013, by section 18 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
Section 19(3): replaced, on 28 October 2021, by section 3 of the Secondary Legislation Act 2021 (2021 No 7).
Section 19(4): repealed, on 28 October 2021, by section 3 of the Secondary Legislation Act 2021 (2021 No 7).
20 Notification of minerals programmes
The Minister must notify every person who made a submission on the draft programme under section 18 that the minerals programme has been issued and where it is available.
(a)
[Repealed](b)
[Repealed](c)
[Repealed](d)
[Repealed]Section 20: replaced, on 24 May 2013, by section 18 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
Section 20: amended, on 28 October 2021, by section 3 of the Secondary Legislation Act 2021 (2021 No 7).
Section 20(a): repealed, on 28 October 2021, by section 3 of the Secondary Legislation Act 2021 (2021 No 7).
Section 20(b): repealed, on 28 October 2021, by section 3 of the Secondary Legislation Act 2021 (2021 No 7).
Section 20(c): repealed, on 28 October 2021, by section 3 of the Secondary Legislation Act 2021 (2021 No 7).
Section 20(d): repealed, on 28 October 2021, by section 3 of the Secondary Legislation Act 2021 (2021 No 7).
21 Minister may defer consideration of application for permit
(1)
Subsection (2) applies if the Minister has publicly notified a proposed change to a minerals programme and—
(a)
the chief executive has received an application for a permit for a mineral to which the programme applies after the proposed change has been notified; and
(b)
if the proposed change were in force, it would be likely that the Minister’s decisions in respect of the application would be different than if the decisions were made without the proposed change.
(2)
The Minister may defer his or her consideration of the application until—
(a)
the date on which the proposed change takes effect (in accordance with the Legislation Act 2019); or
(b)
if the Minister decides not to proceed with the change, the date on which the Minister publicly notifies his or her decision under section 16(5).
(3)
Subsection (4) applies if—
(a)
a designation notice is made under the Offshore Renewable Energy Act 2026 in respect of an area; and
(b)
the chief executive has received an application of one of the following types in respect of all or part of the ORE designated area:
(i)
an application under section 23A for a permit for minerals other than petroleum:
(ii)
an application under section 24 for a permit for minerals other than petroleum through a public tender:
(iii)
an application under section 36(1)(b) to change a permit for minerals other than petroleum by extending the land of the permit into the ORE designated area in accordance with section 36(2)(b):
(iv)
an application under section 36(1)(b) to change a permit for petroleum by changing the minerals to which the permit relates to include other minerals as well as (or instead of) petroleum (that is, a change under section 36(2)(c)); and
(c)
that application has not yet been determined by the Minister.
(4)
The Minister may defer their consideration of the application until after the designation notice under subpart 5 of Part 2 of the Offshore Renewable Energy Act 2026 ceases to have effect.
(5)
Subsection (4) applies regardless of whether the application referred to in subsection (3)(b) was made before or after the commencement of that Act.
Guidance note
See also clause 52 of Schedule 1 (which relates to certain undetermined applications for minerals permits).
Section 21: replaced, on 24 May 2013, by section 18 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
Section 21(2)(a): amended, on 28 October 2021, by section 3 of the Secondary Legislation Act 2021 (2021 No 7).
Section 21(3): inserted, on 10 July 2026, by section 182 of the Offshore Renewable Energy Act 2026 (2026 No 39).
Section 21(4): inserted, on 10 July 2026, by section 182 of the Offshore Renewable Energy Act 2026 (2026 No 39).
Section 21(5): inserted, on 10 July 2026, by section 182 of the Offshore Renewable Energy Act 2026 (2026 No 39).
Section 21 guidance note: inserted, on 10 July 2026, by section 182 of the Offshore Renewable Energy Act 2026 (2026 No 39).
22 Minister and chief executive must act in accordance with minerals programmes
(1)
The Minister and the chief executive must act in accordance with a minerals programme.
(2)
However, if there is any inconsistency between the actions required of them under a minerals programme (or a relevant minerals programme that has effect during a transitional period) and the actions required of them under this Act or any of the regulations, they must act in accordance with the Act or the regulation.
Section 22: replaced, on 24 May 2013, by section 18 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
Part 1B Permits, access to land, and other matters
Part 1B heading: inserted, on 24 May 2013, by section 19 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
Subpart 1—Permits, access to land, and title notations
Subpart 1 heading: inserted, on 2 December 2021, by section 15 of the Crown Minerals (Decommissioning and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 53).
23 Purpose of permits
(1)
The purpose of a prospecting permit is to authorise the permit holder to prospect for minerals as specified in the permit.
(2)
The purpose of an exploration permit is to authorise the permit holder to explore for minerals as specified in the permit.
(3)
The purpose of a mining permit is to authorise the permit holder to mine for minerals as specified in the permit.
Section 23: replaced, on 24 May 2013, by section 19 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
23A Application for permits
(1)
Any person or persons may apply to the chief executive for a permit in respect of a mineral in land, whether or not there is a minerals programme for the mineral.
(2)
However, if a designation notice has effect under subpart 5 of Part 2 of the Offshore Renewable Energy Act 2026, no person may apply for a permit for minerals other than petroleum in respect of any of the ORE designated areas despite anything to the contrary in this Act.
(2)
[Repealed]Section 23A: inserted, on 24 May 2013, by section 19 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
Section 23A(2): inserted, on 10 July 2026, by section 183 of the Offshore Renewable Energy Act 2026 (2026 No 39).
Section 23A(2): repealed, on 6 August 2025, by section 14 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 40).
24 Allocation by public tender
(1)
Unless a minerals programme expressly provides otherwise, the Minister may, from time to time, by notice in such publications as the Minister considers appropriate, offer permits for allocation by public tender.
(2)
Every notice for the purposes of subsection (1) shall specify—
(a)
the type of permit offered; and
(b)
the land and minerals to which the permit relates; and
(c)
the manner in which tenders must be submitted, and the time by which tenders must be received by the Minister, in order for such tenders to be valid; and
(ca)
that each tender must include an application that complies with section 29A(1) and be accompanied by sufficient information in relation to the permit offered for the Minister to satisfy himself or herself of the matters set out in section 29A(2) or the matters required under section 29B, as the case may be; and
(cb)
that, if the tender is to be considered in accordance with section 29B, the tender must include a statement to that effect; and
(d)
the conditions to which any permit granted pursuant to the tender will be subject.
(3)
The Minister shall not accept any tender which does not comply in a material way with the requirements of the notice.
(4)
The Minister may amend or revoke a notice before the time by which tenders must be received expires.
(4A)
To avoid doubt, tenders must be assessed by the Minister in accordance with this section and the criteria in section 29A or in section 29B, as the case may be.
(5)
The Minister may decline to grant any permit pursuant to a tender.
(5A)
If a designation notice has effect under subpart 5 of Part 2 of the Offshore Renewable Energy Act 2026, the Minister must decline to grant a permit for minerals other than petroleum pursuant to a tender in respect of any of the ORE designated areas despite anything to the contrary in this Act.
(5A)
[Repealed](6)
A permit granted pursuant to a tender shall be subject to the relevant conditions specified in the notice, unless otherwise agreed with the applicant.
Section 24(1): amended, on 24 May 2013, by section 64 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
Section 24(2)(ca): inserted, on 24 May 2013, by section 20A(1) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
Section 24(2)(cb): inserted, on 24 May 2013, by section 20A(1) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
Section 24(4A): inserted, on 24 May 2013, by section 20A(2) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
Section 24(5A): inserted, on 10 July 2026, by section 184 of the Offshore Renewable Energy Act 2026 (2026 No 39).
Section 24(5A): repealed, on 6 August 2025, by section 15 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 40).
25 Grant of permit
(1)
The Minister may grant a prospecting permit, an exploration permit, or a mining permit under this Act in respect of minerals in land—
(a)
to any person or persons; and
(b)
in either of the following ways:
(i)
as the result of an application initiated by a person under section 23A:
(ii)
as the result of a public tender process under section 24; and
(c)
subject to any conditions that the Minister may impose, as the Minister thinks fit, including authorising the prospecting or exploration for, or mining of, a mineral only—
(i)
in particular circumstances; or
(ii)
by means of a particular method; or
(iii)
if the mineral occurs in a particular state, place, phase, or stratum.
(2)
However, the Minister is not obliged to grant a permit to any person or persons unless expressly required to do so under section 32.
(2A)
[Repealed](3)
Each permit granted by the Minister must specify—
(a)
the minerals and land to which the permit applies; and
(b)
the conditions on which the permit is granted; and
(c)
the names of the permit participants; and
(d)
the name of the permit operator; and
(e)
if any of the minerals to which the permit applies are minerals listed in the first column of Schedule 5, whether the permit in respect of those minerals is a Tier 1, a Tier 2, or a Tier 3 permit.
(4)
A permit may also specify the date on which the permit expires if the permit is to expire on a date earlier than the default expiry date set out in section 35.
(5)
A permit must not be granted under this Part if a monetary deposit or bond that is required by the Minister as security for compliance with the conditions of the permit has not been deposited with the chief executive.
(6)
The Minister must not grant an exploration permit or a mining permit in respect of privately owned minerals, except as provided for by—
(a)
section 84 of the Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Act 2011:
(b)
section 130 of the Ngāti Pāoa Claims Settlement Act 2025:
(c)
section 119 of the Ngāti Rāhiri Tumutumu Claims Settlement Act 2026:
(d)
section 89 of the Ngāti Tara Tokanui Claims Settlement Act 2026:
(e)
section 146 of the Ngāti Hei Claims Settlement Act 2026.
(7)
If an existing privilege exists, the Minister must not grant a permit in respect of all or part of the land and the mineral to which the privilege relates without the consent of the current holder of the privilege.
(7A)
If a designation notice has effect under subpart 5 of Part 2 of the Offshore Renewable Energy Act 2026, the Minister must not grant a prospecting, exploration, or mining permit for minerals other than petroleum in respect of any of the ORE designated areas despite anything to the contrary in this Act.
(8)
Subsection (1) is subject to section 5A(3) of the Continental Shelf Act 1964.
Section 25: replaced, on 24 May 2013, by section 21 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
Section 25(2A): repealed, on 6 August 2025, by section 16(1) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 40).
Section 25(3)(e): amended, on 25 September 2025, by section 16(2) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 40).
Section 25(6): replaced, on 13 November 2025, by section 169(2) of the Ngāti Pāoa Claims Settlement Act 2025 (2025 No 61).
Section 25(6)(c): inserted, on 19 May 2026, by section 134(2) of the Ngāti Rāhiri Tumutumu Claims Settlement Act 2026 (2026 No 18).
Section 25(6)(d): inserted, on 19 May 2026, by section 104(2) of the Ngāti Tara Tokanui Claims Settlement Act 2026 (2026 No 19).
Section 25(6)(e): inserted, on 19 May 2026, by section 162(2) of the Ngāti Hei Claims Settlement Act 2026 (2026 No 20).
Section 25(7A): inserted, on 10 July 2026, by section 185 of the Offshore Renewable Energy Act 2026 (2026 No 39).
25A Record of permit
(1)
On the granting of a permit, the chief executive must forward 1 copy of the permit to the permit holder.
(2)
The chief executive must also forward 1 copy of the permit to the Registrar of the Māori Land Court if the permit was granted in respect of Māori land.
(3)
On receipt of a copy of a permit under subsection (2), the Registrar of the Māori Land Court must enter in his or her records the particulars of the permit.
Section 25A: inserted, on 21 August 2003, by section 4 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2003 (2003 No 45).
Section 25A(1): amended, on 24 May 2013, by section 64 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
Section 25A(2): amended, on 24 May 2013, by section 64 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
26 Priority of applications if more than 1 made and no minerals programme
(1)
Subject to the provisions of this Act, if more than 1 application is made for a permit in respect of all or part of the same land and in respect of a common mineral, and there is no minerals programme for that mineral, the applicant whose application is first received by the chief executive shall have a right in priority over every other applicant to have a permit granted in respect of such land and mineral.
(2)
If 2 or more applications in respect of the same or partly the same land and a common mineral appear to have been received at the same time, the applicant to have a prior right shall be determined as the Minister thinks fit.
(3)
Every applicant who has a right of priority under this section shall retain the right until that application has been finally disposed of by being granted, refused, or withdrawn.
(4)
An applicant shall not have a right of priority under this section over any tender for a permit in respect of the same or partly the same land and a common mineral if that application was received on or after the date of publication of the notice of offer of the permit to which any such tender relates.
(5)
The chief executive shall be under no obligation to process an application for a permit while it is in second or subsequent priority to another application.
Section 26(1): amended, on 24 May 2013, by section 64 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
Section 26(3): amended, on 24 May 2013, by section 64 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
Section 26(4): amended, on 24 May 2013, by section 64 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
Section 26(5): amended, on 24 May 2013, by section 64 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
27 Permit holder must have permit operator
(1)
A permit holder must have a permit operator.
(2)
A permit operator must be a permit participant.
(3)
For the purposes of the permit, this Act, and the regulations, the permit operator is responsible, on behalf of the permit holder, for the day-to-day management of activities under the permit.
Section 27: replaced, on 24 May 2013, by section 22 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
28 Restriction on granting of prospecting permits
Where, in respect of any application for a prospecting permit, the Minister considers that—
(a)
the prospecting proposed in the application is unlikely to materially add to the existing knowledge of the mineral in all or part of the land to which the application relates; or
(b)
there exists, at the time of the application, substantial interest in exploring for or mining the mineral in all or part of the land to which the application relates,—
the Minister shall not grant a prospecting permit in respect of the mineral and the land or part of the land concerned unless he or she is satisfied that special circumstances apply.
28A Declaration in relation to specified land for specified period
(1)
The Minister may declare that, during a specified period, specified kinds of permits—
(a)
will not be granted in respect of specified land; and
(b)
will not have the area of land that those permits apply to extended to include any of that specified land.
(1AA)
The Minister may declare that, during a specified period, specified kinds of permits—
(a)
will only be granted in respect of specified land by allocation by public tender under section 24; and
(b)
will not have the area of land that those permits apply to extended to include any of that specified land.
(1A)
For the purposes of subsections (1) and (1AA),—
(a)
the declaration may be made only if the Minister believes that the declaration is necessary to better meet the purpose of this Act:
(b)
the declaration must be made by notice published under the Legislation Act 2019.
(2)
A notice under subsection (1A)(b)—
(a)
must specify the kind or kinds of permits to which it applies:
(b)
must specify the land to which it applies:
(c)
may apply to different minerals, to minerals that occur in a particular state, place, phase, or stratum, or to minerals that are to be explored for or mined by a particular method:
(d)
has effect until the close of the earlier of the following periods:
(i)
the period specified in the notice:
(ii)
3 years from the date on which the notice is published.
(3)
The Minister must not accept a permit application that is contrary to a notice under subsection (1A)(b) while the notice has effect, unless the application relates to a subsequent permit referred to in subsection (4)(c).
(4)
A notice under subsection (1A)(b) does not affect any—
(a)
application received by the Minister before the notice is published; or
(b)
permit granted before the notice is published; or
(ba)
power to extend the duration of a permit; or
(c)
right under section 32 of the holder of a permit described in paragraph (b) to be granted a subsequent permit.
(5)
A notice under subsection (1A)(b) is secondary legislation (see Part 3 of the Legislation Act 2019 for publication requirements).
| Legislation Act 2019 requirements for secondary legislation made under this section | ||||
| Publication | The maker must publish it in the Gazette | LA19 ss 73, 74(1)(a), Sch 1 cl 14 | ||
| Presentation | It is not required to be presented to the House of Representatives because a transitional exemption applies under Schedule 1 of the Legislation Act 2019 | LA19 s 114, Sch 1 cl 32(1)(a) | ||
| Disallowance | It may be disallowed by the House of Representatives | LA19 ss 115, 116 | ||
| This note is not part of the Act. | ||||
Section 28A: inserted, on 24 May 2013, by section 23 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
Section 28A heading: replaced, on 6 August 2025, by section 17(1) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 40).
Section 28A(1): replaced, on 19 February 2019, by section 6(1) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2019 (2019 No 2).
Section 28A(1AA): inserted, on 6 August 2025, by section 17(2) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 40).
Section 28A(1A): inserted, on 19 February 2019, by section 6(1) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2019 (2019 No 2).
Section 28A(1A): amended, on 6 August 2025, by section 17(3) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 40).
Section 28A(1A)(b): amended, on 28 October 2021, by section 3 of the Secondary Legislation Act 2021 (2021 No 7).
Section 28A(2): amended, on 19 February 2019, by section 6(2) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2019 (2019 No 2).
Section 28A(2)(d)(ii): amended, on 28 October 2021, by section 3 of the Secondary Legislation Act 2021 (2021 No 7).
Section 28A(3): amended, on 19 February 2019, by section 6(2) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2019 (2019 No 2).
Section 28A(4): amended, on 19 February 2019, by section 6(2) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2019 (2019 No 2).
Section 28A(4)(a): amended, on 28 October 2021, by section 3 of the Secondary Legislation Act 2021 (2021 No 7).
Section 28A(4)(b): amended, on 28 October 2021, by section 3 of the Secondary Legislation Act 2021 (2021 No 7).
Section 28A(4)(ba): inserted, on 19 February 2019, by section 6(3) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2019 (2019 No 2).
Section 28A(5): inserted, on 28 October 2021, by section 3 of the Secondary Legislation Act 2021 (2021 No 7).
29 Minister may require survey to be done
Where the Minister considers it appropriate to do so, the Minister may require that land to which an application for a permit relates be surveyed in the prescribed manner and may postpone making a determination in respect of the granting of a permit until a survey plan, certified by the Surveyor-General, has been lodged with the chief executive by or on behalf of the applicant.
Section 29: amended, on 24 May 2013, by section 64 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
Process for dealing with applications for permits
Heading: inserted, on 24 May 2013, by section 24 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
29A Process for considering application for Tier 1 or Tier 2 permit
(1)
An applicant for a Tier 1 permit or a Tier 2 permit must provide to the Minister—
(a)
the name and contact details of the proposed permit participants and the proposed permit operator; and
(b)
a proposed work programme for the proposed permit, which may comprise committed work, or committed and contingent work; and
(c)
in the case of an exploration permit for minerals other than petroleum, an estimate of the expected total work programme expenditure in relation to the permit; and
(d)
any other information prescribed in the regulations.
(2)
Before granting a Tier 1 permit or a Tier 2 permit, the Minister must be satisfied—
(a)
that the proposed work programme provided by the applicant is consistent with—
(i)
the purpose of this Act; and
(ii)
the purpose of the proposed permit; and
(iii)
good industry practice in respect of the proposed activities; and
(b)
that the applicant is highly likely to comply with, and give proper effect to, the proposed work programme, taking into account—
(i)
the applicant’s technical capability; and
(ii)
the applicant’s financial capability; and
(iii)
any relevant information on the applicant’s failure to comply with permits or rights, or conditions in respect of those permits or rights, to prospect, explore, or mine in New Zealand or internationally; and
(c)
that the applicant is highly likely to comply with the relevant obligations under the Act or the regulations in respect of reporting and the payment of fees and royalties; and
(d)
in the case of a Tier 1 permit for exploration or mining, that the proposed permit operator has, or is highly likely to have, by the time the relevant work in any granted permit is undertaken, the capability and systems that are likely to be required to meet the health and safety and environmental requirements of all specified Acts for the types of activities proposed under the permit; and
(e)
in the case of an application for a permit as defined in section 89D, that the applicant is highly likely to comply with the relevant obligations in subparts 2 and 3 of Part 1B.
(3)
For the purposes of the Minister satisfying himself or herself of the matter in subsection (2)(d), the Minister—
(a)
is only required to undertake a high-level preliminary assessment; and
(b)
must seek the views of the health and safety regulator and may, but is not required to, obtain the views of any other regulatory agency; and
(c)
may, but is not required to, rely on the views of the regulatory agencies; and
(d)
is not required to duplicate any assessment process that a regulatory agency may be required to undertake in accordance with a specified Act.
(4)
To avoid doubt, subsection (2)(d) does not limit, have any effect on, or have any bearing on—
(a)
whether the permit holder or permit operator is required to obtain any permit, consent, or other permission under any health and safety or environmental legislation:
(b)
the granting to the permit holder or permit operator of any permit, consent, or other permission necessary under any health and safety or environmental legislation by any government agency, consent authority, or Minister responsible for the administration of that legislation.
(5)
This section is subject to sections 29B and 29C.
Section 29A: inserted, on 24 May 2013, by section 24 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
Section 29A heading: amended, on 25 September 2025, by section 18(1) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 40).
Section 29A(1): amended, on 25 September 2025, by section 18(2) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 40).
Section 29A(2): amended, on 25 September 2025, by section 18(3) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 40).
Section 29A(2)(b): amended, on 2 December 2021, by section 8(1) of the Crown Minerals (Decommissioning and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 53).
Section 29A(2)(c): amended, on 2 December 2021, by section 8(1) of the Crown Minerals (Decommissioning and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 53).
Section 29A(2)(d): amended, on 2 December 2021, by section 8(2) of the Crown Minerals (Decommissioning and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 53).
Section 29A(2)(e): inserted, on 31 August 2023, by section 10(1) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2023 (2023 No 53).
Section 29A(3)(b): amended, on 4 April 2016, by section 232 of the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 (2015 No 70).
Section 29A(5): amended, on 31 August 2023, by section 10(2) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2023 (2023 No 53).
29AB Process for considering application for Tier 3 permit
(1)
An applicant for a Tier 3 permit must provide to the Minister—
(a)
the name and contact details of the proposed permit participants and the proposed permit operator; and
(b)
whether the activity will be carried out in the bed of a river, on a beach, or both; and
(c)
any other information prescribed in the regulations.
(2)
Before granting a Tier 3 permit, the Minister must be satisfied—
(a)
that the applicant is highly likely to comply with, and give proper effect to, the work programme, taking into account—
(i)
the applicant’s technical capability; and
(ii)
the applicant’s financial capability; and
(iii)
any relevant information on the applicant’s failure to comply with permits or rights, or conditions in respect of those permits or rights, to prospect, explore, or mine in New Zealand or internationally; and
(b)
that the applicant is highly likely to comply with the relevant obligations under this Act or the regulations in respect of reporting and the payment of fees and, if applicable, royalties.
Section 29AB: inserted, on 25 September 2025, by section 19 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 40).
29B Process for considering application under public tender for conditional exploration permit
(1)
This section applies if—
(a)
a Tier 1 permit for exploration is offered for allocation by public tender under section 24(1); and
(ab)
the offer specifies a date that is the latest acceptable reassessment date; and
(b)
a tender made in response to the offer under section 24(1) states that it is to be considered in accordance with this section; and
(c)
the proposed work programme provided with the tender contains a reassessment date.
(2)
If this section applies, the Minister must, when considering whether to grant the permit to the tenderer, be satisfied of the matters set out in section 29A(2)(b) and (d) only in relation to work that will be undertaken before the reassessment date.
(3)
If a permit is granted in accordance with this section, work cannot be undertaken after the reassessment date unless, before that date, the Minister has, on application by the permit holder, satisfied themselves of the matters set out in section 29A(2)(b) and (d) in relation to that work.
(4)
For the purposes of subsection (3),—
(a)
section 29A(3) and (4) apply for the purposes of the Minister satisfying himself or herself; and
(b)
section 29A(2) to (4) must be read with all necessary modifications.
(5)
In this section,—
work means work to be undertaken under a work programme for a permit.
Section 29B: inserted, on 24 May 2013, by section 24 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
Section 29B(1)(ab): inserted, on 6 August 2025, by section 20(1) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 40).
Section 29B(1)(c): replaced, on 6 August 2025, by section 20(2) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 40).
Section 29B(2): amended, on 6 August 2025, by section 20(3) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 40).
Section 29B(3): replaced, on 6 August 2025, by section 20(4) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 40).
Section 29B(5) exploration drilling committal date: repealed, on 6 August 2025, by section 20(5) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 40).
29C Minister’s functions in relation to feedback from iwi or hapū when considering application
(1)
This section applies if—
(a)
the applicant is a previous or current permit holder or a previous or existing privilege holder; and
(b)
the applicant, in their capacity as a previous or current permit holder or a previous or existing privilege holder, is or was required to submit an iwi engagement report or reports under section 33C; and
(c)
the applicant is applying for a permit for which an iwi engagement report is required under section 33C.
(2)
If this section applies, before granting a permit, the Minister—
(a)
must have regard to feedback provided in iwi engagement reports and at annual review meetings about the quality of the applicant’s previous engagement with iwi or hapū in the applicant’s capacity as a previous or current permit holder or a previous or existing privilege holder; and
(b)
may have regard to any other feedback from iwi or hapū about the quality of the applicant’s previous engagement with iwi or hapū, in the applicant’s capacity as a previous or current permit holder or a previous or existing privilege holder.
Section 29C: inserted, on 1 April 2024, by section 11 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2023 (2023 No 53).
Conditions of permits
30 Rights to prospect, explore, mine
(1)
Subject to section 8, the holder of a current prospecting permit shall have a right to prospect for the mineral, in the land, and on the conditions, stated in the permit, whether the mineral is owned by the Crown or privately owned.
(2)
Subject to section 8, the holder of a current exploration permit shall have the rights of a holder of a current prospecting permit and, in addition, a right to explore for the Crown owned mineral, in the land, and on the conditions, stated in the permit.
(3)
Subject to section 8 and subsections (4) and (5), the holder of a mining permit shall have the rights of a holder of a current exploration permit and, in addition, a right to mine the Crown owned mineral, in the land, and on the conditions, stated in the permit.
(4)
Where a mining permit states that the right to mine only applies to a specified discovery of a mineral, the right to mine shall only extend to that discovery.
(5)
Where a mining permit states that the right to mine only applies to a specified discovery of a mineral, and the holder of the permit makes a further discovery in relation to a mineral and land to which the permit relates, the permit holder shall only have a right to receive a mining permit in accordance with section 32 in relation to that discovery—
(a)
if within 12 months after making the further discovery, the permit holder notifies the Minister in writing of the making of the discovery and that the permit holder is interested in applying for a permit to mine the discovery; and
(b)
within the period notified to the permit holder under subsection (6).
(6)
On receiving a notice from a permit holder under subsection (5), the Minister shall notify the permit holder in writing of the period which in the Minister’s opinion is reasonable to allow for—
(a)
the carrying out of the necessary appraisal work in respect of the discovery; and
(b)
the preparation of a work programme for the mining of the discovery (unless the permit is a Tier 3 permit); and
(c)
the consideration and granting of an application for a permit to mine the discovery.
(7)
Subject to subsection (8) and unless the permit expressly provides otherwise, the rights referred to in subsections (1) to (3) are exclusive to the permit holder.
(8)
A permit conferring all or any of the same rights as a current permit in respect of all or part of the same land and the same mineral may only be granted to a person other than the holder of the current permit with the prior written consent of the current permit holder.
Section 30(1): amended, on 28 September 1993, by section 5 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 139).
Section 30(2): amended, on 24 May 2013, by section 64 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
Section 30(3): amended, on 24 May 2013, by section 64 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
Section 30(5): amended, on 24 May 2013, by section 64 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
Section 30(6)(b): amended, on 25 September 2025, by section 21 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 40).
Section 30(8): amended, on 24 May 2013, by section 64 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
31 Right of permit holder to minerals
Every permit holder shall be the owner of all minerals lawfully obtained by or on behalf of the permit holder in the course of activities authorised by the permit.
32 Right of permit holder to subsequent permits
(1)
Subject to sections 22, 27, 29A, and 43, and subsection (7), and unless the prospecting permit expressly provides otherwise, if the holder of a prospecting permit satisfies the Minister that the results of his or her prospecting under the prospecting permit justifies the granting of an exploration permit in respect of any land and mineral to which the prospecting permit relates, the permit holder shall have the right, on applying under section 23A before the expiry of the prospecting permit, to surrender the permit insofar as it relates to that land and to be granted in exchange an exploration permit for that land and mineral.
(2)
If an exploration permit is granted in accordance with subsection (1), and the prospecting permit in respect of which it is granted specified any condition to be included in such exploration permit, no other or additional condition which modifies or conflicts with that condition shall be included in the exploration permit without the consent of the permit holder.
(3)
Subject to sections 22, 27, 29A, and 43, and subsection (7), and unless the exploration permit expressly provides otherwise, if the holder of an exploration permit satisfies the Minister that he or she has, as a result of activities authorised by the permit, discovered a deposit of a mineral to which the permit relates, the permit holder shall have the right, on applying under section 23A before the expiry of the exploration permit, to surrender the permit insofar as it relates to the land in which the deposit exists and to be granted in exchange a mining permit for that land and mineral.
(4)
A permit granted in accordance with this section may be limited to such part of the land to which the current permit relates as the Minister determines is reasonably adequate to enable the activities authorised by the subsequent permit to be carried out.
(5)
Subsection (5A) applies if a mining permit is to be granted in accordance with subsection (3) and the initial permit or any subsequent permit specified any condition to be included in the mining permit or in any subsequent privilege, right, or licence conferring a right to mine.
(5A)
The condition must be included in the mining permit, unless the Minister and the holder of the exploration permit otherwise agree, and, subject to subpart 2 of Part 1B, no other condition which modifies or conflicts with the condition may be included in the mining permit without the consent of the holder of the mining permit.
(6)
For the purposes of this section—
(a)
an exploration permit shall be deemed to be an exploration permit and a prospecting permit; and
(b)
a mining permit shall be deemed to be a mining permit and an exploration permit and a prospecting permit.
(7)
The Minister may not grant an exploration permit or a mining permit under this section in respect of minerals that are privately owned except in the case of minerals owned by—
(a)
customary marine title groups, as provided for in section 83(2) of the Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Act 2011 and subject to section 84 of that Act:
(b)
the persons or body referred to in section 129(1)(a) to (d) of the Ngāti Pāoa Claims Settlement Act 2025, subject to section 130 of that Act:
(c)
in relation to Ruamāhua, the registered owners, subject to section 130 of the Ngāti Pāoa Claims Settlement Act 2025, if section 136 of that Act applies:
(d)
the trustees referred to in section 118(1) of the Ngāti Rāhiri Tumutumu Claims Settlement Act 2026, subject to section 119 of that Act:
(e)
the persons or body referred to in section 88(1) of the Ngāti Tara Tokanui Claims Settlement Act 2026, subject to section 89 of that Act:
(f)
the trustees referred to in section 145(1)(a) and (b) of the Ngāti Hei Claims Settlement Act 2026, subject to section 146 of that Act; and
(g)
in relation to Ruamāhua, the registered owners, subject to section 146 of the Ngāti Hei Claims Settlement Act 2026, if section 150 of that Act applies.
(8)
A permit that is the subject of an application for a subsequent permit under this section continues in force until the Minister determines the application.
(9)
In this section, deposit means a concentration or an accumulation that is capable of being mined effectively and economically.
Section 32(1): amended, on 24 May 2013, by section 25(1) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
Section 32(1): amended, on 24 May 2013, by section 25(2) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
Section 32(1): amended, on 28 September 1993, by section 6(1) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 139).
Section 32(3): amended, on 6 August 2025, by section 22(1) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 40).
Section 32(3): amended, on 24 May 2013, by section 25(1) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
Section 32(3): amended, on 24 May 2013, by section 25(2) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
Section 32(3): amended, on 28 September 1993, by section 6(2) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 139).
Section 32(4): amended, on 24 May 2013, by section 25(3) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
Section 32(5): replaced, on 24 May 2013, by section 25(4) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
Section 32(5A): inserted, on 24 May 2013, by section 25(4) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
Section 32(5A): amended, on 2 December 2021, by section 9 of the Crown Minerals (Decommissioning and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 53).
Section 32(7): replaced, on 13 November 2025, by section 169(3) of the Ngāti Pāoa Claims Settlement Act 2025 (2025 No 61).
Section 32(7)(d): inserted, on 19 May 2026, by section 134(3) of the Ngāti Rāhiri Tumutumu Claims Settlement Act 2026 (2026 No 18).
Section 32(7)(e): inserted, on 19 May 2026, by section 104(3) of the Ngāti Tara Tokanui Claims Settlement Act 2026 (2026 No 19).
Section 32(7)(f): inserted, on 19 May 2026, by section 162(3) of the Ngāti Hei Claims Settlement Act 2026 (2026 No 20).
Section 32(7)(g): inserted, on 19 May 2026, by section 162(3) of the Ngāti Hei Claims Settlement Act 2026 (2026 No 20).
Section 32(8): inserted, on 24 May 2013, by section 25(5) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
Section 32(9): inserted, on 6 August 2025, by section 22(2) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 40).
33 Permit holder responsibilities
(1)
A permit holder must—
(a)
comply with—
(i)
the conditions of the permit; and
(ii)
this Act and the regulations; and
(iii)
the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 and regulations made under that Act; and
(b)
perform activities under the permit in accordance with good industry practice; and
(c)
submit royalty returns, and pay royalties; and
(d)
keep records for at least 7 years after the year to which they relate or for at least 2 years after the permit to which they relate ceases to be in force, whichever is the longer; and
(e)
co-operate with the Minister, the chief executive, and enforcement officers for the purpose of complying with the conditions of the permit, this Act, and the regulations.
(2)
Subsection (3) applies if the permit holder is 2 or more persons.
(3)
Each person to whom this subsection applies is jointly and severally liable to comply with and perform the obligations of the permit holder under the permit, this Act, and the regulations.
Section 33: replaced, on 24 May 2013, by section 26 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
Section 33(1)(a)(iii): amended, on 4 April 2016, by section 232 of the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 (2015 No 70).
33A Exercise of permit conditional on authorisation
(1)
This section applies if—
(a)
in accordance with regulations made under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 an activity must be authorised (as defined in section 203 of that Act); and
(b)
the activity is an activity of a type authorised under a permit; and
(c)
the regulations referred to in paragraph (a) specify that it is an authorisation for the purposes of this section.
(2)
Despite the activity being authorised under a permit, it must not be carried out until—
(a)
it has been authorised in accordance with subpart 2 of Part 5 of the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 or regulations made under that Act; and
(b)
the health and safety regulator has advised the chief executive that the activity has been so authorised; and
(c)
the chief executive has notified the permit holder of the health and safety regulator’s advice.
Section 33A: replaced, on 4 April 2016, by section 232 of the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 (2015 No 70).
33B Health and Safety regulator to notify chief executive of breaches of legislation
(1)
The health and safety regulator must notify the chief executive if—
(a)
a permit holder is issued with a prohibition notice under section 105 of the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015; or
(b)
an enforcement action (as defined in section 141 of that Act) is taken against the permit holder under that Act.
(2)
Nothing in this Act derogates from the health and safety regulator’s responsibility for the administration and enforcement of the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015.
Section 33B: replaced, on 4 April 2016, by section 232 of the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 (2015 No 70).
33C Iwi engagement reports
(1)
Every holder of a Tier 1 permit must provide to the Minister an annual report of the holder’s engagement with iwi or hapū whose rohe includes some or all of the permit area or who otherwise may be directly affected by the permit.
(2)
Every holder of a Tier 2 permit of any class or kind specified in the regulations must provide to the Minister an annual report of the holder’s engagement with iwi or hapū whose rohe includes some or all of the permit area or who otherwise may be directly affected by the permit.
(2A)
Before providing an annual report to the Minister, the permit holder must—
(a)
provide a draft annual report to iwi or hapū whose rohe includes some or all of the permit area or who otherwise may be directly affected by the permit; and
(b)
give those iwi or hapū a reasonable opportunity or the prescribed period (if any) to comment on the draft report.
(2B)
The annual report must—
(a)
meet the minimum required content as prescribed; and
(b)
include any comments provided by those iwi or hapū on the draft annual report within a reasonable period or the prescribed period (if any).
(3)
Regulations may specify—
(a)
an annual period to which annual reports must apply, which may vary for different classes or kinds of Tier 2 permit:
(b)
a time by which annual reports must be provided, which may vary for different classes or kinds of Tier 2 permit:
(c)
the minimum required content as prescribed for annual engagement reports, which may vary for different classes or kinds of Tier 2 permit.
(4)
The first report to be provided under subsection (1) must relate to the period of 12 months ending with 31 December 2014.
Section 33C: inserted, on 24 May 2013, by section 26 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
Section 33C(2A): inserted, on 31 August 2023, by section 12(1) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2023 (2023 No 53).
Section 33C(2B): inserted, on 31 August 2023, by section 12(1) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2023 (2023 No 53).
Section 33C(3)(c): inserted, on 31 August 2023, by section 12(2) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2023 (2023 No 53).
33CA Annual review meeting about iwi engagement reports
(1)
This section applies only if—
(a)
an iwi engagement report is required under section 33C; and
(b)
any relevant iwi or hapū asks the chief executive to arrange a meeting under this section.
(2)
The chief executive may require the holder of a permit in relation to which an iwi engagement report is required to attend, once in each permit year, a review meeting—
(a)
to discuss an iwi engagement report or draft iwi engagement report; and
(b)
to provide an opportunity for discussion about the report or draft report (including any matter relating to the quality of engagement by the permit holder with iwi or hapū), between any iwi or hapū, the chief executive, the permit holder, the appropriate Minister (but only if the permit relates to Crown land), and any regulatory agency that the chief executive has invited to attend the meeting.
(3)
Without limiting subsection (2)(b), the chief executive—
(a)
must—
(i)
invite all iwi or hapū identified in an iwi engagement report or a draft iwi engagement report as a relevant iwi or hapū; and
(ii)
invite any other iwi or hapū whom the chief executive considers to be directly affected by the permit to the meeting; and
(iii)
give all invited iwi or hapū a reasonable opportunity to confirm their attendance; and
(b)
may invite any regulatory agency that the chief executive thinks is likely to have regulatory oversight of the activities under the permit.
(4)
Unless otherwise agreed between all attending iwi or hapū, the chief executive, and the permit holder, a review meeting must be—
(a)
attended by at least 1 representative of the permit operator who has sufficient seniority, expertise, and knowledge to enable full discussion of the work programme and conditions of the permit; and
(b)
held on a date and at a place notified to the attending iwi or hapū and the permit holder by the chief executive (which must be at least 20 working days after the date of notification).
(5)
The chief executive must inform all attending iwi and hapū if any person other than those referred to in subsections (2) and (3) is attending the review meeting.
(6)
In this section, relevant iwi or hapū means an iwi or a hapū whose rohe includes some or all of the permit area or who otherwise may be directly affected by the permit in question.
Section 33CA: inserted, on 31 August 2023, by section 13 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2023 (2023 No 53).
33D Annual review meeting for holders of Tier 1 permits
(1)
The chief executive may require the holder of a Tier 1 permit to attend, once in each permit year, a review meeting for the purposes of—
(a)
monitoring the permit holder’s progress against the work programme for the permit; and
(b)
providing an opportunity for discussion between the chief executive, the permit holder, the appropriate Minister (but only if the permit relates to Crown land), and any regulatory agency that the chief executive has invited to attend the meeting.
(2)
Without limiting subsection (1)(b), the chief executive must invite any regulatory agency that he or she thinks is likely to have regulatory oversight of the activities under the permit to attend a review meeting. However, the chief executive may limit the agency’s attendance at the meeting to only those parts of the meeting that are relevant to its oversight.
(3)
Unless otherwise agreed between the chief executive and a permit holder, a review meeting must be—
(a)
held on a date and at a place notified to the permit holder by the chief executive (which date must be at least 20 working days after the date of notification); and
(b)
attended by at least 1 representative of the permit operator who has sufficient seniority, expertise, and knowledge to enable full discussion of the work programme and conditions of the permit.
(4)
Any person other than those referred to in subsections (1) and (2) may attend a review meeting only with the consent of the permit holder.
Section 33D: inserted, on 24 May 2013, by section 26 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
34 Financial return to the Crown
The Minister may—
(a)
require, in return for any permit granted under this Act, the payment of money to the Crown:
(b)
include in any permit granted under this Act a condition requiring payments to the Crown by the permit holder for—
(i)
the rights given by the permit and this Act; and
(ii)
any minerals obtained by the permit holder under the permit.
Section 34(a): amended, on 24 May 2013, by section 64 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
Section 34(b): amended, on 24 May 2013, by section 64 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
Section 34(b)(i): amended, on 24 May 2013, by section 64 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
35 Duration of permit
(1)
A prospecting permit expires—
(a)
4 years after the commencement date specified in the permit; or
(b)
if an earlier expiry date is specified in the permit, on that date.
(2)
A prospecting permit may not be extended beyond 4 years after the commencement date specified in the permit.
(3)
An exploration permit for petroleum expires—
(a)
15 years after the commencement date specified in the permit; or
(b)
if an earlier expiry date is specified in the permit, on that date.
(4)
An exploration permit for petroleum may be extended only in accordance with section 35A.
(5)
An exploration permit for minerals other than petroleum expires—
(a)
10 years after the commencement date specified in the permit; or
(b)
if an earlier expiry date is specified in the permit, on that date.
(6)
An exploration permit for minerals other than petroleum may not be extended beyond 10 years after the commencement date specified in the permit, unless extended further under section 35A.
(7)
A mining permit (except a Tier 3 permit) expires—
(a)
40 years after the commencement date specified in the permit; or
(b)
if an earlier expiry date is specified in the permit, on that date.
(8)
A mining permit (except a Tier 3 permit) may be extended only in accordance with section 36(1), (2), and (5).
(8A)
A Tier 3 permit expires—
(a)
10 years after the commencement date specified in the permit; or
(b)
if an earlier expiry date is specified in the permit, on that date.
(8B)
A Tier 3 permit may be extended only in accordance with section 36(1) and (2) and section 36A.
(9)
The Minister may, on the application of the holder of a Tier 1 permit or a Tier 2 permit, amend the commencement date of the permit, and subsection (1), (3), (5), or (7) applies accordingly, if the Minister is satisfied that—
(a)
the permit holder has been prevented from commencing activities under the permit by—
(i)
delays in obtaining consents under any Act; or
(ii)
delays in obtaining access to land under this Act; and
(b)
those delays have not been caused or contributed to by default on the part of the permit holder.
(10)
If the Minister amends the commencement date of a permit under subsection (9), the new commencement date must be specified in the permit.
Section 35: replaced, on 24 May 2013, by section 27 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
Section 35(7): amended, on 25 September 2025, by section 23(1) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 40).
Section 35(8): amended, on 25 September 2025, by section 23(2) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 40).
Section 35(8A): inserted, on 25 September 2025, by section 23(3) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 40).
Section 35(8B): inserted, on 25 September 2025, by section 23(3) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 40).
Section 35(9): amended, on 25 September 2025, by section 23(4) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 40).
Section 35(9)(a): replaced, on 6 August 2025, by section 23(5) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 40).
35A Appraisal extension of exploration permits
(1)
The holder of an exploration permit may apply to the Minister, in accordance with section 36(1) to (4), for an extension to the duration of the permit (an appraisal extension) so as to appraise the extent and characteristics of a discovery and the Minister may grant an extension for that purpose for any period the Minister considers necessary, up to a maximum of 4 years.
(2)
However, the Minister may grant an appraisal extension under subsection (1) only if the Minister is satisfied that—
(a)
the permit holder has made a discovery that has the potential to lead to the granting of a mining permit; and
(b)
the current specified duration of the exploration permit does not allow sufficient time to appraise the discovery; and
(c)
the work programme in relation to the appraisal is adequate.
(3)
If the Minister grants an appraisal extension, it must be restricted to the land in the permit to which the Minister determines it is likely that the discovery relates.
(4)
A permit holder granted an appraisal extension under subsection (1) may apply to the Minister once only for a further appraisal extension, and subsection (1) applies as if the reference to an appraisal extension were a reference to a further appraisal extension.
Section 35A: inserted, on 24 May 2013, by section 27 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
35B Conditions imposing relinquishment obligation: prospecting permits
(1)
The Minister may impose a condition of the kind described in subsection (2) on—
(a)
the grant of a prospecting permit other than a prospecting permit for petroleum; or
(b)
the grant of an application for a change to any prospecting permit other than a prospecting permit for petroleum.
(2)
The Minister may impose a condition requiring the permit holder to relinquish a specified amount of the permit area at a specified time or on a specified event (a relinquishment obligation).
(3)
The Minister may impose a relinquishment obligation not more than twice in relation to a permit, and the total area to be relinquished must not exceed 50% of the original area of land to which the permit applied.
(4)
The holder of a permit that is subject to a relinquishment obligation must submit to the Minister for approval, within the time frame specified in the permit condition, a map of the area that the holder proposes to relinquish.
(5)
The Minister must consider the map and approve the area to be relinquished, with or without amendment, as he or she thinks fit.
Section 35B: inserted, on 24 May 2013, by section 27 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
35C Conditions imposing relinquishment obligation: exploration permits
(1)
The Minister may impose a condition of the kind described in subsection (2) on—
(a)
the grant of an exploration permit; or
(b)
the grant of an application for a change to an exploration permit.
(2)
The Minister may impose a condition requiring the permit holder to relinquish a specified amount of the permit area at a specified time or on a specified event (a relinquishment obligation).
(3)
The Minister may impose a relinquishment obligation not more than twice in relation to a permit, and the total area to be relinquished must not exceed,—
(a)
in the case of an exploration permit for petroleum, 75% of the original area of land to which the permit applied:
(b)
in the case of an exploration permit for minerals other than petroleum, 50% of the original area of land to which the permit applied.
(4)
The holder of a permit that is subject to a relinquishment obligation must submit to the Minister for approval, within the time frame specified in the permit condition, a map of the area that the holder proposes to relinquish.
(5)
The Minister must consider the map and approve the area to be relinquished, with or without amendment, as he or she thinks fit.
Section 35C: inserted, on 24 May 2013, by section 27 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
Changes to permits
Heading: inserted, on 24 May 2013, by section 28 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
36 Change to permit
(1)
The Minister may, on any conditions that he or she thinks fit and at any time or times during the currency of a permit, change a permit by granting a certificate of change to the permit—
(a)
with the prior written consent of the permit holder; or
(b)
on the written application of the permit holder; or
(c)
in the manner, if any, provided in the permit.
(2)
A change to a permit may do 1 or more of the following:
(a)
amend the conditions of the permit:
(b)
extend the land to which the permit relates:
(c)
change the minerals to which the permit relates:
(d)
extend the duration of the permit.
(2A)
However, if a designation notice has effect under subpart 5 of Part 2 of the Offshore Renewable Energy Act 2026, despite anything to the contrary in this Act,—
(a)
the land to which a prospecting, exploration, or mining permit for minerals other than petroleum relates cannot be extended to include any of the ORE designated areas; and
(b)
a permit for petroleum cannot be changed to relate to minerals other than petroleum in the ORE designated areas.
(2A)
[Repealed](3)
An application under subsection (1)(b) to extend the duration of an exploration permit for petroleum may only be made as provided by section 35A or to enable the holder of a permit relating to petroleum to complete their decommissioning obligations under subpart 2 of Part 1B, or the holder of a permit relating to minerals to complete mine-closure activities and rehabilitation work.
(4)
An application under subsection (1)(b) to extend the duration of a mining permit in accordance with this section, or to extend the duration of an exploration permit under section 35A or to enable the holder of a permit relating to petroleum to complete their decommissioning obligations under subpart 2 of Part 1B, or the holder of a permit relating to minerals to complete mine-closure activities and rehabilitation work, must be received by the Minister not later than 6 months before the expiry of the permit.
(4A)
However, if the Minister is satisfied that there are compelling reasons why a permit holder could not comply with subsection (4), the Minister may receive an application by a later date agreed by the Minister.
(4B)
All other applications under subsection (1)(b) must be received by the Minister not later than 90 days before—
(a)
the expiry date of the permit; or
(b)
in the case of an application to change the specified date by which specified work must be carried out, the specified date; or
(c)
in the case of an application to change the specified work that must be carried out by a specified date, the specified date.
(4C)
However, if the Minister is satisfied that there are compelling reasons why a permit holder could not comply with subsection (4B), the Minister may receive an application by a later date agreed by the Minister (which date must not be later than the date of expiry of the permit or the specified date by which the specified work must be done).
(4D)
If a permit holder makes an application to which subsection (4B)(b) or (c) applies, the permit holder does not contravene the condition that the permit holder has applied to change if the condition—
(a)
must be complied with or fulfilled while the application is being considered by the Minister; and
(b)
is not complied with or fulfilled while the application is being considered by the Minister.
(4E)
However, if the application is declined, the permit holder contravenes the condition from the date on which the condition should have been complied with or fulfilled.
(5)
Subject to subsection (5AA), the duration of a mining permit may not be extended under this section unless the permit holder—
(a)
satisfies the Minister that the discovery to which the permit relates cannot be economically depleted before the expiry date of the permit (and in this respect the Minister may consider the extent to which the inability to deplete the discovery during the term of the permit is due to causes or reasons beyond the permit holder’s control); and
(b)
where required to do so by the Minister, submits a work programme which is approved by the Minister in the same manner, with any necessary modifications, as a work programme is approved under section 43—
and any such extension shall be only for such period as the Minister considers reasonable to enable the permit holder to economically deplete the discovery.
(5AA)
The duration of any permit may be extended,—
(a)
if the permit relates to petroleum, to enable the permit holder to complete their decommissioning obligations under subpart 2 of Part 1B:
(b)
if the permit relates to minerals, to enable the permit holder to complete mine-closure activities and rehabilitation work.
(5A)
A permit that is the subject of an application for an extension of duration under this section or section 35A continues in force until the Minister determines the application.
(5B)
On the granting of a certificate of change in relation to a permit, the chief executive must forward 1 copy of the certificate of change to the permit holder.
(5C)
If the certificate of change is for an extension of land to which a permit relates and that extension of land was granted in respect of Māori land, the chief executive must also forward 1 copy of the certificate to the Registrar of the Māori Land Court.
(5D)
On receiving a copy of a certificate of change under subsection (5C), the Registrar of the Māori Land Court must enter in his or her records the particulars of that certificate.
(6)
Every application under this section shall be in the form and contain the information required by the Minister in that case.
Section 36(1): replaced, on 24 May 2013, by section 29(1) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
Section 36(2): replaced, on 24 May 2013, by section 29(1) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
Section 36(2A): inserted, on 10 July 2026, by section 186 of the Offshore Renewable Energy Act 2026 (2026 No 39).
Section 36(2A): repealed, on 6 August 2025, by section 24(1) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 40).
Section 36(3): replaced, on 24 May 2013, by section 29(1) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
Section 36(3): amended, on 6 August 2025, by section 24(2) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 40).
Section 36(3): amended, on 2 December 2021, by section 10(1) of the Crown Minerals (Decommissioning and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 53).
Section 36(4): replaced, on 24 May 2013, by section 29(1) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
Section 36(4): amended, on 6 August 2025, by section 24(3) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 40).
Section 36(4): amended, on 2 December 2021, by section 10(2) of the Crown Minerals (Decommissioning and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 53).
Section 36(4A): replaced, on 24 May 2013, by section 29(1) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
Section 36(4B): inserted, on 24 May 2013, by section 29(1) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
Section 36(4C): inserted, on 24 May 2013, by section 29(1) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
Section 36(4D): inserted, on 24 May 2013, by section 29(1) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
Section 36(4E): inserted, on 24 May 2013, by section 29(1) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
Section 36(5): amended, on 2 December 2021, by section 10(3) of the Crown Minerals (Decommissioning and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 53).
Section 36(5AA): inserted, on 2 December 2021, by section 10(4) of the Crown Minerals (Decommissioning and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 53).
Section 36(5AA)(b): amended, on 6 August 2025, by section 24(4) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 40).
Section 36(5)(a): amended, on 24 May 2013, by section 29(2) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
Section 36(5A): inserted, on 21 August 2003, by section 5(3) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2003 (2003 No 45).
Section 36(5A): amended, on 24 May 2013, by section 29(3) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
Section 36(5B): inserted, on 21 August 2003, by section 5(3) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2003 (2003 No 45).
Section 36(5B): amended, on 24 May 2013, by section 64 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
Section 36(5C): inserted, on 21 August 2003, by section 5(3) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2003 (2003 No 45).
Section 36(5C): amended, on 24 May 2013, by section 64 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
Section 36(5D): inserted, on 21 August 2003, by section 5(3) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2003 (2003 No 45).
36A Limits on change to Tier 3 permit
(1)
The holder of a Tier 3 permit may make a written application under section 36(1)(b) only to—
(a)
extend the land to which the permit relates; or
(b)
extend the duration of the permit.
(2)
The duration of a Tier 3 permit may only be extended if the permit holder satisfies the Minister that the discovery to which the permit relates cannot be economically depleted before the expiry date of the permit (and, in that respect, the Minister may consider the extent to which the inability to deplete the discovery during the term of the permit is due to causes or reasons beyond the permit holder’s control).
(3)
A permit holder may not make a written application under section 36(1)(b) that, if granted, would result in the permit not satisfying the requirements of a Tier 3 permit as set out in section 2B(2A).
(4)
Section 36(3), (5), and (5AA) does not apply to a Tier 3 permit.
Section 36A: inserted, on 25 September 2025, by section 25 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 40).
37 Process for Minister’s proposal to change work programme for petroleum mining permit
(1)
The work programme for a petroleum mining permit granted on or after the commencement of this section may be changed in accordance with this section if the change is necessary to maximise the economic recovery of the petroleum in accordance with good industry practice.
(2)
If the Minister considers, on the basis of information on the characteristics and extent of the petroleum field received by the Minister at any time during the currency of the permit, that a change to the work programme is necessary, the Minister must notify the permit holder of the proposed change and set out the reasons why it is being proposed.
(3)
If the permit holder and the Minister cannot agree on the proposed changes, the permit holder may notify the Minister within 30 days after the date of the notification under subsection (2) (or within any further time that the Minister may allow) that the permit holder requires a determination by an independent expert on—
(a)
whether the work programme should be changed to maximise the economic recovery of the petroleum in accordance with good industry practice; and
(b)
what any change should be.
(4)
If the permit holder does not exercise the right under subsection (3) within the time specified by or allowed under that subsection, the conditions of the permit are deemed to be changed as proposed by the Minister.
(5)
If the permit holder exercises the right under subsection (3) within the time specified by or allowed under that subsection, an independent expert must be appointed by agreement between the Minister and the permit holder, or, failing agreement, by the President of the New Zealand Law Society (or his or her delegate) on the application of either party.
Section 37: replaced, on 24 May 2013, by section 30 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
38 Determination by independent expert
(1)
In making a determination for the purposes of section 37(3), an independent expert must have regard to the submissions from the Minister and the permit holder respectively, but is not required to conduct a hearing.
(2)
Each party must provide a single set of written submissions, and any written evidence and any relevant documents or technical reports may be provided with the submissions.
(3)
In accordance with a timetable set by the independent expert,—
(a)
the permit holder must provide its submissions to the independent expert and provide a copy to the Minister at the same time; and
(b)
the Minister must subsequently provide his or her submissions to the independent expert and provide a copy to the permit holder at the same time.
(4)
The Minister and the permit holder must provide the independent expert with any assistance the independent expert may reasonably request.
(5)
After due consideration, the independent expert must provide a written determination to the Minister and the permit holder.
(6)
Any change to a work programme determined by the independent expert—
(a)
must be limited to what is reasonably required to ensure that the economic recovery of the resource is maximised in accordance with good industry practice; and
(b)
takes effect on the date of the determination.
(7)
The conditions of the permit holder’s permit are deemed to be changed—
(a)
in accordance with any change to a work programme determined by the independent expert; and
(b)
with effect on the date of the determination.
(8)
The independent expert must not act as a mediator or an arbitrator and the Arbitration Act 1996 does not apply.
(9)
The independent expert’s fees must be borne equally by the Minister and the permit holder unless the independent expert determines one party should bear a greater proportion or all of the fees on the ground that the party’s position has not been reasonable.
(10)
The independent expert’s determination is final and binding on the parties and there is no right of appeal against the determination. However, if the Minister and the permit holder agree a different allocation of costs to that determined by the independent expert, the determination must be treated as varied to the extent agreed.
(11)
The permit holder must continue to comply with its existing work programme pending the independent expert’s consideration and determination of the matter.
Section 38: replaced, on 24 May 2013, by section 30 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
39 Revocation or transfer of permit
(1)
The Minister may revoke a permit or transfer a permit to the Minister (in replacement for the permit holder) if the Minister is satisfied that the permit holder has contravened—
(a)
a condition of the permit; or
(b)
this Act or the regulations.
(1A)
The Minister may also revoke a permit—
(a)
as referred to in section 41AG(8) or 41A(6); or
(b)
in accordance with section 41AF (but, in this case, subsections (2) to (4) of this section do not apply).
(2)
Before deciding whether to revoke or transfer a permit, the Minister must serve on the permit holder written notice of his or her intention to revoke or transfer the permit that—
(a)
sets out the grounds on which the Minister intends to revoke or transfer the permit; and
(b)
gives the holder 40 working days after the date on which the notice is served to—
(i)
remove the grounds for the revocation or transfer; or
(ii)
provide reasons why the permit should not be revoked or transferred.
(2A)
In the case of an intention to revoke a permit under section 41AG(8)(b) or (c) or 41A(6)(b) where the change of control has been notified in accordance with section 41AG(1) or 41A(1), the Minister may only serve a notice under subsection (2) within 3 months after the later of the following:
(a)
the date on which the permit participant notifies the Minister of the change of control in accordance with section 41AG(1) or 41A(1):
(b)
the date by which the permit participant provides to the Minister all of the information and documents requested under section 41AG(5) or (6) or 41A(4), as applicable.
(3)
The Minister may, by serving written notice on the permit holder, revoke or transfer the permit with effect on the date that is specified in the notice if—
(a)
the grounds for revocation or transfer have not been removed; or
(b)
after having considered reasons provided in accordance with subsection (2)(b)(ii), the Minister still considers there are grounds for revoking or transferring the permit.
(3A)
In the case of section 41AG(8)(a) or 41A(6)(a), the following applies:
(a)
the Minister may, by serving written notice on the permit holder, revoke the permit with effect on the date specified in the notice if the Minister is satisfied that the permit should be revoked:
(b)
the Minister may be so satisfied even if the Minister becomes satisfied of the matter set out in section 41AG(8)(b) or (c) or 41A(6)(b), as applicable (for example, the Minister may be satisfied that the permit should be revoked because there is no good reason to excuse the contravention of section 41AG(1) or 41A(1)).
(3B)
The notice under subsection (3) or (3A) may be served only on or after the date that is 40 working days after the date on which the notice under subsection (2) is served.
(4)
If the Minister transfers a permit in accordance with subsection (3),—
(a)
the permit is automatically transferred into the name of the Minister; and
(b)
the consent of the Minister under section 41 is not required to transfer the permit to, or from, the Minister; and
(c)
the Minister may exercise the rights granted by the permit, or offer it or any share in it for sale by public tender or otherwise.
(5)
A permit holder who is served with written notice under subsection (3) or (3A) may, not later than 20 working days after the date on which the notice is served, appeal against the Minister’s decision to the High Court, but only on the ground that the decision is erroneous in point of law.
(6)
Pending the determination of an appeal under subsection (5), the permit in respect of which the appeal is made continues in force for all purposes unless it sooner expires.
(6A)
The Minister must record any revocation or transfer of a permit on the register of permits, but need not record the reasons for the revocation or transfer.
(7)
The revocation of a permit or the transfer of a permit to the Minister under this section shall not release the permit holder from any liability in respect of—
(a)
a permit, or any condition of it, up to the date of revocation or transfer; and
(b)
any act under the permit up to the date of revocation or transfer giving rise to a cause of action.
(8)
As soon as practicable after a permit is revoked, the chief executive must lodge a copy of the notice served on the permit holder under subsection (3) or (3A) with—
(a)
the Registrar-General of Land, if the permit was granted before 21 August 2003 and was a permit other than in respect of petroleum:
(b)
the Registrar of the Māori Land Court, if the permit was granted in respect of Māori land and—
(i)
the permit was granted before 21 August 2003 and was a permit other than in respect of petroleum; or
(ii)
the permit was granted on or after 21 August 2003.
(9)
[Repealed]Section 39 heading: replaced, on 24 May 2013, by section 31(1) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
Section 39(1): replaced, on 6 August 2025, by section 26(1) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 40).
Section 39(1A): inserted, on 19 February 2019, by section 7(1) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2019 (2019 No 2).
Section 39(1A)(a): amended, on 6 August 2025, by section 26(2) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 40).
Section 39(2): replaced, on 24 May 2013, by section 31(2) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
Section 39(2A): inserted, on 19 February 2019, by section 7(2) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2019 (2019 No 2).
Section 39(2A): amended, on 6 August 2025, by section 26(3)(a) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 40).
Section 39(2A): amended, on 6 August 2025, by section 26(3)(b) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 40).
Section 39(2A)(a): amended, on 6 August 2025, by section 26(4) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 40).
Section 39(2A)(b): amended, on 6 August 2025, by section 26(5) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 40).
Section 39(3): replaced, on 24 May 2013, by section 31(2) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
Section 39(3): amended, on 19 February 2019, by section 7(3) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2019 (2019 No 2).
Section 39(3A): inserted, on 19 February 2019, by section 7(4) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2019 (2019 No 2).
Section 39(3A): amended, on 6 August 2025, by section 26(6) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 40).
Section 39(3A)(b): amended, on 6 August 2025, by section 26(7) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 40).
Section 39(3A)(b): amended, on 6 August 2025, by section 26(8) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 40).
Section 39(3B): inserted, on 19 February 2019, by section 7(4) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2019 (2019 No 2).
Section 39(4): replaced, on 24 May 2013, by section 31(2) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
Section 39(5): replaced, on 24 May 2013, by section 31(2) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
Section 39(5): amended, on 19 February 2019, by section 7(5) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2019 (2019 No 2).
Section 39(6): replaced, on 24 May 2013, by section 31(2) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
Section 39(6A): inserted, on 24 May 2013, by section 31(2) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
Section 39(8): replaced, on 6 August 2025, by section 26(9) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 40).
Section 39(9): repealed, on 6 August 2025, by section 26(10) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 40).
40 Surrender of permit
(1)
A permit holder may apply to the chief executive to surrender a permit or any part of it by—
(a)
lodging an application; and
(b)
paying any money the permit holder owes to the Crown under this Act; and
(c)
providing information and records as required by the permit, this Act, or the regulations.
(2)
Unless the Minister considers it is in the interests of the Crown to acquire the permit for the purposes of reallocation or otherwise (in which case the permit vests in the Crown as if it were personal property), the surrender—
(a)
must be accepted by the chief executive if everything is in order and, in the case of a partial surrender, the Minister has approved the area to be surrendered under subsection (7A); and
(b)
takes effect when the chief executive accepts it.
(2A)
Despite subsection (1)(b) and (c), the chief executive may accept a surrender application even though the permit holder has not paid to the Crown all the money owing to the Crown or has not provided to the chief executive all the information and records required to be provided.
(3)
For the purposes of subsections (5) and (6), if a permit vests in the Crown under this section,—
(a)
the permit is deemed to have been surrendered under this section; and
(b)
the date on which the permit is deemed to have been surrendered,—
(i)
for the purposes of subsection (5), is the date that the surrender application was lodged; and
(ii)
for the purposes of subsection (6), is the date of the Minister’s decision under subsection (2).
(4)
The consent of the Minister under section 41 shall not be required to the transfer of a permit under this section.
(5)
Where a permit is surrendered in whole or in part and payments have been made to the Crown under the permit or under this Part, the permit holder shall be entitled to a refund of so much of the payments as have been made in respect of—
(a)
the remaining part of the period subsequent to the date of the surrender; and
(b)
the land surrendered.
(6)
The surrender of a permit shall not release the permit holder from any liability in respect of—
(a)
the permit up to the date of the surrender; and
(b)
any act under the permit up to the date of surrender giving rise to a cause of action.
(7)
If a permit is being surrendered in part only, the form of surrender shall be accompanied by a plan that has the land in respect of which part of the permit is being surrendered clearly delineated and identified on it.
(7A)
The Minister may approve the area to be surrendered, with or without amendment, as he or she thinks fit.
(8)
The surrender of only part of a permit shall, on acceptance, be endorsed on the permit by the chief executive.
(9)
On acceptance, the chief executive must lodge a surrender of a permit, whether in whole or in part, with—
(a)
the Registrar-General of Land, if the permit was granted before 21 August 2003 and was a permit other than in respect of petroleum:
(b)
the Registrar of the Māori Land Court, if the permit was granted in respect of Māori land and—
(i)
the permit was granted before 21 August 2003 and was a permit other than in respect of petroleum; or
(ii)
the permit was granted on or after 21 August 2003.
(9A)
[Repealed](10)
Every right, title, and interest held under a permit that has been surrendered under this section shall end in respect of the land to which the permit related, or in respect of that part of the land in relation to which the permit is surrendered, as the case may be, on the date on which the chief executive accepts the surrender.
Section 40(1): replaced, on 24 May 2013, by section 32(1) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
Section 40(2): replaced, on 24 May 2013, by section 32(2) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
Section 40(2A): inserted, on 24 May 2013, by section 32(3) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
Section 40(3): replaced, on 24 May 2013, by section 32(4) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
Section 40(7A): inserted, on 24 May 2013, by section 32(5) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
Section 40(8): amended, on 24 May 2013, by section 64 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
Section 40(9): replaced, on 6 August 2025, by section 27(1) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 40).
Section 40(9A): repealed, on 6 August 2025, by section 27(2) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 40).
Section 40(10): amended, on 24 May 2013, by section 64 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
41 Transfer of interest in permit
(1)
The transfer of all or part of a participating interest in a permit requires the consent of the Minister under this section.
(2)
An application for consent to a transfer must—
(a)
be made jointly by the relevant permit participant and the transferee; and
(b)
be made within 3 months after the date of the agreement that contains the transfer; and
(c)
be accompanied by a copy of the agreement that contains the transfer; and
(d)
be accompanied by evidence of the notification required under subsection (3).
(3)
Before or at the same time as the application is made, the permit participant must notify any other permit participants that it has applied for consent to the transfer.
(4)
If so required by the Minister, the transferee must provide to the Minister—
(a)
a statement, signed by or on behalf of the transferee, in which the person signing the statement must confirm that the transferee has the financial capability to meet its obligations under the permit (a statement of financial capability); and
(b)
any specified supporting information.
(5)
If the transferee is a company, a statement of financial capability must be signed on behalf of all the directors by at least 2 directors of the company or, if the company has only 1 director, by that director.
(6)
Before granting consent, the Minister must be satisfied that the transferee is highly likely to be able to comply with—
(a)
the conditions of, and give proper effect to, the permit; and
(b)
in the case of a permit as defined in section 89D, the relevant obligations in subparts 2 and 3 of Part 1B.
(6A)
Before granting consent, if the Ministers require an outgoing guarantee under section 41I, an outgoing guarantee that the Minister considers to be appropriate must have been provided in accordance with that requirement.
(7)
The chief executive must record the transfer of any participating interest consented to by the Minister under this section on the permit concerned and the transfer is effective, for the purposes of the permit, this Act, and the regulations on the date specified in section 2(5).
Section 41: replaced, on 24 May 2013, by section 33 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
Section 41(6): replaced, on 31 August 2023, by section 14 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2023 (2023 No 53).
Section 41(6A): inserted, on 6 August 2025, by section 28(1) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 40).
Section 41(7): amended, on 6 August 2025, by section 28(2) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 40).
41AA Interpretation for change of control and transfer provisions
(1)
In this section, sections 41AB to 41A and 41E to 41I, subpart 2 of this Part, and Part 6 of Schedule 1,—
body corporate that is undergoing a change of control means a body corporate that is a permit participant, permit operator, licence holder, or holder of a participating interest in a licence referred to in section 41AB(1) that undergoes a change of control
change of control, in relation to a body corporate, means either of the following:
(a)
that a person obtains a controlling interest in the body corporate; or
(b)
in the case of an exploration or a mining permit or licence for petroleum, that a person ceases to have a controlling interest in the body corporate
current licence holder has the same meaning as in section 89D
current permit holder has the same meaning as in section 89D
incoming person means a person who obtains a controlling interest in a body corporate that is undergoing a change of control
licence has the same meaning as in section 89D
outgoing person means any of the following:
(a)
a person who ceases to have a controlling interest in a body corporate that is undergoing a change of control:
(b)
a person who ceases to have all or part of an interest in a body corporate that is undergoing a change of control that results in another person acquiring a controlling interest in that body corporate:
(c)
a person who transfers all or part of their participating interest in a permit or licence for petroleum, or transfers their licence for petroleum, to another person
petroleum infrastructure has the same meaning as in section 89F
relevant older petroleum infrastructure has the same meaning as in section 89H
relevant older well has the same meaning as in section 89I
well has the same meaning as in section 89D.
(2)
A person has a controlling interest if they are—
(a)
a person (person A) with the power (whether directly or indirectly) to exercise, or control the exercise of, 50% or more of the voting rights in the body corporate in question; or
(b)
a person (person A) who together with 1 or more specified persons has the power (whether directly or indirectly) to exercise, or control the exercise of, 50% or more of the voting rights in the body corporate in question.
(3)
A person is a specified person in relation to person A if the person—
(a)
is acting or will act jointly or in concert with person A in respect of exercising, or controlling the exercise of, the voting rights of,—
(i)
in the case of a permit, a permit participant:
(ii)
in the case of a licence, a person with a participating interest in the licence; or
(b)
in the case of either a licence or a permit, acts, or is accustomed to acting, in accordance with the wishes of person A.
Section 41AA: replaced, on 6 August 2025, by section 29 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 40).
41AB Change of control: certain permit operators and permit and licence participants
(1)
This section and sections 41AC to 41AE apply if a body corporate that is any of the following undergoes a change of control:
(a)
a permit participant of an exploration or a mining permit or a licence holder or holder of a participating interest in a licence for petroleum:
(b)
a permit operator of a Tier 1 permit for minerals other than petroleum:
(c)
a permit operator of a prospecting permit for petroleum.
(2)
If this section applies,—
(a)
every incoming person contravenes this subsection if the change of control is made without the prior consent of the Minister (see sections 41AC to 41AE, which relate to obtaining consent), in a case where subsection (1)(a), (b), or (c) applies:
(b)
every outgoing person contravenes this subsection if the change of control is made without the prior consent of the Minister (see sections 41AC to 41AE, which relate to obtaining consent), in the case of—
(i)
an exploration or mining permit for petroleum; or
(ii)
a licence for petroleum.
Guidance note
A contravention may result in the revocation of a permit under section 41AF.
A contravention by an incoming person may constitute an offence under section 100(2A) if, before the incoming person obtains the controlling interest, they know, or ought reasonably to know, that they will obtain that interest.
A contravention by an outgoing person in the case of an exploration or mining permit or a licence for petroleum may result in civil pecuniary penalties under section 89ZZV(1A).
(3)
The body corporate undergoing a change of control must notify the Minister in accordance with subsection (5) if—
(a)
subsection (2) is contravened; and
(b)
the body corporate knows, or ought reasonably to know, that it has undergone a change of control.
Guidance note
A contravention may constitute an offence under section 100(2B).
(4)
Subsection (3) does not apply in the case of a contravention referred to in section 41AC(3)(c).
(5)
For the purposes of subsection (3), the notification must—
(a)
be given as soon as is reasonably practicable, but in any event not later than 3 months after the body corporate undergoing the change of control becomes aware, or ought reasonably to have become aware, that it has undergone a change of control; and
(b)
be accompanied by a copy of any agreement or other document that specifies the change of control.
Section 41AB: replaced, on 6 August 2025, by section 29 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 40).
41AC Application for consent for change of control
(1)
An application for consent referred to in section 41AB(2) must—
(a)
be made—
(i)
by the relevant person; or
(ii)
if there is more than 1 relevant person, by all of the relevant persons; and
(b)
be made at least 3 months before the date on which the proposed change of control takes effect; and
(c)
include the following information:
(i)
the name of each relevant person:
(ii)
if a relevant person is a body corporate, the name of each director of the body and of each shareholder or member of the body referred to in subsection (4):
(iii)
particulars about how the change of control is proposed to be undertaken:
(iv)
particulars about when the change of control is proposed to take effect; and
(d)
be accompanied by—
(i)
a copy of any agreement or other document that specifies the change of control; and
(ii)
information or documents that show how the test in section 41AE(1) is satisfied.
(2)
If the Minister is satisfied that there are compelling reasons why a relevant person could not comply with subsection (1)(b), the Minister may receive an application by a later date agreed by the Minister (which date must not be later than the date on which the proposed change of control takes effect).
(3)
The following applies if an application is properly made in accordance with this section (including subsection (1)(b) or (2)) but the application is still being considered by the Minister when the change of control takes effect:
(a)
section 41AB(2) is not contravened while the application is being considered by the Minister; and
(b)
if the Minister gives his or her consent, section 41AB(2) is not contravened; but
(c)
if the Minister declines to give his or her consent, section 41AB(2) must be treated as being contravened from the date of the Minister’s decision.
(4)
For the purposes of subsection (1)(c)(ii), the shareholders or members of the body corporate that must be named are,—
(a)
if the body has equity securities quoted on a stock exchange,—
(i)
the shareholders or members who hold the 10 largest numbers of equity securities; or
(ii)
if there is more than 1 class of equity securities, the persons holding the 10 largest numbers of equity securities in each class:
(b)
in any other case, all of the shareholders or members.
(5)
In this section and sections 41AD and 41AE,—
director has the same meaning as in section 6(1) of the Financial Markets Conduct Act 2013
equity security has the same meaning as in section 8(2) of the Financial Markets Conduct Act 2013
relevant person means a person who is,—
(a)
in the case of a prospecting permit for petroleum or a permit for minerals other than petroleum, an incoming person; or
(b)
in the case of an exploration or mining permit for petroleum, an incoming person or an outgoing person
stock exchange has the same meaning as in section 2(1) of the Companies Act 1993.
Section 41AC: inserted, on 19 February 2019, by section 8 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2019 (2019 No 2).
Section 41AC(1)(c)(ii): amended, on 6 August 2025, by section 30(1) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 40).
Section 41AC(4): amended, on 6 August 2025, by section 30(2) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 40).
Section 41AC(5) relevant person: replaced, on 6 August 2025, by section 30(3) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 40).
41AD Minister may require information or documents to be supplied
(1)
A permit participant, or a relevant person, must, if requested to do so, provide to the Minister information or documents relevant to the matters referred to in section 41AE(1).
(2)
Subsection (1) applies to a permit participant whether or not that participant is the permit operator.
Section 41AD: inserted, on 19 February 2019, by section 8 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2019 (2019 No 2).
41AE When Minister may consent to change of control
(1)
The Minister may consent to the change of control for the purposes of section 41AB only if the Minister is satisfied that—
(a)
the permit holder, given the proposed change of control,—
(i)
has the financial capability to meet its obligations under the permit; and
(ii)
is highly likely to comply with, and give proper effect to, the work programme for the permit; and
(iii)
is highly likely to comply with the relevant obligations under this Act or the regulations in respect of reporting and the payment of fees and royalties; and
(iv)
in the case of a permit as defined in section 89D, is highly likely to comply with the relevant obligations in subparts 2 and 3 of Part 1B; and
(aa)
if the Ministers require an outgoing guarantee under section 41I, an outgoing guarantee that the Minister considers to be appropriate has been provided in accordance with that requirement; and
(b)
in the case of a Tier 1 permit for exploration or mining, the permit operator, after undergoing the change of control, has, or is highly likely to have by the time the relevant work in the permit is undertaken, the capability and systems that are likely to be required to meet the health and safety and environmental requirements of all specified Acts for the types of activities to be carried out under the permit.
(2)
Section 29A(3) and (4) applies for the purposes of subsection (1)(b), with all necessary modifications.
Section 41AE: inserted, on 19 February 2019, by section 8 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2019 (2019 No 2).
Section 41AE heading: amended, on 6 August 2025, by section 31(1) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 40).
Section 41AE(1): amended, on 6 August 2025, by section 31(2) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 40).
Section 41AE(1)(a): amended, on 6 August 2025, by section 31(3) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 40).
Section 41AE(1)(a)(ii): amended, on 2 December 2021, by section 12(1) of the Crown Minerals (Decommissioning and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 53).
Section 41AE(1)(a)(iii): amended, on 2 December 2021, by section 12(1) of the Crown Minerals (Decommissioning and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 53).
Section 41AE(1)(a)(iv): inserted, on 31 August 2023, by section 15 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2023 (2023 No 53).
Section 41AE(1)(aa): inserted, on 6 August 2025, by section 31(4) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 40).
Section 41AE(1)(b): amended, on 6 August 2025, by section 31(5) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 40).
Section 41AE(1)(b): amended, on 2 December 2021, by section 12(2) of the Crown Minerals (Decommissioning and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 53).
41AF Revocation of permit if change of control made without consent
(1)
This section applies if section 41AB(2) is contravened.
(2)
The Minister may serve on the permit holder written notice of his or her intention to revoke the permit. The notice must—
(a)
refer to this section; and
(b)
state, with reasons, that the Minister considers that section 41AB(2) has been contravened; and
(c)
give the holder 40 working days after the date on which the notice is served to—
(i)
show that section 41AB(2) has not been contravened; or
(ii)
provide reasons why the permit should not be revoked (including showing why the Minister should be satisfied of the matters set out in section 41AE and why the contravention should be excused).
(3)
A notice under subsection (4) may be served on or after the date that is 40 working days after the date on which the notice under subsection (2) is served.
(4)
After considering any thing provided under subsection (2)(c), the Minister may, by serving written notice on the permit holder, revoke the permit with effect on a date specified in the notice if the Minister is satisfied that—
(a)
section 41AB(2) has been contravened; and
(b)
the permit should be revoked.
(5)
The Minister may be satisfied under subsection (4)(b) even if the Minister becomes satisfied of the matters set out in section 41AE (for example, the Minister may be satisfied that the permit should be revoked because there is no good reason to excuse the contravention of section 41AB(2)).
(6)
Section 39(5) to (7) applies to a revocation under this section, with all necessary modifications.
Section 41AF: inserted, on 19 February 2019, by section 8 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2019 (2019 No 2).
41AG Notification of change of control: certain permit participants
(1)
In the case of a prospecting permit for petroleum or a permit for minerals other than petroleum, a permit participant must notify the Minister in accordance with subsection (3) if—
(a)
either of the following applies:
(i)
the permit participant of a Tier 1 permit who is not the permit operator is undergoing a change of control:
(ii)
the permit participant of a permit that is not a Tier 1 permit is undergoing a change of control; and
(b)
the permit participant is a body corporate; and
(c)
the permit participant knows, or ought reasonably to know, that it has undergone a change of control.
Guidance note
A contravention may constitute an offence under section 100(2B)(b).
(2)
However, this section does not apply to a change of control to which sections 41AB to 41AF apply.
(3)
The notification must be given within 3 months after the permit participant becomes aware, or ought reasonably to have become aware, of the matters referred to in subsection (1) and must be accompanied by—
(a)
a copy of any agreement or document that specifies the change of control; and
(b)
a statement from the permit participant that it has the financial capability to meet its obligations under the permit; and
(c)
in the case of a change of control of a permit participant that is a permit operator, a statement from the permit participant that it has the technical capability to meet its obligations under the permit.
(4)
A statement for the purposes of subsection (3)(b) or (c) must be signed,—
(a)
if the permit participant is a company, on behalf of all the directors by at least 2 directors of the company or, if the company has only 1 director, by that director; or
(b)
if the permit participant is not a company, by a person responsible for the management of the permit participant.
(5)
If the Minister so requires, a permit participant must provide to the Minister information or documents relevant to the financial capability of a person A concerned (as referred to in section 41AA(2)), which may be—
(a)
general information about that person’s financial capability; or
(b)
information specific to the matters referred to in subsection (3)(b) and (c).
(6)
In the case of a change of control of a permit participant who is a permit operator, and if the Minister so requires, a permit participant must provide to the Minister information or documents relevant to the technical capability of a person A concerned (as referred to in section 41AA(2)), which may be—
(a)
general information about that person’s technical capability; or
(b)
information specific to the matter referred to in subsection (3)(c).
(7)
However, the permit participant must comply with subsections (5) and (6) only if the Minister requests the information or documents no later than 3 months from the date on which the permit participant notifies the Minister of the change of control in accordance with this section.
(8)
The Minister may revoke the permit in accordance with the procedure set out in section 39 if—
(a)
subsection (1) is contravened; or
(b)
the Minister is not satisfied that, following the change of control, the permit holder has the financial capability to meet its obligations under the permit; or
(c)
in the case of a change of control of a permit participant that is a permit operator, the Minister is not satisfied that, following the change of control, the permit holder has the technical capability to meet its obligations under the permit.
Section 41AG: inserted, on 6 August 2025, by section 32 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 40).
41A Notification of change of control: guarantors
(1)
A permit participant must notify the Minister in accordance with subsection (2) if the permit participant knows, or ought reasonably to know, that a body corporate that has provided a guarantee for the permit participant’s obligations under the permit (other than a body corporate that has provided an outgoing guarantee for those obligations) has undergone a change of control.
Guidance note
A contravention may constitute an offence under section 100(2B)(b).
(2)
The notification must be given within 3 months after the permit participant becomes aware, or ought reasonably to have become aware, of the change of control referred to in subsection (1) and must be accompanied by—
(a)
a copy of any agreement or document that specifies the change of control; and
(b)
a statement from the permit participant that it has the financial capability to meet its obligations under the permit; and
(c)
a statement from the guarantor that it has the financial capability to meet its obligations under the guarantee.
(3)
A statement for the purposes of subsection (2)(b) or (c) must be signed,—
(a)
if the permit participant or guarantor is a company, on behalf of all the directors by at least 2 directors of the company or, if the company has only 1 director, by that director; or
(b)
if the permit participant or guarantor is not a company, by a person responsible for the management of the permit participant or guarantor.
(4)
If the Minister so requires, a permit participant must provide to the Minister information or documents relevant to the financial capability of a person A concerned (as referred to in section 41AA(2)), which may be—
(a)
general information about that person’s financial capability; or
(b)
information specific to the matters referred to in subsection (2)(b) and (c).
(5)
However, the permit participant must comply with subsection (4) only if the Minister requests the information or documents no later than 3 months from the date on which the permit participant notifies the Minister of the change of control in accordance with this section.
(6)
The Minister may revoke the permit in accordance with the procedure set out in section 39 if—
(a)
subsection (1) is contravened; or
(b)
the Minister is not satisfied that, following the change of control, the permit holder has the financial capability to meet its obligations under the permit.
Section 41A: replaced, on 6 August 2025, by section 32 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 40).
41B Dealings
(1)
A permit participant may enter into a dealing.
(2)
However, the dealing has no legal effect if the dealing relates to a Tier 1 permit and the Minister does not consent to the dealing.
(3)
An application for consent to a dealing must—
(a)
be made to the Minister; and
(b)
be made within 3 months after the date of the agreement that contains the dealing; and
(c)
be accompanied by a copy of the agreement that contains the dealing.
(4)
In this section, dealing means any agreement (other than a transfer of a participating interest, or a mortgage or other charge) that imposes on any permit participant any obligation that relates to the sale or the proceeds of production, if—
(a)
a reasonable person would consider that the agreement—
(i)
has not been entered into on an arm’s-length basis; or
(ii)
is not on arm’s-length terms; or
(iii)
is otherwise not on a fair market basis; or
(b)
the term of the agreement is for 12 months or longer.
Section 41B: inserted, on 24 May 2013, by section 33 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
41C Change of permit operator
(1)
A permit operator may be changed only with the prior consent of the Minister and no change of permit operator has any effect without that consent.
(2)
An application for consent must—
(a)
be made by the permit holder; and
(b)
be made jointly with the proposed new operator if that operator is not an existing permit participant.
(3)
The Minister may give consent to the change only—
(a)
if the Minister is satisfied that the permit holder, given the change in permit operator, is highly likely to—
(i)
comply with, and give proper effect to, the work programme for the permit; and
(ii)
comply with the relevant obligations under this Act or the regulations in respect of reporting and the payment of fees and royalties; and
(iii)
in the case of a permit as defined in section 89D, comply with the relevant obligations in subparts 2 and 3 of Part 1B; and
(aa)
if the change of operator relates to a Tier 1 permit for exploration or mining, if the Minister is satisfied that the proposed permit operator has, or is highly likely to have, by the time the relevant work in the permit is undertaken, the capability and systems that are likely to be required in relation to the types of activities to be carried out under the permit to meet the environmental requirements of the following Acts:
(b)
if the change of operator relates to a Tier 1 permit for exploration or mining, if the health and safety regulator—
(i)
is satisfied that any requirements of the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015, or regulations made under that Act, that the proposed operator must meet before carrying out day-to-day management of activities under the permit have been, or are highly likely to be, met; and
(ii)
has advised the chief executive that it is so satisfied.
Section 41C: inserted, on 24 May 2013, by section 33 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
Section 41C(3)(a): amended, on 2 December 2021, by section 13 of the Crown Minerals (Decommissioning and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 53).
Section 41C(3)(a)(iii): inserted, on 31 August 2023, by section 16 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2023 (2023 No 53).
Section 41C(3)(aa): inserted, on 6 August 2025, by section 33 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 40).
Section 41C(3)(b): replaced, on 4 April 2016, by section 232 of the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 (2015 No 70).
Section 41C(3)(b)(i): amended, on 2 December 2021, by section 13 of the Crown Minerals (Decommissioning and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 53).
41D General provisions relating to transfers, dealings, and changes of permit operator
(1)
The Minister may grant consent under section 41, 41AE, 41B, or 41C, subject to any conditions that the Minister thinks fit.
(2)
All conditions of the Minister’s consent are, for the purposes of this Act, deemed to be conditions of the permit concerned.
(3)
If, as a result of the transfer of a participating interest in a permit, a person ceases to have an interest in the permit, that person ceases to have any rights or obligations under the permit except in respect of any contravention of the conditions of the permit that occurred before the date of transfer of the participating interest.
(4)
Subsection (3) is subject to—
(a)
the conditions of the permit; and
(b)
the conditions of the Minister’s consent on the transfer of the participating interest; and
(c)
subpart 2 of Part 1B.
Section 41D: inserted, on 24 May 2013, by section 33 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
Section 41D(1): amended, on 19 February 2019, by section 10 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2019 (2019 No 2).
Section 41D(4)(c): inserted, on 2 December 2021, by section 14 of the Crown Minerals (Decommissioning and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 53).
Outgoing guarantees: permits and licences for petroleum
Heading: inserted, on 6 August 2025, by section 34 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 40).
41E Application of outgoing guarantee provisions: permits and licences for petroleum
Sections 41F to 41I apply to all of the following cases (relevant transactions):
(a)
a transfer of all or part of a participating interest in a permit for petroleum to which section 41 applies:
(b)
a change of control in respect of a permit for petroleum to which sections 41AB to 41AE apply:
(c)
the transfer of a licence or participating interest in a licence or a change of control in respect of a licence holder or the holder of a participating interest in a licence.
Section 41E: inserted, on 6 August 2025, by section 34 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 40).
41F Ministers must consider outgoing guarantee: permits and licences for petroleum
(1)
The Minister and the Minister of Finance acting jointly (the Ministers) must consider whether it is necessary or desirable to require 1 or more outgoing guarantees to be provided to the Crown by 1 or more of the following persons whom the Ministers consider to be appropriate to provide an outgoing guarantee:
(a)
an outgoing person:
(b)
a related body corporate of an outgoing person.
(2)
However, subsection (1) does not apply in relation to an outgoing person or a related body corporate of an outgoing person if there are none of the following in existence under the permit or licence in respect of which they are an outgoing person or related body corporate:
(a)
petroleum infrastructure:
(b)
1 or more wells:
(c)
relevant older petroleum infrastructure:
(d)
1 or more relevant older wells.
(3)
In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires, outgoing guarantee means a guarantee provided to the Crown—
(a)
under which a guarantor agrees to answer to the Crown for the unmet costs of any debt, default, or liability of the current permit holder or current licence holder in the event that the current permit holder or current licence holder defaults on its obligation to carry out and meet the costs of decommissioning under any of sections 89J, 89K, 89R, and 89S; and
(b)
that requires the guarantor to meet the total costs (or a lesser specified amount or proportion or an amount calculated in a specified manner) of decommissioning any petroleum infrastructure and wells, to the extent that—
(i)
the petroleum infrastructure and wells were, at the time of the relevant transaction, in place or used for the purposes of carrying out, or otherwise related to, activities authorised by the permit or licence (whenever granted), and all relevant older petroleum infrastructure and relevant older wells; and
(ii)
acceptable financial security arrangements (as defined in section 89D(1)) in place are insufficient to meet the costs of that decommissioning.
(4)
For the purposes of this section, related body corporate means, in relation to a body corporate (A) and another body corporate (B), that—
(a)
B is A’s holding company or subsidiary within the meaning of section 5 of the Companies Act 1993; or
(b)
more than half of A’s voting products (other than voting products that carry no right to participate beyond a specified amount in a distribution of either profits or capital) are held by B and bodies corporate that are related to B (whether directly or indirectly, but other than in a fiduciary capacity), or vice versa; or
(c)
more than half of the voting products (other than voting products that carry no right to participate beyond a specified amount in a distribution of either profits or capital) of each of A and B are held by members of the other (whether directly or indirectly, but other than in a fiduciary capacity), or vice versa; or
(d)
the businesses of A and B have been so carried on that the separate business of each body corporate, or a substantial part of that business, is not readily identifiable; or
(e)
there is another body corporate to which A and B are both related.
(5)
In this section, voting product has the same meaning as in section 6 of the Financial Markets Conduct Act 2013.
(6)
Any other terms that are used, but not defined, in this section or sections 41G and 41I, have the same meanings as in sections 41AA and 89D.
Section 41F: inserted, on 6 August 2025, by section 34 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 40).
41G Considerations for deciding on outgoing guarantee
When considering whether to require an outgoing guarantee, and the nature and extent of an outgoing guarantee, the Ministers may consider anything that the Ministers think relevant to the decision, including (for example) the following considerations:
(a)
the permit’s or licence’s proximity in time to the date of decommissioning:
(b)
the permit’s or licence’s current level of reserves and production forecast:
(c)
the estimated cost of decommissioning and the extent to which existing and proposed financial security arrangements will cover the cost of decommissioning:
(d)
the circumstances of the current, incoming, and outgoing interests in the permit or licence:
(e)
any information relating to current or emerging risks to the permit holder’s or licence holder’s ability to meet its decommissioning obligation under this Act (including risks to the financial security arrangement or the existence of any other outgoing guarantees provided to the Crown):
(f)
the circumstances of the outgoing person and the extent of its past interest and future interest (if any) in the permit or licence (for example, the length of time it has had an interest, how much of the permit its interest relates to, and the extent of its commercial gain from the permit or licence).
Section 41G: inserted, on 6 August 2025, by section 34 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 40).
41H Information for deciding on outgoing guarantee
(1)
The Ministers may give a notice to an incoming person or an outgoing person, or any related body corporate to an incoming person or an outgoing person, requiring the person to give the Ministers any information, to the extent that it relates to the matters in sections 41E to 41I, that the Ministers consider will assist them in determining whether to require a guarantee and by whom the guarantee should be provided.
(2)
The person so required must provide to the Ministers the information or documents specified in the notice, to the extent that it relates to the matters referred to in sections 41E to 41I.
(3)
The person so required must provide the information in the form and in the manner set out in the notice and within any reasonable time specified in the notice.
Section 41H: inserted, on 6 August 2025, by section 34 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 40).
41I Requirement to provide outgoing guarantee
(1)
The Ministers may require an outgoing guarantee by giving notice to an outgoing person.
(2)
The Ministers may specify in the notice the nature and extent of the outgoing guarantee (for example, who the guarantee must be provided by, or the amount or proportion payable under the guarantee).
Guidance note
A failure to provide an outgoing guarantee in accordance with a notice under section 41I(2) may result in the withholding of the Minister’s consent under section 41 or 41AE.
Section 41I: inserted, on 6 August 2025, by section 34 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 40).
Surveys
Heading: inserted, on 2 December 2021, by section 16 of the Crown Minerals (Decommissioning and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 53).
42 Minister may require survey at any time
It shall be a condition of every current mining permit that the Minister may at any time, require the holder of the permit to arrange for the survey, in the manner prescribed by regulations, of all or part of the land to which the permit relates.
42A Authorisation of geophysical surveys on adjacent land
(1)
The Minister may, subject to such conditions as the Minister thinks fit to impose, grant written authorisation to a permit holder to carry out geophysical surveys on land adjacent to the land to which the permit (permit A) relates.
(1A)
Subsection (1) does not apply if another permit or existing privilege (permit B) gives the holder of permit B the exclusive right to prospect for the same mineral in the adjacent land.
(2)
An authorisation granted under this section—
(a)
is subject to the provisions of this Act as if the authorisation were a permit of the same type as the permit held by the permit holder and referred to in subsection (1); but
(b)
does not authorise any activity other than the carrying out of geophysical surveys.
Section 42A: inserted, on 28 September 1993, by section 8 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 139).
Section 42A(1): replaced, on 6 August 2025, by section 35 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 40).
Section 42A(1A): inserted, on 6 August 2025, by section 35 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 40).
Section 42A(2): replaced, on 19 February 2019, by section 11 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2019 (2019 No 2).
Field development plans in respect of petroleum mining permits and licences
Heading: inserted, on 2 December 2021, by section 17 of the Crown Minerals (Decommissioning and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 53).
42B Field development plans to be submitted to chief executive
(1)
The holder of a petroleum mining permit granted under this Act or a petroleum mining licence granted under the Petroleum Act 1937 (A) must submit a field development plan to the chief executive—
(a)
at the prescribed times (if any); and
(b)
within a specified time of the occurrence of prescribed events (if any); and
(c)
on request from the Minister, within any reasonable time specified in the request.
(2)
The field development plan must—
(a)
detail the planned development of the field over its anticipated productive life; and
(b)
be accurate as at the date of submission to the chief executive; and
(c)
contain the prescribed information (if any); and
(d)
meet any further prescribed requirements.
Section 42B: inserted, on 2 December 2021, by section 17 of the Crown Minerals (Decommissioning and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 53).
Notice of expected cessation and notice of cessation of petroleum fields
Heading: inserted, on 2 December 2021, by section 17 of the Crown Minerals (Decommissioning and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 53).
42C Notice of expected cessation and notice of cessation
(1)
The holder of a petroleum mining permit granted under this Act or a petroleum mining licence granted under the Petroleum Act 1937 (A) must submit a notice of expected cessation to the chief executive—
(a)
at the prescribed times (if any); and
(b)
within a specified time of the occurrence of prescribed events (if any); and
(c)
on request from the Minister, within any reasonable time specified in the request.
(2)
The notice of expected cessation must—
(a)
specify when A currently expects the field to permanently cease production; and
(b)
contain the prescribed information (if any); and
(c)
meet any further prescribed requirements.
(3)
If the field permanently ceases production, A must give the chief executive notice of that cessation as soon as practicable and not later than 20 working days after cessation.
Section 42C: inserted, on 2 December 2021, by section 17 of the Crown Minerals (Decommissioning and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 53).
Work programmes in respect of subsequent permits
43 Work programmes to be approved by Minister
(1)
Where an application is made for a permit and the applicant has a right to receive the permit under section 32, the Minister must not grant the permit unless he or she has approved the work programme for the permit.
(2)
Where an application is made for a permit and the applicant has a right to receive that permit under section 32, the Minister, within 6 months after receiving the proposed work programme for the permit applied for, shall either—
(a)
approve the programme; or
(b)
withhold approval of the programme if the Minister considers that—
(i)
it is contrary to good industry practice; or
(ii)
to approve the programme would be acting contrary to section 22,—
and shall notify the applicant accordingly.
(3)
Where the Minister withholds approval of a proposed work programme under subsection (2), the applicant shall be entitled to submit a modified work programme to the Minister within a reasonable period, as specified by the Minister when withholding approval of the proposed work programme, and the Minister shall then, within a further 6 months, either—
(a)
approve the modified work programme; or
(b)
withhold approval of the modified work programme if the Minister considers that—
(i)
it is contrary to good industry practice; or
(ii)
to approve the programme would be acting contrary to section 22,—
and shall notify the applicant accordingly.
Section 43(1): replaced, on 24 May 2013, by section 35(1) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
Section 43(2)(b)(i): amended, on 24 May 2013, by section 35(2) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
Section 43(3)(b)(i): amended, on 24 May 2013, by section 35(2) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
44 Duty of Minister withholding approval of work programme
(1)
The Minister shall not withhold approval of any work programme or modified work programme under section 43 without first advising the applicant of the reasons for the Minister’s proposed withholding of approval and affording the applicant a reasonable opportunity to make representations to him or her regarding the work programme or modified work programme.
(2)
If the Minister withholds approval of a work programme or modified work programme under section 43, the applicant may refer the matter to arbitration under section 99.
(3)
If it is determined under section 99 that it would be contrary to good industry practice to carry out the work programme or modified work programme submitted by the applicant, or the Minister would be acting contrary to section 22 in approving the programme, the Minister shall give notice to the applicant of his or her intention to decline the application unless—
(a)
a modified work programme is submitted to the Minister within 3 months after the date of the notice or within such longer period as the Minister may, in his or her discretion, determine in the notice; and
(b)
the modified work programme is approved by the Minister.
(4)
Where it is determined under section 99 that it would not be contrary to good industry practice to carry out the work programme or modified work programme submitted by the applicant, or the Minister would not be acting contrary to section 22 in approving the programme, the Minister shall forthwith approve that programme.
Section 44(3): amended, on 24 May 2013, by section 36 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
Section 44(4): amended, on 24 May 2013, by section 36 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
45 Minister may direct that petroleum be refined and processed in New Zealand, etc
(1)
If, after consultation with the permit holder of a petroleum mining permit and having regard to the national interest, the Minister is satisfied that products are able to be manufactured in New Zealand by or on behalf of the permit holder from petroleum produced from land to which the permit relates, the Minister may direct that the permit holder refine or process (or cause to be refined or processed) in New Zealand so much of the petroleum as may be required for the manufacture of those products.
(2)
Where a direction is given under subsection (1), the Minister may give a further direction prohibiting the export from New Zealand of any petroleum directed to be refined or processed and of all or any of the products so manufactured from any such petroleum.
(3)
Where a permit holder is directed under subsection (1) to refine or process (or cause to be refined or processed) in New Zealand any petroleum and the permit holder does not have facilities for refining or processing such petroleum in New Zealand, the Minister, after consultation with all interested parties, may direct the owner of any refinery or processing plant capable of refining or processing the petroleum, to refine or process the petroleum on behalf of the permit holder on such conditions as may be agreed upon between the permit holder and the owner of the refinery or processing plant or, failing agreement, as may be determined by the Minister.
(4)
The owner of or any other person lawfully using a refinery or processing plant may at any time apply to the Minister for a variation in the conditions of any direction given under subsection (3) and the Minister may make such variations as may be agreed upon between the owner and all other persons lawfully using the refinery or processing plant or, failing agreement, as may be determined by the Minister.
(5)
Any person who wilfully fails to comply with any direction of the Minister under this section commits an offence against this Act and, if he or she is a permit holder, shall be deemed to have failed to comply with the conditions of his or her permit.
(6)
No person shall be precluded by any agreement from doing or refraining from doing such acts as may be necessary to comply with a direction given under this section; and every person who does or refrains from doing any such act shall not thereby suffer, under any agreement, any liability of any kind whatsoever.
(7)
In this section, the term agreement includes a contract, deed, and arrangement.
46 Unit development
(1)
If the Minister is satisfied that—
(a)
the land to which any 2 or more permits or existing privileges relate or any part thereof forms part of a single deposit of a mineral (in this section referred to as a mineral deposit); and
(b)
in order to secure the maximum ultimate recovery of the mineral, the mineral deposit should be worked as a unit in co-operation by all relevant permit or existing privilege holders whose permits or existing privileges comprise any part thereof—
the Minister may, on the request of 1 or more of the permit or existing privilege holders or of his or her own accord, by notice in writing require all the permit or existing privilege holders to co-operate in the preparation of a scheme (in this section referred to as a development scheme) for the working and development of the mineral deposit as a unit by the permit or existing privilege holders in co-operation and to submit the scheme jointly for the approval of the Minister.
(2)
The notice shall specify the land in respect of which, and the period within which, the Minister requires a development scheme to be submitted.
(3)
If the Minister withholds his or her approval of a development scheme under subsection (1), the Minister shall notify the permit or existing privilege holders that he or she has withheld approval and of the reasons for doing so, and shall invite the permit or existing privilege holders to submit a modified development scheme for the Minister’s approval within a reasonable period, as specified by the Minister in the notice given under this subsection.
(4)
If a development scheme or modified development scheme is not submitted to the Minister within the period specified in the relevant notice, or if a modified development scheme submitted under this section is not approved by the Minister, the Minister shall prepare a development scheme that in the opinion of the Minister is fair and equitable to all the permit or existing privilege holders, and the permit or existing privilege holders shall perform and observe the conditions of that scheme.
(5)
The Minister may recover from permit or existing privilege holders any costs incurred by him or her in approving or preparing a development scheme under this section, including the costs of any advice received from an independent expert, and may apportion those costs between the holders as he or she thinks fit.
(6)
Subsection (7) applies if a development scheme is required under subsection (1) for a petroleum mineral deposit.
(7)
The Minister may, by notice in writing, require 1 or more permit holders or existing privilege holders to suspend or reduce production from any well specified in the notice during the preparation of the development scheme if—
(a)
the Minister is satisfied that the suspension or reduction is necessary to secure the maximum ultimate recovery of the petroleum mineral deposit; and
(b)
before issuing the notice, he or she has consulted all relevant permit or existing privilege holders.
(8)
In subsection (7), permit holder or existing privilege holder means a permit holder or existing privilege holder whose permit or existing privilege comprises any part of the land to which the petroleum mineral deposit relates.
Section 46(1): substituted, on 28 September 1993, by section 9(1) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 139).
Section 46(1): amended, on 21 August 2003, by section 9(1)(d) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2003 (2003 No 45).
Section 46(1): amended, on 21 August 2003, by section 9(1)(e) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2003 (2003 No 45).
Section 46(1): amended, on 21 August 2003, by section 9(1)(f) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2003 (2003 No 45).
Section 46(1)(a): amended, on 21 August 2003, by section 9(1)(a) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2003 (2003 No 45).
Section 46(1)(b): amended, on 24 May 2013, by section 37(1) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
Section 46(1)(b): amended, on 21 August 2003, by section 9(1)(b) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2003 (2003 No 45).
Section 46(1)(b): amended, on 21 August 2003, by section 9(1)(c) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2003 (2003 No 45).
Section 46(3): amended, on 21 August 2003, by section 9(2) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2003 (2003 No 45).
Section 46(4): amended, on 24 May 2013, by section 64 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
Section 46(4): amended, on 21 August 2003, by section 9(3) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2003 (2003 No 45).
Section 46(5): replaced, on 24 May 2013, by section 37(2) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
Section 46(6): inserted, on 24 May 2013, by section 37(2) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
Section 46(7): inserted, on 24 May 2013, by section 37(2) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
Section 46(8): inserted, on 24 May 2013, by section 37(2) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
Access to land
47 Permit does not give right of access to land
Subject to section 49, the granting of a permit under this Part does not confer on the permit holder a right of access to any land.
48 Cancellation of any Crown right of entry that is reserved by statute
No right reserved to the Crown, by virtue of any enactment, to enter any land for any purpose in connection with prospecting or exploring for, or mining, any mineral, shall have any effect.
Access to land for minimum impact activity
49 Entry on land for minimum impact activity
(1)
Notwithstanding section 8, but subject to sections 49A, 50, 51, and 62, any person employed by the Crown and authorised either specially or generally for that purpose, and any person authorised specifically in writing by the Minister for that purpose, may during the daytime enter on any land, with such assistance as he or she thinks fit, and carry out minimum impact activity.
(2)
Subject to sections 8, 49A, 50, 51, and 62, a permit holder (and employees, agents, and contractors of a permit holder authorised for that purpose) may enter land to which the permit relates and carry out minimum impact activity.
(3)
Notwithstanding subsections (1) and (2), no person may enter on land under either of those subsections without the written consent of each owner and occupier, and any customary marine title group unless at least 10 working days’ notice has been given to each person or group whose consent is required of—
(a)
the date of intended entry; and
(b)
the type and duration of work to be carried out; and
(c)
a telephone number in New Zealand of the person who intends to enter the land.
(4)
Every person who enters land under this section shall, if required by any owner or occupier or customary marine title group to do so, produce a copy of the authorisation or permit which gives the right of entry under this section.
(5)
A person who enters land under this section shall not carry out any activity other than a minimum impact activity.
Section 49(1): amended, on 13 November 2025, by section 169(4) of the Ngāti Pāoa Claims Settlement Act 2025 (2025 No 61).
Section 49(2): amended, on 13 November 2025, by section 169(5) of the Ngāti Pāoa Claims Settlement Act 2025 (2025 No 61).
Section 49(3): amended, on 1 April 2011, by section 128 of the Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Act 2011 (2011 No 3).
Section 49(4): amended, on 1 April 2011, by section 128 of the Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Act 2011 (2011 No 3).
49A Entry on to Schedule 6 land for minimum impact activity
(1)
This section applies to the land described in Schedule 6 (Schedule 6 land).
(2)
If a permit holder or any person authorised under section 49 seeks to enter any Schedule 6 land for the purpose of carrying out a minimum impact activity, before entry is made the permit holder or person must—
(a)
comply with section 49; and
(b)
ensure that reasonable efforts have been made to consult the person or body in whom, or to which, the minerals are vested or transferred by or under an Act referred to in subsection (3), as long as the Schedule 6 land concerned continues to be owned by the person or body.
(3)
The Acts are—
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
Section 49A: inserted, on 13 November 2025, by section 169(6) of the Ngāti Pāoa Claims Settlement Act 2025 (2025 No 61).
Section 49A(3): replaced, on 19 May 2026, by section 134(4) of the Ngāti Rāhiri Tumutumu Claims Settlement Act 2026 (2026 No 18).
Section 49A(3)(c): inserted, on 19 May 2026, by section 104(4) of the Ngāti Tara Tokanui Claims Settlement Act 2026 (2026 No 19).
Section 49A(3)(d): inserted, on 19 May 2026, by section 162(4) of the Ngāti Hei Claims Settlement Act 2026 (2026 No 20).
50 Entry on special classes of land for minimum impact activity
(1)
No person may, without the consent of the owner or occupier of the land, enter land of a class to which any of paragraphs (a) to (g) of section 55(2) relate for the purpose of carrying out a minimum impact activity.
(2)
This section does not apply in the case of entry onto land that is in the common marine and coastal area.
Section 50(2): added, on 1 April 2011, by section 128 of the Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Act 2011 (2011 No 3).
50A Restricted access to Taranaki conservation land
[Repealed]Section 50A: repealed, on 6 August 2025, by section 36 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 40).
51 Entry on Maori land for minimum impact activity
(1)
Where a permit holder or any person authorised under section 49, as the case may be, seeks to enter any Maori land for the purpose of carrying out any minimum impact activity, the permit holder or that person, shall, in addition to complying with section 49 and before any such entry is made—
(a)
ensure that reasonable efforts have been made to consult with those owners of the land able to be identified by the Registrar of the Maori Land Court; and
(b)
give not less than 10 working days’ notice to the local iwi authority of the land to be entered and the matters referred to in section 49(3).
(2)
No person may, without the consent of the owners of the land, enter Maori land for the purpose of carrying out a minimum impact activity where the land is regarded as waahi tapu by the tangata whenua.
(3)
No person may, without the consent of the land holding trustee (as defined in section 7 of the Waikato Raupatu Claims Settlement Act 1995), enter on any land that is both—
(a)
registered in the name of Pootatau Te Wherowhero under section 19 of that Act; and
(b)
regarded as waahi tapu by the land holding trustee within the meaning of that Act—
for the purpose of carrying out a minimum impact activity.
(4)
Subsection (1)(b) shall apply in relation to land registered in the name of Pootatau Te Wherowhero under section 19 of the Waikato Raupatu Claims Settlement Act 1995 as if that land were Maori land and as if the land holding trustee were the local iwi authority of that land.
(5)
No person may, for the purpose of carrying out a minimum impact activity, enter on any land without the consent of the Ngāti Awa governance entity (as defined in section 12 of the Ngāti Awa Claims Settlement Act 2005), if the land is—
(a)
registered in the name of Awanuiārangi II as protected land under section 157 of that Act; and
(b)
regarded as wāhi tapu by the Ngāti Awa governance entity.
(6)
Subsection (1)(b) applies in relation to land registered in the name of Awanuiārangi II as protected land under section 157 of the Ngāti Awa Claims Settlement Act 2005 as if—
(a)
the land were Maori land; and
(b)
the Ngāti Awa governance entity were the local iwi authority of the land.
(7)
No person may, for the purpose of carrying out a minimum impact activity, enter on any land without the consent of the trustees of Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Whare and the trustees of Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Manawa (as those terms are defined in section 10 of the Ngāti Whare Claims Settlement Act 2012 and section 10 of the Ngāti Manawa Claims Settlement Act 2012), if the land is registered in the names of Wharepakau and Tangiharuru as tenants in common.
(8)
Subsection (1)(b) applies in relation to land registered in the names of Wharepakau and Tangiharuru as tenants in common under section 104 of the Ngāti Whare Claims Settlement Act 2012 and section 88 of the Ngāti Manawa Claims Settlement Act 2012 as if that land were Māori land and as if the trustees of Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Whare and the trustees of Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Manawa (as those terms are defined in section 10 of the Ngāti Whare Claims Settlement Act 2012 and section 10 of the Ngāti Manawa Claims Settlement Act 2012) were jointly the local iwi authority of that land.
(9)
No person may, for the purpose of carrying out a minimum impact activity enter on any land without the consent of the trustees of Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Whare (as defined in section 10 of the Ngāti Whare Claims Settlement Act 2012), if the land is—
(a)
registered in the name of Wharepakau as protected land under section 104 of that Act; and
(b)
regarded as wāhi tapu by the trustees.
(10)
Subsection (1)(b) applies in relation to land registered in the name of Wharepakau as protected land under section 104 of the Ngāti Whare Claims Settlement Act 2012 as if that land were Māori land and as if the trustees were the local iwi authority of that land.
Section 51(3): added, on 15 November 1995, by section 35 of the Waikato Raupatu Claims Settlement Act 1995 (1995 No 58).
Section 51(4): added, on 15 November 1995, by section 35 of the Waikato Raupatu Claims Settlement Act 1995 (1995 No 58).
Section 51(5): added, on 25 March 2005, by section 160 of the Ngāti Awa Claims Settlement Act 2005 (2005 No 28).
Section 51(6): added, on 25 March 2005, by section 160 of the Ngāti Awa Claims Settlement Act 2005 (2005 No 28).
Section 51(7): inserted, on 6 April 2012, by section 90(5) of the Ngāti Whare Claims Settlement Act 2012 (2012 No 28).
Section 51(8): inserted, on 6 April 2012, by section 90(5) of the Ngāti Whare Claims Settlement Act 2012 (2012 No 28).
Section 51(9): inserted, on 6 April 2012, by section 105(6) of the Ngāti Whare Claims Settlement Act 2012 (2012 No 28).
Section 51(10): inserted, on 6 April 2012, by section 105(6) of the Ngāti Whare Claims Settlement Act 2012 (2012 No 28).
52 Permit holder may obtain order
Where a permit holder or other person authorised to enter on land under section 49 has complied with the requirements of that section and, in the exercise of his or her rights under that section, is obstructed, hindered, or interfered with by an owner or occupier of the land, or any other person, the permit holder or person so authorised may apply to the District Court for an order directing that he or she or any other person having rights under section 49 be permitted to exercise those rights.
Section 52: amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).
Access to land other than for minimum impact activity
53 Access to land for petroleum
(1)
This section shall not apply to minimum impact activities.
(2)
The holder of a permit in respect of petroleum shall not prospect, explore, or mine on or in land to which his or her permit relates otherwise than in accordance with an access arrangement—
(a)
agreed in writing between the permit holder and each owner and occupier of the land; or
(b)
determined by an arbitrator in accordance with this Act.
(3)
Subsection (2) does not apply if the permit relates to—
(a)
land in the continental shelf; or
(b)
land in the common marine and coastal area.
Section 53(3): replaced, on 24 May 2013, by section 38 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
Section 53(3)(b): replaced, on 19 February 2019, by section 12 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2019 (2019 No 2).
54 Access to land for minerals other than petroleum
(1)
This section shall not apply to minimum impact activities.
(2)
The holder of a permit in respect of a mineral (other than petroleum) shall not prospect, explore, or mine on or in land to which his or her permit relates otherwise than in accordance with an access arrangement—
(a)
agreed in writing between the permit holder and each owner and occupier of the land; or
(b)
determined by an arbitrator in accordance with this Act.
(3)
Subsection (2) does not apply if the permit relates to—
(a)
land in the continental shelf; or
(b)
land in the common marine and coastal area.
Section 54(2): amended, on 19 February 2019, by section 13(1) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2019 (2019 No 2).
Section 54(2)(a): substituted, on 28 September 1993, by section 10 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 139).
Section 54(2)(b): substituted, on 28 September 1993, by section 10 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 139).
Section 54(3): replaced, on 24 May 2013, by section 39 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
Section 54(3)(b): replaced, on 19 February 2019, by section 13(2) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2019 (2019 No 2).
54A Access to Schedule 4 land in common marine and coastal area
Despite sections 53 and 54, if a permit relates to land in the common marine and coastal area that is described in Schedule 4, the permit holder may exercise the permit only—
(a)
in respect of land that is not subject to a customary marine title order or agreement; and
(b)
in accordance with an access arrangement agreed in writing—
(i)
between the permit holder, the Minister, and the appropriate Minister in relation to an activity set out in section 61(1A)(a) to (e) (if the permit is in respect of petroleum):
(ii)
between the permit holder and the appropriate Minister in relation to an activity set out in section 61(1A)(a) to (e) (if the permit is in respect of a mineral other than petroleum).
Section 54A: inserted, on 19 February 2019, by section 14 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2019 (2019 No 2).
55 Restrictions on determination of access arrangements by arbitrators
(1)
Subject to section 66, or to any agreement between each owner and occupier of the land and the person desiring access, an arbitrator shall not be entitled to determine an access arrangement in respect of prospecting or exploration for, or mining of, a mineral other than petroleum.
(2)
Unless otherwise agreed between each owner and occupier of the land and the person desiring access, an arbitrator shall not be entitled to determine an access arrangement to enable prospecting or exploration for, or mining of, petroleum in respect of the following classes of land:
(a)
any land held or managed under the Conservation Act 1987 or any other Act specified in Schedule 1 of the Conservation Act 1987:
(b)
land subject to an open space covenant in terms of the Queen Elizabeth the Second National Trust Act 1977:
(c)
land subject to a covenant in terms of the Conservation Act 1987 or the Reserves Act 1977:
(d)
land for the time being under crop:
(e)
land used as or situated within 30 metres of a yard, stockyard, garden, orchard, vineyard, plant nursery, farm plantation, shelterbelt, airstrip, or indigenous forest:
(f)
land which is the site of or situated within 30 metres of any building, cemetery, burial ground, waterworks, race, or dam:
(g)
land having an area of 4.05 hectares or less.
(3)
Land within the common marine and coastal area is deemed, for the purpose of subsection (2), not to be within any of the classes of land described in that subsection.
Section 55(1): amended, on 24 May 2013, by section 64 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
Section 55(1): amended, on 28 September 1993, by section 11(a) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 139).
Section 55(2): amended, on 24 May 2013, by section 64 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
Section 55(2): amended, on 28 September 1993, by section 11(b) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 139).
Section 55(3): added, on 1 April 2011, by section 128 of the Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Act 2011 (2011 No 3).
56 Provisions relating to access arrangements
Where an owner or occupier has entered into an access arrangement, the arrangement shall be binding on the owner or occupier and, subject to the requirements of section 83 having been met, on all successors in title to the owner and occupier.
57 Meaning of entry on land
For the purposes of sections 53 to 54A, prospecting, exploration, or mining carried out below the surface of any land shall not constitute prospecting, exploration, or mining on or in land if it—
(a)
will not or is not likely to cause any damage to the surface of the land or any loss or damage to the owner or occupier of the land; or
(b)
will not or is not likely to have any prejudicial effect in respect of the use and enjoyment of the land by the owner or occupier of the land; or
(c)
will not or is not likely to have any prejudicial effect in respect of any possible future use of the surface of the land.
Section 57: amended, on 19 February 2019, by section 15 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2019 (2019 No 2).
58 Disputes as to classification of land and activities
(1)
If any dispute arises as to whether or not—
(a)
any land is included in a class of land referred to in section 55; or
(b)
any activity is a minimum impact activity; or
(c)
prospecting, exploration, or mining carried out below the surface of any land constitutes prospecting, exploration, or mining on or in land for the purposes of any of sections 53 to 54A—
a party to the dispute may apply to the District Court for that court to determine the matter.
(2)
At least 10 days’ notice in writing of any such application shall be given by the applicant to every other party to the dispute.
(3)
On the receipt of any such application, the Registrar of the District Court shall give notice of the time and place fixed for the hearing of the application to the applicant and every other party to the dispute.
(4)
The applicant and every other party to the dispute shall be entitled to be present and to be heard at the hearing of the application.
Section 58(1): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).
Section 58(1)(c): amended, on 19 February 2019, by section 16 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2019 (2019 No 2).
59 Notice of request for grant of right of access
(1)
Every person wishing to obtain an access arrangement in order to prospect, explore, or mine on or in land shall serve on each owner and occupier of the relevant land a notice in writing of that person’s intention to obtain an access arrangement.
(2)
Every notice under subsection (1) shall, in addition to matters required by regulations, specify—
(a)
the land affected; and
(b)
the purpose for which the right of access is required; and
(c)
the proposed programme of work including the type and duration of work to be carried out and the likely adverse effect on the land or the owner or occupier of the land; and
(d)
the compensation and safeguards against any likely adverse effects proposed; and
(e)
the type of permit held or applied for by the person giving the notice; and
(f)
if the notice relates to access to Crown land or land in the common marine and coastal area, the direct net economic and other benefits of the proposed activity in relation to which the access arrangement is sought.
(3)
Where an access arrangement is obtained by way of agreement, and the requirements of this section were not complied with in a material way, then such agreement shall be of no force or effect unless the non-compliance is waived in writing by the owner or occupier affected.
Section 59(2)(e): amended, on 24 May 2013, by section 40(1) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
Section 59(2)(f): inserted, on 24 May 2013, by section 40(2) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
60 Grant of right of access by access arrangement
(1)
An access arrangement in relation to land may make provision for or with respect to the following matters:
(a)
the periods during which the permit holder is to be permitted access to the land:
(b)
the parts of the land on or in which the permit holder may explore, prospect, or mine and the means by which the permit holder may gain access to those parts of the land:
(c)
the kinds of prospecting, exploration, or mining operations that may be carried out on or in the land:
(d)
the conditions to be observed by the permit holder in prospecting, exploring, or mining on or in the land:
(e)
the things which the permit holder needs to do in order to protect the environment while having access to the land and prospecting, exploring, or mining on or in the land:
(f)
the compensation to be paid to any owner or occupier of the land as a consequence of the permit holder prospecting, exploring, or mining on or in the land:
(g)
the manner of resolving any dispute arising in connection with the arrangement:
(h)
the manner of varying the arrangement:
(i)
such other matters as the parties to the arrangement may agree to include in the arrangement.
(2)
In considering whether to agree to an access arrangement, an owner or occupier of land (other than Crown land) may have regard to such matters as he or she considers relevant.
61 Access arrangements in respect of Crown land and land in common marine and coastal area
(1)
The appropriate Minister may, by agreement with the permit holder concerned, enter into the following arrangements in respect of Crown land or, subject to section 54A, the common marine and coastal area:
(a)
an initial access arrangement in relation to a Tier 2 permit or a Tier 3 permit:
(b)
a variation to an existing access arrangement in relation to a Tier 2 permit or a Tier 3 permit:
(c)
a variation to an existing access arrangement in relation to a Tier 1 permit, except if the variation is to allow access for the purpose of significant exploration or mining activities.
(1AA)
The Minister and the appropriate Minister may, by agreement with the permit holder concerned, enter into the following arrangements in respect of Crown land or, subject to section 54A, the common marine and coastal area:
(a)
an initial access arrangement in relation to a Tier 1 permit:
(b)
a variation to an existing access arrangement in relation to a Tier 1 permit if the variation is to allow access for the purpose of significant exploration or mining activities.
(1AAB)
The appropriate Minister must determine whether or not activities are significant exploration or mining activities for the purposes of this section and, in doing so, must have regard to—
(a)
the effects the activities are likely to have on conservation values for the land concerned; and
(b)
the effects the activities are likely to have on other activities on the land; and
(c)
the activities’ net impact on the land, either while the activities are taking place or after their completion; and
(d)
any other matters that the appropriate Minister considers relevant to achieving the purpose of this Act.
(1A)
The appropriate Minister (in the case of subsection (1)) or the Minister and the appropriate Minister (in the case of subsection (1AA)) must not accept any application for an access arrangement, or variation to an access arrangement, or enter into any access arrangement, or variation to an access arrangement, relating to any Crown owned mineral in any Crown owned land or internal waters or land of the common marine and coastal area described in Schedule 4, except in relation to any activities as follows:
(a)
that are necessary for the construction, use, maintenance, or rehabilitation, of an emergency exit or service shaft for an underground mining operation, where these cannot safely be located elsewhere, provided that it does not result in—
(i)
any complete stripping of vegetation over an area exceeding 100 square metres; or
(ii)
any permanent adverse impact on the profile or surface of the land which is not a necessary part of any such activity:
(b)
that do not result in—
(i)
any complete stripping of vegetation over an area exceeding 16 square metres; or
(ii)
any permanent adverse impact on the profile or surface of the land that is not a necessary part of any activity specified in paragraph (a):
(c)
a minimum impact activity:
(d)
gold fossicking carried out in an area designated as a gold fossicking area under section 98 or 98A:
(e)
any special purpose mining activity carried out in accordance with a mining permit.
(2)
In considering whether to agree to an access arrangement, or variation to an access arrangement, in respect of Crown land, the appropriate Minister (in the case of subsection (1)) or the Minister and the appropriate Minister (in the case of subsection (1AA)) shall have regard to—
(a)
the objectives of any Act under which the land is administered; and
(b)
any purpose for which the land is held by the Crown; and
(c)
any policy statement or management plan of the Crown in relation to the land; and
(d)
the safeguards against any potential adverse effects of carrying out the proposed programme of work; and
(da)
the direct net economic and other benefits of the proposed activity in relation to which the access arrangement is sought; and
(db)
if section 61C(3) applies, the recommendation of the Director-General of Conservation and summary referred to in that subsection; and
(e)
any other matters that that Minister or those Ministers consider relevant.
(3)
Where a permit holder has secured the right, under the Resource Management Act 1991, to exclusive occupation of Crown land in the coastal marine area (as defined in section 2(1) of that Act), it shall not be necessary for the permit holder to enter into an access arrangement in respect of that land.
(4)
Subject to subsections (6) to (9), the Governor-General may from time to time, by Order in Council made on the recommendation of the Minister and the Minister of Conservation, amend Schedule 4.
(5)
Before making any recommendation for the purposes of subsection (4), the Minister and the Minister of Conservation must consult to the extent that is reasonably practicable, having regard to all the circumstances of the particular case, those persons the Ministers have reason to believe are representative of interests likely to be substantially affected by the Order in Council or representative of some aspect of the public interest.
(6)
No Order in Council may be made under subsection (4) in respect of any land held under the Conservation Act 1987 for conservation purposes that is declared an ecological area under section 18(1) of the Conservation Act 1987 unless the Minister and the Minister of Conservation make a recommendation to the Governor-General after making an assessment of—
(a)
the particular scientific value for which the land is held; and
(b)
the value of any Crown owned minerals in the land.
(7)
Notwithstanding subsection (6), no Order in Council may be made under subsection (4) in respect of any ecological area to the extent that the ecological area includes land subject to Schedule 4 of the Conservation Act 1987.
(8)
No Order in Council may be made under subsection (4) in respect of—
(a)
Red Mercury Island (Whakau); or
(b)
Green Island; or
(c)
Atiu or Middle Island; or
(d)
Korapuki Island,—
all situated in the Mercury Islands.
(9)
No Order in Council may be made under subsection (4) that results in land within a category of land described in clauses 1 to 8 of Schedule 4 of this Act being excluded from that schedule.
(10)
To avoid doubt, subsection (9) does not limit or affect—
(a)
any provision of any other enactment that has the effect of excluding land from clauses 1 to 8 of Schedule 4; or
(b)
any action taken under a provision of any other enactment that has the effect of excluding land from clauses 1 to 8 of Schedule 4.
(11)
An order under subsection (4) is secondary legislation (see Part 3 of the Legislation Act 2019 for publication requirements).
| Legislation Act 2019 requirements for secondary legislation made under this section | ||||
| Publication | PCO must publish it on the legislation website and notify it in the Gazette | LA19 s 69(1)(c) | ||
| Presentation | The Minister must present it to the House of Representatives | LA19 s 114, Sch 1 cl 32(1)(a) | ||
| Disallowance | It may be disallowed by the House of Representatives | LA19 ss 115, 116 | ||
| This note is not part of the Act. | ||||
Section 61 heading: amended, on 1 April 2011, by section 128 of the Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Act 2011 (2011 No 3).
Section 61(1): replaced, on 24 May 2013, by section 41(1) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
Section 61(1): amended, on 19 February 2019, by section 17(1) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2019 (2019 No 2).
Section 61(1)(a): amended, on 25 September 2025, by section 37 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 40).
Section 61(1)(b): amended, on 25 September 2025, by section 37 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 40).
Section 61(1AA): inserted, on 24 May 2013, by section 41(1) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
Section 61(1AA): amended, on 19 February 2019, by section 17(1) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2019 (2019 No 2).
Section 61(1AAB): inserted, on 24 May 2013, by section 41(1) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
Section 61(1A): inserted, on 26 November 1997, by section 2(1) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act (No 2) 1997 (1997 No 91).
Section 61(1A): amended, on 19 February 2019, by section 17(2) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2019 (2019 No 2).
Section 61(1A): amended, on 24 May 2013, by section 41(3) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
Section 61(1A): amended, on 24 May 2013, by section 41(4) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
Section 61(1A): amended, on 1 April 2011, by section 128 of the Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Act 2011 (2011 No 3).
Section 61(1A)(d): amended, on 24 May 2013, by section 41(5) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
Section 61(1A)(e): replaced, on 24 May 2013, by section 41(6) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
Section 61(2): amended, on 19 February 2019, by section 17(3) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2019 (2019 No 2).
Section 61(2): amended, on 24 May 2013, by section 41(7) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
Section 61(2)(da): inserted, on 24 May 2013, by section 41(9) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
Section 61(2)(db): inserted, on 24 May 2013, by section 41(9) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
Section 61(2)(e): replaced, on 19 February 2019, by section 17(4) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2019 (2019 No 2).
Section 61(3): added, on 28 September 1993, by section 12 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 139).
Section 61(3): amended, on 23 December 2023, by section 6 of the Resource Management (Natural and Built Environment and Spatial Planning Repeal and Interim Fast-track Consenting) Act 2023 (2023 No 68).
Section 61(4): added, on 26 November 1997, by section 2(2) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act (No 2) 1997 (1997 No 91).
Section 61(4): amended, on 24 May 2013, by section 41(11) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
Section 61(5): added, on 26 November 1997, by section 2(2) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act (No 2) 1997 (1997 No 91).
Section 61(6): added, on 26 November 1997, by section 2(2) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act (No 2) 1997 (1997 No 91).
Section 61(6)(b): amended, on 24 May 2013, by section 41(12) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
Section 61(7): added, on 26 November 1997, by section 2(2) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act (No 2) 1997 (1997 No 91).
Section 61(7): amended, on 21 October 2000, by section 22 of the Forests (West Coast Accord) Act 2000 (2000 No 45).
Section 61(8): added, on 26 November 1997, by section 2(2) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act (No 2) 1997 (1997 No 91).
Section 61(9): inserted, on 24 May 2013, by section 41(13) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
Section 61(10): inserted, on 24 May 2013, by section 41(13) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
Section 61(11): inserted, on 28 October 2021, by section 3 of the Secondary Legislation Act 2021 (2021 No 7).
61A Access to Crown land where mineral not property of the Crown
(1)
A person must not prospect, explore, or mine in any Crown land in respect of any mineral that is not the property of the Crown otherwise than in accordance with an access arrangement entered into under section 61B.
(2)
Nothing in sections 54 to 59, 61, 62 to 75, 78 to 82, and 89 applies in respect of any such access arrangement.
(3)
For the purposes of section 61B, in sections 60, 76, and 83 to 88,—
(a)
the term permit includes any form of authorisation by the owner of the mineral to prospect, explore, or mine any mineral that is not the property of the Crown:
(b)
the term permit holder includes the holder of an authorisation under paragraph (a).
Section 61A: inserted, on 29 October 1997, by section 3 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 1997 (1997 No 82).
61B Access arrangements in respect of Crown land where mineral not property of the Crown
(1)
The appropriate Minister may, by agreement, enter into an access arrangement in respect of Crown land for the purpose of granting access to any mineral that is not the property of the Crown.
(2)
In considering whether to agree to an access arrangement in respect of Crown land for that purpose, the appropriate Minister must have regard to—
(a)
the objectives of any Act under which the land is administered; and
(b)
any purpose for which the land is held by the Crown; and
(c)
any policy statement or management plan of the Crown in relation to the land; and
(d)
the safeguards against any potential adverse effects of carrying out the proposed programme of work in relation to the mineral; and
(e)
the interests of the owner of the mineral, or of any person to whom the owner of the mineral has granted any rights in relation to the mineral, in obtaining access to that mineral; and
(f)
such other matters as the appropriate Minister considers relevant.
(3)
Where the owner of the mineral or any person to whom the owner of the mineral has granted any rights in relation to the mineral, as the case may be, has secured the right, under the Resource Management Act 1991, to exclusive occupation of Crown land in the coastal marine area (as defined in section 2(1) of that Act), it is not necessary for the owner of the mineral or that person to enter into an access arrangement in respect of that land.
Section 61B: inserted, on 29 October 1997, by section 3 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 1997 (1997 No 82).
Section 61B(3): amended, on 23 December 2023, by section 6 of the Resource Management (Natural and Built Environment and Spatial Planning Repeal and Interim Fast-track Consenting) Act 2023 (2023 No 68).
61C Public notification of certain access arrangements
(1)
This section applies if an application under section 61 is made for an access arrangement in respect of Crown land for which the Minister of Conservation is the appropriate Minister and the purpose of access is to allow mining activities.
(2)
The Minister of Conservation must determine whether or not the proposed activities are significant mining activities and, in doing so, must have regard to—
(a)
the effects the activities are likely to have on conservation values for the land concerned; and
(b)
the effects the activities are likely to have on other activities on the land; and
(c)
the activities’ net impact on the land, either while the activities are taking place or after their completion; and
(d)
any other matters that the Minister considers relevant to achieving the purpose of this Act.
(3)
If the Minister of Conservation determines the proposed mining activities to be significant mining activities,—
(a)
he or she must ensure that the application is publicly notified in accordance with section 49 of the Conservation Act 1987 as if the application were an application for a concession that is required to be publicly notified under that Act; and
(b)
section 49 of that Act applies with the necessary modifications; and
(c)
the Director-General of Conservation must perform the duties required by that section as if the application were a proposal, including sending a recommendation and summary of objections and comments received to the Minister of Conservation and, if the application relates to a matter to which section 61(1AA) applies, to the Minister.
(4)
The public notification of an application in accordance with subsection (3) may (without limitation) be conducted in conjunction with the public notification of any related concession application under the Conservation Act 1987.
Section 61C: inserted, on 24 May 2013, by section 42 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
Section 61C(3)(a): amended, on 18 October 2017, by section 206(2) of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
62 Prohibition of access in respect of Crown land
(1)
The Governor-General may, by Order in Council made on the recommendation of the Minister and the Minister administering the land concerned, prohibit access in respect of any Crown land.
(2)
No minimum impact activities shall be carried out on land subject to an Order in Council under subsection (1).
(3)
No access arrangement shall be made in respect of any land subject to an Order in Council under subsection (1).
(4)
An Order in Council made under subsection (1) shall not affect—
(a)
any access arrangement entered into before the date of the Order in Council or any rights granted under such an arrangement; or
(b)
the rights of the holder of an existing privilege under Schedule 1.
(5)
An order under this section is secondary legislation (see Part 3 of the Legislation Act 2019 for publication requirements).
| Legislation Act 2019 requirements for secondary legislation made under this section | ||||
| Publication | PCO must publish it on the legislation website and notify it in the Gazette | LA19 s 69(1)(c) | ||
| Presentation | The Minister must present it to the House of Representatives | LA19 s 114, Sch 1 cl 32(1)(a) | ||
| Disallowance | It may be disallowed by the House of Representatives | LA19 ss 115, 116 | ||
| This note is not part of the Act. | ||||
Section 62(4)(b): amended, on 24 May 2013, by section 64 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
Section 62(5): inserted, on 28 October 2021, by section 3 of the Secondary Legislation Act 2021 (2021 No 7).
63 Request for appointment of arbitrator
(1)
If, by the end of 60 days (or, in the case of access required for a geophysical survey, 30 days) after a person serves notice in writing under section 59 on each owner and occupier of land to which the person desires access, that person has been unable to agree on an access arrangement with each owner and occupier, that person may, by further notice in writing served on each owner and occupier, request them to agree to the appointment of an arbitrator.
(2)
The person desiring access, and each owner and occupier of the land concerned, may agree to the appointment of any person as arbitrator.
64 Appointment of arbitrator in default of agreement
(1)
If, by the end of 30 days after a person desiring access serves notice in accordance with section 63, that person and each owner and occupier of the land concerned have been unable to agree on the appointment of an arbitrator, then any one of them may apply to the chief executive for the appointment of an arbitrator.
(2)
Every such application shall be accompanied by the prescribed fee.
(3)
On receipt of such an application the chief executive shall as soon as practicable appoint an arbitrator.
Section 64(1): amended, on 24 May 2013, by section 64 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
Section 64(3): amended, on 24 May 2013, by section 64 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
65 Fixing time and place for conducting hearing
(1)
As soon as practicable after having been appointed, an arbitrator shall—
(a)
fix a time and place for conducting a hearing into the question of access to the land concerned; and
(b)
cause notice of his or her appointment, and of the time and place fixed for conducting the hearing, to be given to the person desiring access and to each of the owners and occupiers of that land.
(2)
The arbitrator may, by a further notice served on the person desiring access and on each of the owners and occupiers of the land concerned (whether on the application of the person desiring access or of any owner or occupier of that land or otherwise), vary the time or place fixed for conducting the hearing.
(3)
The arbitrator shall, at the time and place fixed under this section, conduct a hearing into the question of access to the land concerned.
Section 65(1)(b): amended, on 28 September 1993, by section 13 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 139).
66 Declaration by Order in Council that access arrangement may be determined by arbitrator
(1)
If—
(a)
the owner or occupier of any land which is subject to a permit fails or refuses to enter into an access arrangement with the holder of the permit in respect of such land by the end of 60 days after the holder has served on the owner or occupier a notice of intention to obtain an access arrangement as specified in section 59; and
(b)
the land is not Maori land, or land registered in the name of Pootatau Te Wherowhero under section 19 of the Waikato Raupatu Claims Settlement Act 1995, or land defined as private land by section 5(1) of the Mining Act 1971, or a class of land to which any of paragraphs (a) to (g) of section 55(2) relate—
the permit holder may apply to the chief executive for a declaration by the Governor-General that an arbitrator may proceed to determine an access arrangement between the permit holder and owner or occupier in respect of the land concerned, on the grounds of the public interest.
(2)
On receiving an application under subsection (1), the chief executive shall report on it to the Minister.
(3)
If the Minister, after considering the application and the chief executive’s report, considers that there are sufficient public interest grounds to support the application, the Minister shall cause to be served on the owner and occupier of the land a notice in writing of the application, and of the Minister’s preliminary views, and stating that the owner and occupier have a period of 3 months, after the date on which the notice was served, to either—
(a)
enter into an access arrangement with the permit holder; or
(b)
consent in writing to an arbitrator determining an access arrangement; or
(c)
make representations to the Minister as to why a declaration should not be made under this section.
(4)
A notice under subsection (3) shall specify the land to which it relates and the public interest grounds which the Minister considers support the application, and shall have attached to it a copy of the application.
(5)
If, within the period of 3 months referred to in subsection (3),—
(a)
an access arrangement between the permit holder and the owner and occupier is not entered into; or
(b)
the owner and occupier do not consent to an arbitrator determining an access arrangement—
the Governor-General, within 3 months after the expiry of that period, may by Order in Council on the joint advice of the Minister and the Minister for the Environment (if the Governor-General on such advice considers it to be in the public interest to do so) declare that an arbitrator may proceed to determine an access arrangement between the permit holder and owner and occupier in respect of the land specified in the notice, or any part of it.
(6)
A consent given or declaration made under this section shall entitle an arbitrator to proceed to determine an access arrangement between the applicant under this section and the owner and occupier of the land concerned; and any such arrangement shall be effective in respect of the land to which it relates.
(7)
An order under subsection (5) is secondary legislation (see Part 3 of the Legislation Act 2019 for publication requirements).
| Legislation Act 2019 requirements for secondary legislation made under this section | ||||
| Publication | PCO must publish it on the legislation website and notify it in the Gazette | LA19 s 69(1)(c) | ||
| Presentation | The Minister must present it to the House of Representatives | LA19 s 114, Sch 1 cl 32(1)(a) | ||
| Disallowance | It may be disallowed by the House of Representatives | LA19 ss 115, 116 | ||
| This note is not part of the Act. | ||||
Section 66(1): amended, on 24 May 2013, by section 64 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
Section 66(1)(b): amended, on 15 November 1995, by section 36 of the Waikato Raupatu Claims Settlement Act 1995 (1995 No 58).
Section 66(2): amended, on 24 May 2013, by section 64 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
Section 66(3): amended, on 24 May 2013, by section 64 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
Section 66(5): amended, on 24 May 2013, by section 64 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
Section 66(7): inserted, on 28 October 2021, by section 3 of the Secondary Legislation Act 2021 (2021 No 7).
67 Right of appearance
(1)
At any hearing by an arbitrator into the question of access, a person desiring access to the land concerned, and each of the owners and occupiers of the land, are entitled to appear and be heard.
(2)
A party to a hearing may be represented by counsel or otherwise.
68 Conciliation
(1)
An arbitrator shall not make a determination until the arbitrator has brought, or has used his or her best endeavours to bring, the parties to a settlement acceptable to all of them.
(2)
If the parties come to such a settlement, the arbitrator shall make a determination which gives effect to the terms of the settlement.
69 Procedure
(1)
Except as otherwise provided by this Act, the procedure at a hearing shall be as determined by the arbitrator.
(2)
An arbitrator shall act according to equity, good conscience, and the substantial merits of the case without regard for technicalities or legal forms.
(3)
An arbitrator may conduct a hearing even though 1 or more of the parties to the hearing fails to attend the hearing.
70 Determination of access arrangement, etc
(1)
As soon as practicable after conducting a hearing, the arbitrator shall determine an access arrangement in respect of the land concerned giving the person desiring access access to the land on reasonable conditions, and serve a copy of the arrangement on each of the parties to the hearing.
(2)
An access arrangement that is determined by an arbitrator shall specify the compensation, as assessed by the arbitrator, to which each owner or occupier of the land is entitled under section 76.
(3)
Where the person desiring access has not obtained the required permit under this Act at the time of the determination of an access arrangement, the arbitrator shall specify the compensation, as assessed by the arbitrator, to which each owner and occupier would be entitled under section 76 if the person desiring access had obtained the required permit; and in any such case the obligation to pay compensation shall be conditional upon the person desiring access obtaining the required permit.
71 Effect of access arrangement, etc
An access arrangement determined by an arbitrator—
(a)
takes effect when a copy of the arrangement has been served on each of the parties to the hearing and the person desiring access has complied with the requirements of section 83, if that section is applicable; and
(b)
has effect as if its terms were embodied in a deed that had been duly executed by each of the parties; and
(c)
runs with the land and binds all subsequent owners and occupiers.
72 Variation of access arrangements
An access arrangement determined by an arbitrator may, subject to the terms of the arrangement, be varied by the arbitrator with the consent of all of the parties to the arrangement, or their successors.
73 Costs
Each party’s costs, and the arbitrator’s costs, in relation to the hearing shall be borne by the person desiring access.
74 Withdrawal from arbitration
(1)
The parties to a hearing may, at any time before the conclusion of the hearing, terminate the hearing by notice in writing, signed by all of the parties, served on the arbitrator.
(2)
This section does not limit the liability of the person desiring access to bear the arbitrator’s costs in relation to the hearing.
75 Liability
Subject to section 76(4), no proceedings lie against an arbitrator for or with respect to—
(a)
any determination made by the arbitrator; or
(b)
any publication made by the arbitrator; or
(c)
any other act, matter, or thing done by the arbitrator—
for the purposes of a hearing, as long as the determination, publication, act, matter, or thing was made or done in good faith.
76 Compensation for owners and occupiers
(1)
Where a person is authorised to prospect, explore, or mine on or in land by a permit granted under this Act and by an access arrangement in respect of that land, the owner and occupier of the land are entitled to compensation from the permit holder for injurious affection and all other loss or damage suffered, or likely to be suffered, by them as a result of the grant of the permit or the exercise of the rights conferred by this Act, or by the permit, or by an access arrangement; and such compensation shall include all of the following:
(a)
reimbursement of all reasonable costs and expenses incurred by the owner or occupier in respect of negotiations with the permit holder and all reasonable legal and valuation fees in respect of the determination of an access arrangement:
(b)
reimbursement for loss of income:
(c)
a sum by way of solatium for loss of privacy and amenities:
(d)
reimbursement of all reasonable costs incurred in ensuring compliance with, and monitoring of, the access arrangement.
(2)
In assessing the amount of compensation to which an owner or occupier is entitled under subsection (1), an arbitrator shall assess it in accordance with the provisions of the Public Works Act 1981, as if the commencement of activities on land under a permit were the taking of land within the meaning of that Act, except that—
(a)
where any land damaged is flat land the use of which is necessary for the proper working of hill land, the extent to which the value of the hill land is affected shall, in addition, be taken into account; and
(b)
where an Order in Council has been made under section 66 declaring that an arbitrator may determine an access arrangement, once the amount has been assessed in accordance with that Act and this section, the arbitrator shall also assess it in the light of any consideration agreed to be paid by the person desiring access, or any other person, to an owner or occupier in any comparable situation in respect of the same or a similar prospecting, exploration, or mining proposal, and shall then determine that the amount to be paid is to be the higher of the amounts so assessed.
(3)
For the purposes of subsection (2)(b)—
(a)
the owner and occupier and any other person may give such information to the arbitrator as they possess:
(b)
the arbitrator may require the person desiring access to give such information to the arbitrator as the arbitrator determines regarding the consideration agreed to be paid by that person for an access arrangement entered into with any other owner and occupier in any comparable situation.
(4)
Any information provided by a person to an arbitrator pursuant to subsection (3)(b) shall be treated as confidential by the arbitrator, and section 75 shall not apply in respect of any breach of such confidentiality by the arbitrator.
(5)
If a person desiring access fails or refuses to give any information pursuant to subsection (3)(b) to the arbitrator’s satisfaction, within such reasonable period as is specified by the arbitrator, the arbitrator shall refuse to determine an access arrangement.
(6)
In considering the provision of compensation as part of an access arrangement, an arbitrator shall have regard to any monetary or non-monetary compensation offered to the owner or occupier by a person desiring access.
(7)
Where an owner or occupier suffers loss, injury, or damage due to the activities of a permit holder or of a person authorised under section 49(1) carried out on the owner’s or occupier’s land, and the permit holder entered the land under the authority of an access arrangement or of section 49, the owner or occupier shall be entitled to and may claim full compensation against the permit holder or person authorised for all loss, injury, or damage suffered by him or her as a consequence of such activities to the extent that compensation for such activities has not already been provided for in an access arrangement.
(8)
In default of agreement between the parties, compensation payable under subsection (7) shall be assessed and determined by an arbitrator appointed in the same manner as for the determination of an access arrangement; and the provisions of this Act relating to the determination of an access arrangement shall, with all necessary modifications, apply accordingly.
77 Compliance with access conditions
No person entitled to exercise a right of access by virtue of an access arrangement shall contravene the conditions of the arrangement.
78 Absentee or unknown owner of land
(1)
Where an owner or occupier of land with whom it is desired to enter into an access arrangement under this Part is—
(a)
of unknown whereabouts and has no known agent; or
(b)
unknown,—
the person seeking the right of access may, after notifying Public Trust, apply to the District Court for an order authorising Public Trust to act as if it were the agent of the owner or occupier; and that court may make such an order.
(2)
On the making of such an order, Public Trust shall, for the purposes of this Part, be deemed to be the agent of the owner or occupier in respect of whom the order was made, and notwithstanding the provisions of any Act, rule of law, deed, or instrument, may enter into an access arrangement on behalf of the owner or occupier.
(3)
Any compensation payable under an access arrangement to an owner or occupier to which an order under subsection (1) applies shall be paid to Public Trust who shall hold such compensation on behalf of the owner or occupier concerned.
(4)
Where any doubt or dispute arises as to the right of any person to receive compensation held by Public Trust under subsection (3), the High Court may, upon the application of any of the parties interested, make such order in relation to the compensation as it thinks fit, and Public Trust shall pay any such compensation in accordance with that order.
Section 78(1): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).
Section 78(1): amended, on 1 March 2002, by section 170(1) of the Public Trust Act 2001 (2001 No 100).
Section 78(2): amended, on 1 March 2002, by section 170(1) of the Public Trust Act 2001 (2001 No 100).
Section 78(3): amended, on 1 March 2002, by section 170(1) of the Public Trust Act 2001 (2001 No 100).
Section 78(4): amended, on 1 March 2002, by section 170(1) of the Public Trust Act 2001 (2001 No 100).
79 Absentee or unknown owner of minerals
(1)
If any person desires to enter into an agreement with the owner of a mineral estate for the purpose of acquiring title to or any interest in the mineral estate, and if the owner is—
(a)
unknown; or
(b)
of unknown whereabouts and has no known agent; or
(c)
an infant, a mentally disordered person, or a person under some other legal disability,—
then in the absence of steps taken to appoint a person to represent the owner and after notifying Public Trust, the person desiring to acquire the title or interest may apply to the High Court for an order authorising Public Trust to act as if it were the agent of the mineral owner.
(2)
On the making of such an order, Public Trust may enter into an agreement with the applicant for the purchase at fair market value of the title to or any interest in the mineral estate.
(3)
Public Trust shall not enter into an agreement with the applicant for the purchase of the title to or any interest in the mineral estate if he or she considers an offer at fair market value has not been made.
(4)
Any money payable pursuant to any such agreement shall be paid to Public Trust, and Public Trust, after deducting any fair and reasonable costs incurred by it in relation to the agreement, shall hold the remaining money on behalf of the person represented by it.
(5)
If any doubt or dispute arises as to the rights of any person to receive the money held by Public Trust under this section, Public Trust may apply to the High Court for an order instructing Public Trust how to deal with and apply any such money.
Section 79(1): amended, on 1 March 2002, by section 170(1) of the Public Trust Act 2001 (2001 No 100).
Section 79(2): amended, on 1 March 2002, by section 170(1) of the Public Trust Act 2001 (2001 No 100).
Section 79(3): amended, on 1 March 2002, by section 170(1) of the Public Trust Act 2001 (2001 No 100).
Section 79(4): amended, on 1 March 2002, by section 170(1) of the Public Trust Act 2001 (2001 No 100).
Section 79(5): amended, on 1 March 2002, by section 170(1) of the Public Trust Act 2001 (2001 No 100).
80 Access arrangements in respect of Maori land
(1)
Except where the land is owned by a single owner in severalty or is vested in trust in a body corporate or a trustee (other than the Māori Trustee), any arrangement for the purposes of section 50 or section 60 with any person having a freehold interest in Maori land or any claim for compensation under section 76 shall be entered into or made by the Māori Trustee on behalf of that person.
(2)
If any Maori land is owned by a single owner in severalty or is vested in trust in a body corporate or a trustee (other than the Māori Trustee), the owner or the body corporate or the trustee, as the case may be, may appoint the Māori Trustee as his, her, or its agent to act in respect of any arrangement for the purposes of section 50 or section 60 or any claim for compensation under section 76; and in any such case the Māori Trustee, if he or she accepts the appointment, shall have all the powers and discretions of the person appointing him or her in respect of such an arrangement.
(3)
Any compensation agreed upon in any case where the Māori Trustee is acting for the person entitled to it shall be paid to the Māori Trustee; and, subject to subsection (4), the Māori Trustee shall distribute the compensation money, after making any proper deductions, to the persons entitled to it.
(4)
If he or she thinks fit to do so, the Māori Trustee may apply to the Maori Land Court to determine to whom, and in what proportions, any compensation money paid to him or her under this section should, according to what the court considers just and equitable in the circumstances, be distributed; and the compensation money shall be distributed in accordance with any order made by the court in that behalf.
(5)
Any action or decision of the Māori Trustee under this section shall be binding on all persons whom he or she represents, and anything done or omitted to be done by the Māori Trustee in the exercise of his or her rights and powers under this section shall not be actionable at the suit of any person.
Section 80(1): amended, on 1 July 2009, pursuant to section 30(2)(a) of the Māori Trustee Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 12).
Section 80(2): amended, on 1 July 2009, pursuant to section 30(2)(a) of the Māori Trustee Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 12).
Section 80(3): amended, on 1 July 2009, pursuant to section 30(2)(a) of the Māori Trustee Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 12).
Section 80(4): amended, on 1 July 2009, pursuant to section 30(2)(a) of the Māori Trustee Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 12).
Section 80(5): amended, on 1 July 2009, pursuant to section 30(2)(a) of the Māori Trustee Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 12).
Notation on land titles
81 Lodging and notation of permits
[Repealed]Section 81: repealed, on 21 August 2003, by section 10 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2003 (2003 No 45).
82 Lodging of certificates of extension
[Repealed]Section 82: repealed, on 21 August 2003, by section 11 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2003 (2003 No 45).
83 Notation of access rights on land titles
(1)
On entering into an access arrangement that is of more than 6 months’ duration from its date of commencement, the permit holder or applicant for a permit who entered into the arrangement must as soon as practicable lodge with the Registrar-General of Land a notice of the particulars of the arrangement with a copy of the arrangement attached, and any fee prescribed by regulations under the Land Transfer Act 2017.
(2)
A copy of an arrangement lodged under subsection (1) may have excluded from it any monetary sums paid or agreed to be paid under it.
(3)
On receipt of a notice under subsection (1) and of the prescribed fee, the Registrar-General of Land must, if everything is in order, note the notice by recording it on the relevant record of title.
(4)
On the expiry of an access arrangement to which this section applies, the permit holder or applicant for a permit must, as soon as practicable, lodge with the Registrar-General of Land a notice stating that the access arrangement has expired.
(5)
On receipt of a notice under subsection (4), the Registrar-General of Land must, if everything is in order, record the expiry on the record of title.
Section 83: replaced, on 12 November 2018, by section 250 of the Land Transfer Act 2017 (2017 No 30).
Section 83(4): inserted, on 6 August 2025, by section 38 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 40).
Section 83(5): inserted, on 6 August 2025, by section 38 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 40).
84 Entry of permit and access particulars acts as notice only
(1)
The notation on a record of title by the Registrar-General of Land of the particulars of a permit or access arrangement operates only as notice of the existence of the permit or access arrangement and does not create any estate or interest under the Land Transfer Act 2017.
(2)
This section does not apply to particulars of a permit granted after 21 August 2003.
Section 84(1): replaced, on 12 November 2018, by section 250 of the Land Transfer Act 2017 (2017 No 30).
Section 84(2): added, on 21 August 2003, by section 12 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2003 (2003 No 45).
Section 84(2): amended, on 24 May 2013, by section 64 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
85 Land Transfer Act 2017 not to limit or affect rights under permits or rights of access
(1)
Nothing in the Land Transfer Act 2017 shall be construed to in any way limit or affect any right, title, or interest held under a permit that has been recorded by the Registrar-General of Land under section 81 or in any way limit or affect any access arrangement which has been recorded by the Registrar-General of Land under section 83.
(2)
This section does not apply to particulars of a permit granted after 21 August 2003.
Section 85(1): amended, on 12 November 2018, by section 250 of the Land Transfer Act 2017 (2017 No 30).
Section 85(1): amended, on 24 May 2013, by section 64 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
Section 85(2): added, on 21 August 2003, by section 13 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2003 (2003 No 45).
Section 85(2): amended, on 24 May 2013, by section 64 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
86 Notation of mineral ownership on land titles
(1)
Any person may apply to the Registrar-General of Land to have entered on any record of title registered or lodged in the office of the Registrar-General of Land for an estate in fee simple, the particulars of the ownership of all or any of the minerals in the land to which the estate in fee simple relates.
(2)
Every application under subsection (1) shall be in the form prescribed under the Land Transfer Act 2017 and shall be lodged with the Registrar-General of Land together with any fee prescribed by regulations under the Land Transfer Act 2017.
(3)
On the lodging with the Registrar-General of Land of—
(a)
an application under subsection (1); or
(b)
[Repealed](c)
an instrument evidencing a transfer of or dealing with the ownership of a mineral; or
(d)
an instrument having the effect of alienating land from the Crown,—
the Registrar-General of Land shall ensure, to the extent he or she is able, that the particulars of the ownership of the minerals in the land concerned are entered on every record of title for an estate in fee simple in that land.
(4)
Where the Registrar-General of Land considers that he or she does not have available to him or her sufficient information on the ownership of the minerals in any land to carry out his or her duty under subsection (3), he or she may require the deposit of such plans or the supply of such information as he or she considers reasonably necessary, together with such further fees as may be prescribed by regulations under the Land Transfer Act 2017. Unless the Registrar-General of Land otherwise directs in any particular case, such plans or information shall not be accepted by the Registrar-General of Land until they have been certified as correct by the Surveyor-General.
(5)
[Repealed]Section 86(1): amended, on 12 November 2018, by section 250 of the Land Transfer Act 2017 (2017 No 30).
Section 86(1): amended, on 24 May 2013, by section 64 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
Section 86(2): amended, on 12 November 2018, by section 250 of the Land Transfer Act 2017 (2017 No 30).
Section 86(2): amended, on 24 May 2013, by section 64 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
Section 86(3): amended, on 12 November 2018, by section 250 of the Land Transfer Act 2017 (2017 No 30).
Section 86(3): amended, on 24 May 2013, by section 64 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
Section 86(3)(b): repealed, on 21 August 2003, by section 14(1) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2003 (2003 No 45).
Section 86(4): amended, on 12 November 2018, by section 250 of the Land Transfer Act 2017 (2017 No 30).
Section 86(4): amended, on 24 May 2013, by section 64 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
Section 86(5): repealed, on 12 November 2018, by section 250 of the Land Transfer Act 2017 (2017 No 30).
87 Certified copies of documents to be evidence
(1)
The Registrar-General of Land shall, on payment of any fee prescribed by regulations under the Land Transfer Act 2017, provide to any person so applying a certified copy of any document that has been lodged with and recorded by the Registrar-General of Land under this Part.
(2)
Any such certified copy that is signed by the Registrar-General of Land and sealed with his or her seal shall be received in evidence for all purposes for which the document might be put in evidence.
Section 87 heading: amended, on 21 August 2003, by section 15(1) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2003 (2003 No 45).
Section 87(1): amended, on 12 November 2018, by section 250 of the Land Transfer Act 2017 (2017 No 30).
Section 87(1): amended, on 24 May 2013, by section 64 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
Section 87(1): amended, on 21 August 2003, by section 15(2) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2003 (2003 No 45).
Section 87(2): amended, on 24 May 2013, by section 64 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
Section 87(2): amended, on 21 August 2003, by section 15(3) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2003 (2003 No 45).
88 Notification of expiry of permit
(1)
A permit holder must notify the Registrar-General of Land when a permit expires if the permit was granted before 21 August 2003 and was a permit other than in respect of petroleum.
(2)
A permit holder must notify the Registrar of the Māori Land Court when a permit granted in respect of Māori land expires if—
(a)
the permit was granted before 21 August 2003 and was a permit other than in respect of petroleum; or
(b)
the permit was granted on or after 21 August 2003.
(3)
If the permit holder fails to comply with either or both of subsections (1) and (2) within a reasonable time of the expiry of the permit, the chief executive may give the required notice.
Section 88: inserted, on 6 August 2025, by section 39 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 40).
88 Recorded documents to be open for search
[Repealed]Section 88: repealed, on 12 November 2018, by section 250 of the Land Transfer Act 2017 (2017 No 30).
89 Revision of records
(1)
On the receipt by the Registrar-General of Land of any notice of revocation, surrender, or expiry of a permit, the Registrar-General of Land shall, without payment of a fee, sign and seal on the notice a statement of the time and date of receipt, note the particulars on his or her record copy of the permit affected, and attach the notice to that record copy.
(2)
Subsection (1) applies only to permits lodged before 21 August 2003.
(3)
The Registrar of the Māori Land Court must enter in the court’s records particulars of—
(a)
a notice of revocation of a permit lodged under section 39(8)(b); or
(b)
a surrender of a permit lodged under section 40(9)(b); or
(c)
a notice of expiry of a permit given under section 88(2) or (3).
Section 89(1): amended, on 6 August 2025, by section 40(1) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 40).
Section 89(1): amended, on 24 May 2013, by section 64 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
Section 89(2): added, on 21 August 2003, by section 17 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2003 (2003 No 45).
Section 89(2): amended, on 6 August 2025, by section 40(2) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 40).
Section 89(2): amended, on 24 May 2013, by section 64 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
Section 89(3): inserted, on 6 August 2025, by section 40(3) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 40).
Subpart 2—Decommissioning of petroleum infrastructure and wells
Subpart 2: inserted, on 2 December 2021, by section 18 of the Crown Minerals (Decommissioning and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 53).
89A Application of this subpart
This subpart applies to—
(a)
a permit holder:
(b)
any person who applies for a permit before commencement if the application has not been determined on commencement:
(c)
a licence holder:
(d)
a person who transfers a permit or licence or all or part of a participating interest in a permit or licence on or after commencement, and a person to whom the permit or licence or all or part of a participating interest is transferred:
(e)
a person who on commencement held a permit which has subsequently expired, been surrendered, or revoked (former permit holder):
(f)
a person who on commencement held a licence which has subsequently expired, been surrendered, or revoked (former licence holder).
Section 89A: inserted, on 2 December 2021, by section 18 of the Crown Minerals (Decommissioning and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 53).
89B Relationship between this subpart and other enactments
(1)
This subpart does not limit or affect any person’s obligations under another enactment (for example, the Resource Management Act 1991, the Exclusive Economic Zone and Continental Shelf (Environmental Effects) Act 2012, or the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015).
(2)
Any requirement under this subpart for a person to supply information does not replace or limit any requirement for that person to supply information under other provisions in this Act or another enactment.
(3)
An exemption granted under this subpart from complying with a decommissioning requirement under this subpart does not exempt the person from complying with another enactment.
Section 89B: inserted, on 2 December 2021, by section 18 of the Crown Minerals (Decommissioning and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 53).
Section 89B(1): amended, on 23 December 2023, by section 6 of the Resource Management (Natural and Built Environment and Spatial Planning Repeal and Interim Fast-track Consenting) Act 2023 (2023 No 68).
89C Relationship between sections 42B and 42C, this subpart, and existing conditions of permits and licences
(1)
If the requirements of sections 42B and 42C and this subpart (the provisions) duplicate or overlap with those conditions of a permit or licence imposed before commencement, the provisions and any conditions imposed under this subpart prevail, in the event and to the extent of any inconsistency between this subpart and the conditions imposed before commencement.
(2)
On commencement, each permit and licence is deemed to contain a condition that repeats the provisions of subsection (1).
Section 89C: inserted, on 2 December 2021, by section 18 of the Crown Minerals (Decommissioning and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 53).
89D Interpretation
(1)
In this subpart, unless the context otherwise requires,—
acceptable financial security arrangement means a financial security arrangement that the Minister is satisfied operates in an acceptable way and provides an acceptable level of security, in accordance with sections 89ZL, 89ZM, and 89ZN, the regulations, and the relevant minerals programme, in relation to the performance of obligations imposed on persons under this subpart
amount, in relation to a financial security, includes an obligation that is—
(a)
unlimited; or
(b)
quantified; or
(c)
unquantified, but expressed to cover specified costs, losses, expenses, charges, or liabilities (whenever arising)
commencement, in relation to any provision in this subpart, means the day on which that provision commences
current licence holder means the holder of a licence that is in force
current permit holder means the holder of a current permit
financial security arrangement means 1 or more financial securities to secure the obligations imposed on persons under this subpart and may—
(a)
include financial securities of the same kind or different kinds:
(b)
relate to 1 permit or licence or more than 1 permit or licence, or both:
(c)
be held by 1 or more permit or licence holders or permit participants or other persons:
(d)
include any other variations relating to each financial security, comprised in the financial security arrangement, or the operation of each of those financial securities
licence means a prospecting licence or a mining licence granted under Part 1 of the Petroleum Act 1937 to prospect or mine for petroleum
permit means a permit to explore for petroleum or a petroleum mining permit granted under this Act
petroleum infrastructure has the meaning set out in section 89F
plugging and abandonment, in relation to a well, has the meaning set out in section 89Q
well—
(a)
means a borehole drilled or re-entered for the purposes of exploring for, appraising, or extracting petroleum; and
(b)
includes—
(i)
any borehole used for injection or reinjection purposes; and
(ii)
any down-hole pressure-containing equipment; and
(iii)
the wellhead; and
(iv)
any other prescribed thing
wellhead means any pressure-containing equipment on top of the well.
(2)
To avoid doubt, subsection (3) applies if a person is required to comply with provisions that are expressed to apply to persons of a different status (for example, a person who, in order to obtain the Minister’s consent to the transfer of a participating interest in a permit or licence, is required to comply with provisions in this subpart (see sections 89L(3), 89T(3), and 89ZL to 89ZR), that relate to financial securities and that are expressed to apply only to a permit holder or licence holder).
(3)
If this subsection applies, the provisions that the person is required to comply with apply as if the person were a person to whom the provision is expressed to apply and with any other necessary modifications.
Section 89D: inserted, on 2 December 2021, by section 18 of the Crown Minerals (Decommissioning and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 53).
Section 89D(1) acceptable financial security arrangement: inserted, on 6 August 2025, by section 41 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 40).
Section 89D(1) amount: inserted, on 6 August 2025, by section 41 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 40).
Section 89D(1) financial security arrangement: inserted, on 6 August 2025, by section 41 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 40).
Section 89D(2): inserted, on 31 August 2023, by section 18 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2023 (2023 No 53).
Section 89D(3): inserted, on 31 August 2023, by section 18 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2023 (2023 No 53).
89E Decommissioning
(1)
In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires, decommissioning, in relation to any petroleum infrastructure or a well,—
(a)
means an activity undertaken under any enactment (for example, the Resource Management Act 1991, the Exclusive Economic Zone and Continental Shelf (Environmental Effects) Act 2012, or the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015), and in accordance with any requirements or standards set by or under that enactment or imposed by a regulatory agency, to take out of service permanently petroleum infrastructure or a well used for prospecting or exploring for, or mining of, petroleum; and
(b)
includes (without limitation) and to the extent required by this Act or another enactment or by standards or by a regulatory agency,—
(i)
removing petroleum infrastructure; and
(ii)
plugging and abandoning a well; and
(iii)
undertaking site restoration when production of a well ceases (for whatever reason); and
(iv)
any other prescribed activity in relation to any petroleum infrastructure, or well drilled for the purposes of exploring or prospecting for, or mining of, petroleum.
(2)
However, in relation to petroleum infrastructure, that infrastructure must be decommissioned by totally removing it, unless—
(a)
an exemption has been granted under section 89Y; or
(b)
a class exemption prescribed in regulations made under section 105(1)(qb) applies; or
(c)
any other legislation, relevant standard, or requirement by a regulatory agency contains any different requirements or standards relating to the method of decommissioning a particular item of petroleum infrastructure (in whole or in part).
(2A)
Despite subsection (2), an item of infrastructure left in place in accordance with an exemption under section 89Y, or a class exemption prescribed in regulations under section 105(1)(qb), must be treated as having been decommissioned.
(3)
Despite subsection (2), an item of infrastructure left in place in accordance with a process set out in the regulations (if any) must be treated as having been decommissioned.
Section 89E: inserted, on 2 December 2021, by section 18 of the Crown Minerals (Decommissioning and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 53).
Section 89E(1)(a): amended, on 23 December 2023, by section 6 of the Resource Management (Natural and Built Environment and Spatial Planning Repeal and Interim Fast-track Consenting) Act 2023 (2023 No 68).
Section 89E(2): replaced, on 6 August 2025, by section 42 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 40).
Section 89E(2A): inserted, on 6 August 2025, by section 42 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 40).
89F Petroleum infrastructure
In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires, petroleum infrastructure—
(a)
means—
(i)
a structure (within the meaning of section 101A) or vessel used onshore or offshore for the purpose of exploring for, or mining of, or processing, petroleum—
(A)
up until the point when the petroleum enters infrastructure used by a person other than a current permit holder or licence holder; and
(B)
up until the point when the infrastructure is used for distributing or transporting the petroleum, or otherwise ceases to be part of the system for producing petroleum:
(ii)
any equipment attached to, or used in connection with, a structure, well, vessel, or site, including cables, pipelines, flow-lines, gas lift lines, umbilicals, manifolds, and moorings:
(iii)
any other prescribed thing or class of thing used in connection with, prospecting or exploring for, or mining of, petroleum; but
(b)
does not include—
(i)
a well:
(ii)
any unmoored ship:
(iii)
any vehicle:
(iv)
any other prescribed thing or class of thing.
Section 89F: inserted, on 2 December 2021, by section 18 of the Crown Minerals (Decommissioning and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 53).
89G Conditions relating to decommissioning
(1)
This section applies—
(a)
if the Minister, on or after commencement, grants a permit:
(b)
if the Minister, on or after commencement, consents to the transfer of all or part of a participating interest in a permit under section 41 of this Act or consents to the transfer of a licence or all or part of a participating interest in a licence under the Petroleum Act 1937 (as preserved by clause 12(1)(a) of Schedule 1 of this Act), as the case requires:
(c)
at any time on or after commencement while a permit or licence (whenever granted) is in force.
(2)
The Minister may (on the grant of a permit, or on giving consent to the transfer of a licence or all or part of a participating interest in a permit or licence, or on giving consent to a change of control, or when agreeing or determining the amount or kind of financial security required, or when specifying a timetable for decommissioning, or if the permit or licence holder consents) impose or vary conditions on the permit or licence holder in relation to the decommissioning of petroleum infrastructure or a well.
Section 89G: inserted, on 2 December 2021, by section 18 of the Crown Minerals (Decommissioning and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 53).
89H Meaning of relevant older petroleum infrastructure
(1)
In this subpart, relevant older petroleum infrastructure—
(a)
means,—
(i)
in relation to a current or former permit holder, petroleum infrastructure—
(A)
put in place or used by a permit holder or licence holder (whether the current permit holder or a different permit holder or licence holder) under a permit that was exchanged for the current permit or the former permit under section 32 of this Act or otherwise exchanged on the same day (for example, as evidenced by any notation on a document linking an exploration permit to a current mining permit); and
(B)
that was in place at the time the exchange occurred:
(ii)
also, in relation to a current or former permit holder, petroleum infrastructure put in place or used by a permit holder or licence holder (whether the current permit holder or a different permit holder or licence holder)—
(A)
in a part of the permit area or licence area of any former holder’s permit or licence that was subsequently relinquished or surrendered and included on the same day in the permit area of the current permit or included on the same day in a previous permit area or licence area and then subsequently included in the permit area of the current permit; or
(B)
anywhere outside the permit area or licence area, but used solely to facilitate activities conducted in the permit or licence area to be relinquished or surrendered:
(iii)
in relation to a current or former licence holder, petroleum infrastructure—
(A)
put in place or used by a licence holder (whether the current licence holder or a different licence holder) under a licence that was exchanged for the current licence or the former licence under section 9(3) or sections 11 and 12, or any other relevant provisions, of the Petroleum Act 1937 (as they read at the time of the exchange) or otherwise exchanged on the same day; and
(B)
that was in place at the time the exchange occurred:
(iv)
also, in relation to a current or former licence holder, petroleum infrastructure put in place or used by a licence holder (whether the current licence holder or a different licence holder)—
(A)
in a part of the licence area or licence area of any former licence holder that was subsequently surrendered and included on the same day in the licence area of the current licence or included on the same day in a previous licence area and then subsequently included in the licence area of the current licence; or
(B)
anywhere outside the licence area, but used solely to facilitate activities conducted in the licence area to be surrendered:
(v)
also includes any class, or item, of petroleum infrastructure declared by the regulations, in relation to a class of, or individual, permit or licence holders, to be relevant older petroleum infrastructure (irrespective of whether any of the preceding paragraphs apply to the class or item of petroleum infrastructure); but
(b)
excludes any class, or item, of petroleum infrastructure declared by the regulations, in relation to a class of, or individual, current permit or licence holders, not to be relevant older petroleum infrastructure (irrespective of whether any of the preceding subparagraphs apply to the class or item of petroleum infrastructure).
(2)
In this section and section 89I,—
(a)
any reference to a permit or a former permit includes a permit or former permit of any kind:
(b)
any reference to a licence or former licence includes a licence or former licence of any kind.
Section 89H: inserted, on 2 December 2021, by section 18 of the Crown Minerals (Decommissioning and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 53).
89I Meaning of relevant older well
In this subpart, relevant older well—
(a)
means,—
(i)
in relation to a current or former permit holder, a well—
(A)
drilled or used by a permit holder or licence holder (whether the current permit holder or a different permit holder or licence holder) under a permit or licence that was exchanged for the current permit under section 32 of this Act or otherwise exchanged on the same day (for example, as evidenced by any notation on a document linking an exploration permit to a mining permit); and
(B)
that was in place at the time the exchange occurred:
(ii)
also, in relation to a current or former permit holder, a well drilled or used by a permit holder or licence holder (whether the current permit holder or a different permit holder or licence holder)—
(A)
in a part of the permit area or licence area of any former holder’s permit or licence that was subsequently relinquished or surrendered and included on the same day in a permit area of the current permit or included on the same day in a previous permit area or licence area and then subsequently included in the permit area of the current permit; or
(B)
anywhere outside the permit area or licence area, but used solely to facilitate activities conducted in the permit or licence area to be relinquished or surrendered:
(iii)
in relation to a current or former licence holder, a well—
(A)
drilled or used by a licence holder (whether the current licence holder or a different licence holder) under a licence that was exchanged for the current licence under section 9(3) or sections 11 and 12, or any other relevant provisions, of the Petroleum Act 1937 (as they read at the time of the exchange) or otherwise exchanged on the same day; and
(B)
that was in place at the time the exchange occurred:
(iv)
also, in relation to a current or former licence holder, any well put in place or used by the current licence holder or a different licence holder—
(A)
in a part of the licence area or licence area of any former holder’s licence that was subsequently surrendered and included on the same day in the licence area of the current licence or included on the same day in a previous licence area and then subsequently included in the licence area of the current licence; or
(B)
anywhere outside the licence area, but used solely to facilitate activities conducted in the licence area to be surrendered:
(v)
any well included in the permit area of a current licence or permit that was used to delineate or appraise a deposit or occurrence of petroleum that the current permit or licence relates to (whether that well was drilled under the current licence or permit or a former licence or permit):
(vi)
also any class of well or individual well declared in the regulations, in relation to a class of, or individual, permit or licence holders, to be a relevant older well (irrespective of whether any of the preceding subparagraphs apply to the class of well or individual well); but
(b)
excludes any class of well declared by the regulations, in relation to a class of current permit or licence holders, not to be a relevant older well (irrespective of whether any of the preceding subparagraphs apply to the class of well or individual well).
Section 89I: inserted, on 2 December 2021, by section 18 of the Crown Minerals (Decommissioning and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 53).
Decommissioning obligations for petroleum infrastructure
Heading: inserted, on 2 December 2021, by section 18 of the Crown Minerals (Decommissioning and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 53).
89J Obligations of permit holders: decommissioning of petroleum infrastructure
(1)
A person who holds or will hold a permit at the time the obligation to decommission is required to be completed must carry out, and meet the costs of, the decommissioning of all petroleum infrastructure—
(a)
put in place or used for the purposes of carrying out, or otherwise related to, activities authorised by the current permit (whenever granted), and all relevant older petroleum infrastructure; and
(b)
in a case where only part of the permit area is to be relinquished or surrendered, located in the area of the permit that is to be relinquished or surrendered, and all relevant older petroleum infrastructure.
(2)
[Repealed](3)
[Repealed](4)
[Repealed](5)
[Repealed]Section 89J: inserted, on 2 December 2021, by section 18 of the Crown Minerals (Decommissioning and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 53).
Section 89J heading: amended, on 6 August 2025, by section 43(1) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 40).
Section 89J(2): repealed, on 6 August 2025, by section 43(2) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 40).
Section 89J(3): repealed, on 6 August 2025, by section 43(2) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 40).
Section 89J(4): repealed, on 6 August 2025, by section 43(2) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 40).
Section 89J(5): repealed, on 6 August 2025, by section 43(2) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 40).
89K Obligations of licence holders: decommissioning of petroleum infrastructure
(1)
A person who holds or will hold a licence at the time the obligation to decommission is required to be completed must carry out, and meet the costs of, the decommissioning of all petroleum infrastructure—
(a)
put in place or used for the purpose of carrying out, or otherwise related to, activities authorised by the current licence (whenever granted), and all relevant older petroleum infrastructure; and
(b)
in a case where only part of the licence area is to be surrendered, located in the area of the licence that is to be surrendered, and all relevant older petroleum infrastructure.
(2)
[Repealed](3)
[Repealed](4)
[Repealed](5)
[Repealed]Section 89K: inserted, on 2 December 2021, by section 18 of the Crown Minerals (Decommissioning and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 53).
Section 89K heading: amended, on 6 August 2025, by section 44(1) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 40).
Section 89K(2): repealed, on 6 August 2025, by section 44(2) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 40).
Section 89K(3): repealed, on 6 August 2025, by section 44(2) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 40).
Section 89K(4): repealed, on 6 August 2025, by section 44(2) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 40).
Section 89K(5): repealed, on 6 August 2025, by section 44(2) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 40).
89L Further obligations on transferees and Minister
(1)
This section applies to—
(a)
[Repealed](b)
a person (person B) who intends to acquire, on or after commencement from person A, a licence or all or any part of a participating interest in a permit or licence; and
(c)
the Minister.
(2)
[Repealed](3)
The Minister must, when considering whether to consent to the transfer of a licence or participating interest in a permit or a licence to person B, and before consenting to the transfer, be satisfied that an acceptable financial security arrangement (whether existing, altered, or new) is or will be in place within the time specified by the Minister and will be maintained for a time specified by the Minister if the Minister consents to the transfer.
(3A)
The Minister may adopt any process the Minister considers appropriate for the purpose of carrying out their duties under subsection (3).
(4)
An acceptable financial security arrangement referred to in subsection (3) may also be designed and operate to satisfy the requirements of section 89T(3).
(5)
[Repealed]Section 89L: inserted, on 2 December 2021, by section 18 of the Crown Minerals (Decommissioning and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 53).
Section 89L heading: amended, on 6 August 2025, by section 45(1) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 40).
Section 89L(1)(a): repealed, on 6 August 2025, by section 45(2) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 40).
Section 89L(2): repealed, on 6 August 2025, by section 45(3) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 40).
Section 89L(3): replaced, on 6 August 2025, by section 45(4) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 40).
Section 89L(3A): inserted, on 6 August 2025, by section 45(4) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 40).
Section 89L(4): amended, on 6 August 2025, by section 45(5) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 40).
Section 89L(5): repealed, on 6 August 2025, by section 45(6) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 40).
89M Extent of liability of former permit and licence holders under sections 89J(2) and 89K(2)
[Repealed]Section 89M: repealed, on 6 August 2025, by section 46 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 40).
89N When decommissioning obligations of persons under section 89J or 89K arise
(1)
Any person liable to carry out, or meet the costs of, decommissioning petroleum infrastructure, or both, under section 89J or 89K, must carry out their obligations before the earliest of the following:
(a)
in a case where production permanently ceases in the area of the current permit or licence before the permit or licence expires,—
(i)
by a date or dates agreed with the Minister for the completion of the decommissioning and the completion of earlier milestones in the decommissioning process; or
(ii)
if there is no such agreed date or dates, by a date that is 2 years before the expiry of the current licence or permit, by a date or dates specified by the Minister by notice in writing to the person:
(b)
the expiry or surrender of the current permit or licence:
(c)
in a case where only part of the current permit area or licence area is to be relinquished or surrendered, before the Minister approves the partial relinquishment or surrender of the permit under section 35C or 40 of this Act or the partial surrender of a licence under the Petroleum Act 1937 (as preserved under clause 12(a) of Schedule 1 of this Act):
(2)
However, if a permit or licence is revoked, the person who held the permit or licence immediately before it was revoked must carry out their decommissioning obligations under this subpart by a time agreed with, or specified by, the Minister.
(3)
To avoid doubt,—
(a)
the obligations imposed by subsections (1) and (2) continue in force even if—
(i)
the relevant permit or licence has expired or has been surrendered or revoked:
(ii)
the relevant person has ceased to be a permit or licence holder or the holder of any participating interest in a licence or permit; and
(b)
a person may carry out their obligations under subsections (1) and (2) even if their permit or licence has expired, or has been revoked, or, as the case requires, relinquished or surrendered.
(4)
A permit holder or licence holder also acts in breach of their decommissioning obligations if they—
(a)
give notice under section 42C(3) (notice of cessation of production); but
(b)
fail within a period after that notice agreed with the Minister, or in the event that there is no agreement, within a period after that notice specified by the Minister, to complete milestones agreed or specified under subsection (1)(a) to decommission the petroleum infrastructure for which they will be responsible for decommissioning, or fail to obtain an extension to that date or those dates from the Minister.
(5)
A certificate issued by the chief executive as to the date when decommissioning obligations took effect under this section—
(a)
must be given to the person who has those obligations as soon as practicable after they take effect; and
(b)
is conclusive evidence in any proceedings under this Act, in the absence of proof to the contrary, of when those obligations took effect.
Section 89N: inserted, on 2 December 2021, by section 18 of the Crown Minerals (Decommissioning and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 53).
Section 89N heading: amended, on 6 August 2025, by section 47(1) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 40).
Section 89N(1): amended, on 6 August 2025, by section 47(2) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 40).
89O Criteria for agreeing or setting time frames for decommissioning
When considering under section 89N what date or dates for decommissioning are to be agreed, or specified, by the Minister, the Minister must consider—
(a)
the size of the field to be decommissioned:
(b)
the complexity of the required decommissioning:
(c)
the subpart 2 decommissioning plan:
(d)
the decommissioning cost estimate:
(e)
the estimated date on which production in the field will cease:
(f)
the time required to comply with requirements under other enactments before decommissioning can commence or be completed:
(g)
any other matters the Minister considers relevant.
Section 89O: inserted, on 2 December 2021, by section 18 of the Crown Minerals (Decommissioning and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 53).
89P Joint and several liability
(1)
Subsection (2) applies if section 89J applies and there is a permit holder who is 2 or more persons.
(2)
Each person to whom this subsection applies is jointly and severally liable to perform the obligations of the permit holder in carrying out, and meeting the costs of, decommissioning petroleum infrastructure.
(3)
Subsection (4) applies if section 89K applies and there is a licence holder who is 2 or more persons.
(4)
Each person to whom this subsection applies is jointly and severally liable to perform the obligations of the licence holder in relation to carrying out, and meeting the costs of, decommissioning petroleum infrastructure.
Section 89P: inserted, on 2 December 2021, by section 18 of the Crown Minerals (Decommissioning and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 53).
Plugging and abandonment of wells
Heading: inserted, on 2 December 2021, by section 18 of the Crown Minerals (Decommissioning and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 53).
89Q What is plugging and abandonment of well
A well is plugged and abandoned when—
(a)
the well is sealed in order to make it permanently inoperable; and
(b)
the sealing is conducted in accordance with any relevant enactment or standard, and the requirements of any regulatory authority; and
(c)
the wellhead is removed; and
(d)
any remediation of the site required by another enactment is completed; and
(e)
any other prescribed action required to plug and abandon the well is completed.
Section 89Q: inserted, on 2 December 2021, by section 18 of the Crown Minerals (Decommissioning and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 53).
Decommissioning obligations in relation to wells
Heading: inserted, on 2 December 2021, by section 18 of the Crown Minerals (Decommissioning and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 53).
89R Obligations of permit holders: decommissioning of wells
(1)
A person who holds or will hold a permit at the time the obligation to plug and abandon 1 or more wells is required to be completed must carry out, and meet the costs of, the plugging and abandoning of all wells—
(a)
drilled or used for the purposes of carrying out, or otherwise related to, activities authorised by the current permit (whenever granted), and all relevant older wells; and
(b)
in a case where only part of the permit area is to be relinquished or surrendered, located in the area of the permit that is to be relinquished or surrendered, and all relevant older wells.
(2)
[Repealed](3)
[Repealed](4)
[Repealed](5)
[Repealed]Section 89R: inserted, on 2 December 2021, by section 18 of the Crown Minerals (Decommissioning and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 53).
Section 89R heading: amended, on 6 August 2025, by section 48(1) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 40).
Section 89R(2): repealed, on 6 August 2025, by section 48(2) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 40).
Section 89R(3): repealed, on 6 August 2025, by section 48(2) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 40).
Section 89R(4): repealed, on 6 August 2025, by section 48(2) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 40).
Section 89R(5): repealed, on 6 August 2025, by section 48(2) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 40).
89S Obligations of licence holders: decommissioning of wells
(1)
A person who holds or will hold a licence at the time the obligation to plug and abandon 1 or more wells is required to be completed must carry out, and meet the costs of, plugging and abandoning all wells—
(a)
drilled or used for the purposes of, or otherwise related to, activities authorised by the current licence, and all relevant older wells; and
(b)
in a case where only part of the licence area is to be surrendered, located in the area of the licence that is to be surrendered, and all relevant older wells.
(2)
[Repealed](3)
[Repealed](4)
[Repealed](5)
[Repealed]Section 89S: inserted, on 2 December 2021, by section 18 of the Crown Minerals (Decommissioning and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 53).
Section 89S heading: amended, on 6 August 2025, by section 49(1) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 40).
Section 89S(2): repealed, on 6 August 2025, by section 49(2) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 40).
Section 89S(3): repealed, on 6 August 2025, by section 49(2) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 40).
Section 89S(4): repealed, on 6 August 2025, by section 49(2) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 40).
Section 89S(5): repealed, on 6 August 2025, by section 49(2) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 40).
89T Further obligations on transferees and Minister
(1)
This section applies to—
(a)
[Repealed](b)
a person (person B) who intends to acquire, on or after commencement, from person A a licence or all or part of a participating interest in a permit or licence; and
(c)
the Minister.
(2)
[Repealed](3)
The Minister must, when considering whether to consent to the transfer of a licence or participating interest in a permit or licence to person B, and before consenting to the transfer, be satisfied that an acceptable financial security arrangement (whether existing, altered, or new), is or will be in place within the time specified by the Minister and will be maintained for a time specified by the Minister if the Minister consents to the transfer.
(3A)
The Minister may adopt any process the Minister considers appropriate for the purpose of carrying out their duties under subsection (3).
(4)
An acceptable financial security arrangement referred to in subsection (3) may also be designed and operate to satisfy the requirements of section 89L(3).
(5)
[Repealed]Section 89T: inserted, on 2 December 2021, by section 18 of the Crown Minerals (Decommissioning and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 53).
Section 89T heading: amended, on 6 August 2025, by section 50(1) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 40).
Section 89T(1)(a): repealed, on 6 August 2025, by section 50(2) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 40).
Section 89T(1)(c): inserted, on 6 August 2025, by section 50(3) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 40).
Section 89T(2): repealed, on 6 August 2025, by section 50(4) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 40).
Section 89T(3): replaced, on 6 August 2025, by section 50(5) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 40).
Section 89T(3A): inserted, on 6 August 2025, by section 50(5) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 40).
Section 89T(4): amended, on 6 August 2025, by section 50(6) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 40).
Section 89T(5): repealed, on 6 August 2025, by section 50(7) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 40).
89U Extent of liability of former permit and licence holders under sections 89R and 89S
[Repealed]Section 89U: repealed, on 6 August 2025, by section 51 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 40).
89V When decommissioning obligations of permit holders, licence holders, and other persons under section 89R or 89S arise
(1)
A person liable to carry out, or meet costs of, plugging and abandoning wells, or both, under section 89R or 89S must carry out their obligations before the earliest of the following:
(a)
in a case where production permanently ceases in the area of the current permit or licence before the permit or licence expires,—
(i)
by a date or dates agreed with the Minister for the completion of the decommissioning and the date or dates of completion of earlier milestones in the decommissioning process; or
(ii)
if there is no such agreed date by the date or dates that is 2 years before the expiry of the current licence or permit, by a date or dates specified by the Minister by notice in writing to the person:
(b)
the expiry or surrender of the current permit or licence:
(c)
in a case where only part of the current permit area or licence area is to be relinquished or surrendered, before the Minister approves the partial relinquishment or surrender of the permit under section 35C or 40 of this Act or the partial surrender of a licence under the Petroleum Act 1937 (as preserved under clause 12(a) of Schedule 1 of this Act).
(2)
However, if a permit or licence is revoked, the person who held the permit or licence immediately before it was revoked must carry out their decommissioning obligations under this subpart by a time agreed with, or specified by, the Minister.
(3)
To avoid doubt, the obligations imposed by subsections (1) and (2) continue in force even if—
(a)
the relevant permit or licence has expired or has been surrendered or revoked:
(b)
the relevant person has ceased to be a permit or licence holder or the holder of any participating interest in a licence or permit.
(4)
A permit holder or licence holder also acts in breach of their decommissioning obligations if they—
(a)
give notice under section 42C(3) (notice of cessation of production); but
(b)
fail within a period after that notice agreed with the Minister, or in the event that there is no agreement, within a period after that notice specified by the Minister, to complete milestones agreed or specified under subsection (1)(a) to plug and abandon the well or wells for which they will be responsible for decommissioning, or fail to obtain an extension to that date or those dates from the Minister.
(5)
A certificate issued by the chief executive as to the date when decommissioning obligations took effect under this section—
(a)
must be given to the person who has those obligations as soon as practicable after they take effect; and
(b)
is conclusive evidence, in any proceedings under this Act, in the absence of proof to the contrary, of when those obligations took effect.
Section 89V: inserted, on 2 December 2021, by section 18 of the Crown Minerals (Decommissioning and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 53).
Section 89V heading: amended, on 6 August 2025, by section 52(1) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 40).
Section 89V(1): amended, on 6 August 2025, by section 52(2) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 40).
89W Criteria for agreeing or setting time frames for decommissioning of wells
When considering under section 89V what date or dates for decommissioning are to be agreed, or specified, by the Minister, the Minister must consider—
(a)
the size of the field to be decommissioned:
(b)
the complexity of the required decommissioning:
(c)
the subpart 2 decommissioning plan:
(d)
the decommissioning cost estimate:
(e)
the estimated date on which production in the field will cease:
(f)
the time required to comply with requirements under other enactments before decommissioning can commence or be completed:
(g)
any other matters the Minister considers relevant.
Section 89W: inserted, on 2 December 2021, by section 18 of the Crown Minerals (Decommissioning and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 53).
89X Joint and several liability
(1)
Subsection (2) applies if section 89R applies and there is a permit holder who is 2 or more persons.
(2)
Each person to whom this subsection applies is jointly and severally liable to comply with and perform the obligations of the permit holder in relation to carrying out, and meeting the costs of, plugging and abandoning wells.
(3)
Subsection (4) applies if section 89S applies and there is a licence holder who is 2 or more persons.
(4)
Each person to whom this subsection applies is jointly and severally liable to perform the obligations of the licence holder in relation to carrying out, and meeting the costs of, plugging and abandoning wells.
Section 89X: inserted, on 2 December 2021, by section 18 of the Crown Minerals (Decommissioning and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 53).
Exemptions and deferrals
Heading: inserted, on 2 December 2021, by section 18 of the Crown Minerals (Decommissioning and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 53).
89Y Exemption and deferral powers of Minister
(1)
The Minister may, on application or on their own initiative, and if they consider it appropriate,—
(a)
exempt a permit holder or licence holder from the requirements of this subpart to decommission a particular item of petroleum infrastructure (in whole or in part) or to plug and abandon a particular well; or
(b)
defer the time for complying with an obligation to decommission a particular item of petroleum infrastructure (in whole or in part) or to plug and abandon a particular well.
(2)
The Minister may—
(a)
grant an exemption or a deferral on any terms and conditions that they consider appropriate:
(b)
amend or revoke an exemption or a deferral:
(c)
grant an exemption for an indefinite or a limited period:
(d)
replace an exemption or a deferral either before or when it expires.
(3)
An application under subsection (1) must be made in the prescribed manner (if any) and be accompanied by the prescribed fee (if any).
(4)
If the Minister grants an exemption or a deferral under this section, the Minister must provide the licence holder or permit holder with reasons for their decision and state them in the notice of exemption or deferral.
(5)
Class exemptions and class deferrals may be granted by regulations (see section 105).
Section 89Y: inserted, on 2 December 2021, by section 18 of the Crown Minerals (Decommissioning and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 53).
Section 89Y(1)(a): amended, on 6 August 2025, by section 53 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 40).
Section 89Y(1)(b): amended, on 6 August 2025, by section 53 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 40).
89Z Criteria for granting exemption
(1)
Before granting an exemption under section 89Y, the Minister must—
(a)
be satisfied—
(i)
that the requirements are unreasonable or inappropriate in the particular case; or
(ii)
that events have occurred that make the requirements unnecessary or inappropriate in the particular case; or
(b)
be satisfied that the petroleum infrastructure or well in question will be used for a purpose other than exploration for, or mining of, petroleum by the person to be granted the exemption.
(2)
For the purposes of applying subsection (1)(b), the Minister may consider the following matters:
(a)
the ownership of the petroleum infrastructure or well in question:
(b)
any prescribed criteria:
(c)
any other matter the Minister considers relevant.
Section 89Z: inserted, on 2 December 2021, by section 18 of the Crown Minerals (Decommissioning and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 53).
89ZA Criteria for grant of deferral
(1)
Before granting a deferral under section 89Y, the Minister must be satisfied that it is appropriate in the circumstances to defer the obligation to meet the requirements to a later date in the particular case.
(2)
For the purposes of applying subsection (1), the Minister must consider—
(a)
whether there is economic value to the owners of the petroleum infrastructure or well in deferring the decommissioning of that petroleum infrastructure or plugging and abandoning that well:
(b)
the impact of failing to grant a deferral on the operation of associated petroleum infrastructure and wells:
(c)
any plans for field development:
(d)
the likelihood of an increase or a decrease in the costs of decommissioning during any deferral period, and the extent of that increase, so far as it can be estimated:
(e)
any other matter the Minister considers relevant.
Section 89ZA: inserted, on 2 December 2021, by section 18 of the Crown Minerals (Decommissioning and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 53).
Reporting requirements
Heading: inserted, on 2 December 2021, by section 18 of the Crown Minerals (Decommissioning and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 53).
89ZB Subpart 2 decommissioning plan
(1)
A person who is, or will be, obliged, under this subpart, to carry out and meet the costs of decommissioning must submit a subpart 2 decommissioning plan to the chief executive—
(a)
at the prescribed times (if any); and
(b)
within a specified time of the occurrence of prescribed events (if any); and
(c)
on request from the Minister, within any reasonable time specified in the request.
(2)
The subpart 2 decommissioning plan must—
(a)
describe the planned decommissioning activities and the processes to be used to carry out those activities, and set out a proposed schedule for those activities; and
(b)
be accurate as at the date of submission to the chief executive; and
(c)
contain the prescribed information (if any); and
(d)
meet any further prescribed requirements.
Section 89ZB: inserted, on 2 December 2021, by section 18 of the Crown Minerals (Decommissioning and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 53).
89ZC Decommissioning cost estimate
(1)
A person who is, or will be, obliged, under this subpart, to carry out and meet the costs of decommissioning must submit a cost estimate of all anticipated decommissioning work (a decommissioning cost estimate) to the chief executive—
(a)
at the prescribed times (if any); and
(b)
within a specified time of the occurrence of prescribed events (if any); and
(c)
on request from the Minister, within any reasonable time specified in the request.
(2)
The decommissioning cost estimate must—
(a)
comply with the standards prescribed (if any) for developing that estimate; and
(b)
meet any further prescribed requirements.
(3)
The Minister may require any person who submits a cost estimate under subsection (1) to supply further information relating to the cost estimate within a time specified by the Minister.
Section 89ZC: inserted, on 2 December 2021, by section 18 of the Crown Minerals (Decommissioning and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 53).
89ZD Asset registers to be submitted to chief executive
(1)
A permit holder or licence holder who is obliged, under this subpart, to carry out and meet the costs of decommissioning (A) must submit an asset register to the chief executive—
(a)
at the prescribed times (if any); and
(b)
within a specified time of the occurrence of prescribed events (if any); and
(c)
on request from the Minister, within any reasonable time specified in the request.
(2)
The asset register must—
(a)
be a complete and accurate list of the petroleum infrastructure and wells that A must decommission under sections 89J, 89K, 89R, and 89S; and
(b)
contain the prescribed information (if any); and
(c)
meet any further prescribed requirements.
Section 89ZD: inserted, on 2 December 2021, by section 18 of the Crown Minerals (Decommissioning and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 53).
89ZE Decommissioning completion report
(1)
A person who is obliged, under this subpart, to carry out and meet the costs of decommissioning must submit a decommissioning completion report to the chief executive—
(a)
at the prescribed times (if any); and
(b)
within a specified time of the occurrence of prescribed events (if any); and
(c)
on request from the Minister, within any reasonable time specified in the request.
(2)
The decommissioning completion report must—
(a)
contain the prescribed information (if any); and
(b)
meet any further prescribed requirements.
Section 89ZE: inserted, on 2 December 2021, by section 18 of the Crown Minerals (Decommissioning and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 53).
Ongoing monitoring of financial position
Heading: inserted, on 2 December 2021, by section 18 of the Crown Minerals (Decommissioning and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 53).
89ZF Permit and licence holders must provide information needed to monitor financial position
(1)
A permit holder or licence holder (A) who is, or will be, obliged, under this subpart, to carry out and meet the costs of decommissioning must keep a record of any information prescribed by regulations as relevant and reasonably necessary to enable the Minister to monitor A’s financial position (including in relation to financial securities).
(2)
A must submit a copy of the information to the Minister—
(a)
at the prescribed times (if any); or
(b)
on request from the Minister, within any reasonable time specified in the request.
(3)
The Minister may, by written notice, require the person to provide any further information that the Minister considers relevant and reasonably necessary.
(4)
The person must provide a copy of the information to the Minister—
(a)
in the form and in the manner set out in the notice; and
(b)
within any reasonable time specified in the notice requiring the information.
Section 89ZF: inserted, on 2 December 2021, by section 18 of the Crown Minerals (Decommissioning and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 53).
Financial capability assessments
Heading: inserted, on 2 December 2021, by section 18 of the Crown Minerals (Decommissioning and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 53).
89ZG Minister may assess financial capability to meet decommissioning obligations
(1)
This section applies to a permit holder or licence holder (A) who is, or will be, obliged, under this subpart, to carry out and meet the costs of decommissioning.
(2)
The Minister may carry out an assessment to determine whether A is highly likely to have the financial capability to carry out and meet the costs of decommissioning (a financial capability assessment).
(3)
The Minister may carry out a financial capability assessment at any time while the relevant permit or licence is in force.
(4)
The Minister may appoint any suitably qualified person to carry out a financial capability assessment on their behalf.
Section 89ZG: inserted, on 2 December 2021, by section 18 of the Crown Minerals (Decommissioning and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 53).
89ZH Criteria for considering whether to carry out financial capability assessment
When considering whether to carry out a financial capability assessment under section 89ZG, the Minister may take into account—
(a)
information received under the following:
(i)
section 42B (field development plan):
(ii)
section 89ZB (decommissioning plan):
(iii)
section 89ZC (decommissioning cost estimate):
(iv)
section 89ZD (asset register):
(v)
section 89ZF (information needed to monitor financial position); and
(b)
the circumstances of the particular permit holder or licence holder; and
(c)
any information relating to current or emerging risks to the permit holder’s or licence holder’s ability to comply with their obligations under this subpart; and
(d)
any other matters the Minister considers relevant.
Section 89ZH: inserted, on 2 December 2021, by section 18 of the Crown Minerals (Decommissioning and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 53).
89ZI Process for carrying out financial capability assessment
When carrying out a financial capability assessment under section 89ZG, the Minister—
(a)
may take into account information received under the following:
(i)
section 42B (field development plan):
(ii)
section 89ZB (subpart 2 decommissioning plan):
(iii)
section 89ZC (decommissioning cost estimate):
(iv)
section 89ZD (asset register):
(v)
section 89ZF (information needed to monitor financial performance); and
(b)
may take into account any other information the Minister considers relevant; and
(c)
must meet the prescribed requirements (if any).
Section 89ZI: inserted, on 2 December 2021, by section 18 of the Crown Minerals (Decommissioning and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 53).
89ZJ Minister must notify outcome of financial capability assessment
As soon as practicable after a financial capability assessment under section 89ZG is completed, the Minister must notify the permit holder or licence holder of—
(a)
the Minister’s conclusion as to whether they are highly likely to have the financial capability to carry out and meet the costs of decommissioning; and
(b)
the reasons for that conclusion.
Section 89ZJ: inserted, on 2 December 2021, by section 18 of the Crown Minerals (Decommissioning and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 53).
89ZK Relevant persons must provide supporting information
(1)
This section applies to—
(a)
a permit holder or licence holder who may be subject to a financial capability assessment under section 89ZG; and
(b)
any other person the Minister considers is likely to hold information that is relevant and reasonably necessary to carry out the financial capability assessment (for example, parent companies, banks, or auditors).
(2)
The person must keep a record of any information prescribed by regulations as relevant and reasonably necessary to enable the Minister to carry out a financial capability assessment.
(3)
The person must provide a copy of the information to the Minister—
(a)
on or before the prescribed time (if any); or
(b)
on request from the Minister, within any reasonable time specified in the request.
(4)
The Minister may, by written notice, require the person to provide any further information that the Minister considers relevant and reasonably necessary to carry out the financial capability assessment.
(5)
The person must provide a copy of the information to the Minister—
(a)
in the form and in the manner set out in the notice; and
(b)
within any reasonable time specified in the notice requiring the information.
(6)
To avoid doubt, information gathered under this section is subject to section 90A (disclosure of information).
Section 89ZK: inserted, on 2 December 2021, by section 18 of the Crown Minerals (Decommissioning and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 53).
Financial securities
Heading: inserted, on 2 December 2021, by section 18 of the Crown Minerals (Decommissioning and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 53).
89ZL Permit and licence holders must put in place and maintain acceptable financial security arrangement
(1)
A permit holder or licence holder (whenever the permit or licence was granted) must ensure that there is in place and maintained an acceptable financial security arrangement, determined by the Minister under section 89ZN(1), as security for the performance of the obligations under this subpart in the event that the permit holder or licence holder fails to carry out, or separately meet the costs of, the decommissioning.
(2)
The Minister must, as soon as is reasonably practicable after commencement, give each permit holder or licence holder a notice requiring them—
(a)
to advise the chief executive in the prescribed manner (if any), by a specified date, of the financial security arrangement that the permit holder or licence holder considers appropriate; and
(b)
to provide any information specified by the Minister to enable the Minister to make the decisions referred to in subsection (1).
(3)
However, if the permit holder or licence holder already has in place a financial security arrangement that the holder considers appropriate when they receive notice under subsection (2), they may propose that the Minister approve the continuation of that financial security arrangement (with or without modifications) as the Minister’s determination referred to in subsection (1).
(4)
The permit holder or licence holder must provide the information referred to in subsection (2)(b) and any proposal under subsection (3)—
(a)
in the form and manner set out in the notice; and
(b)
within any reasonable time set out in the notice requiring the information.
(5)
Any financial security arrangement referred to in this section and each financial security that forms part of that financial security arrangement is put in place and maintained for the benefit of the Crown.
(6)
To avoid doubt, information gathered under this section is subject to section 90A (disclosure of information).
Guidance note
For the definition of acceptable financial security arrangement, see section 89D(1).
For the definition of financial security arrangement, see section 89D(1).
Section 89ZL: replaced, on 6 August 2025, by section 54 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 40).
89ZM Matters Minister must take into account in determining acceptable financial security arrangement
(1)
The Minister must, when determining whether a financial security arrangement to be put in place and maintained by or on behalf of a permit holder or licence holder is acceptable, take into account—
(a)
the information (if any) provided by the permit holder or licence holder under section 89ZL(2)(b), and any proposal under section 89ZL(3):
(b)
the prescribed criteria (if any) relating to acceptable financial security arrangements including, without limitation, the following:
(i)
particular kinds and amounts of financial security:
(ii)
any prescribed or preferred hierarchy of financial securities:
(iii)
whether there is a preferred kind of financial security in the particular situation:
(iv)
the permit holder or licence holder or other persons or classes of persons who may provide financial securities:
(c)
the following:
(i)
the estimated cost of decommissioning:
(ii)
the extent to which the amount to be secured will cover the estimated cost of decommissioning:
(iii)
the extent to which the financial security arrangement to be put in place will ensure that the Crown will obtain payment of the amount in the event that the permit holder or licence holder fails to carry out the decommissioning or separately meet those costs:
(d)
the circumstances of the particular permit holder or licence holder:
(e)
the time needed for the particular permit holder or licence holder to comply with their obligations under this subpart, and the time when work will need to start in order to achieve this:
(f)
the estimated administration costs to the particular permit holder or licence holder or any other person of putting in place and maintaining the financial security arrangement for the required period:
(g)
any information relating to current or emerging risks to the permit holder’s or licence holder’s ability to comply with their obligations under this subpart:
(h)
the conclusions of the most recent financial capability assessment (if any):
(i)
any other matters the Minister considers relevant.
(2)
The Minister may, by notice, require a permit holder or licence holder to give the Minister any information that the Minister considers will assist the Minister in determining what is an acceptable financial security arrangement.
(3)
The permit holder or licence holder must provide the information referred to in subsection (2)—
(a)
in the form and in the manner set out in the notice requiring the information; and
(b)
within any reasonable time specified in the notice requiring the information.
Section 89ZM: replaced, on 6 August 2025, by section 54 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 40).
89ZN Decision of Minister
(1)
The Minister, after following the processes set out in sections 89ZL and 89ZM, must—
(a)
determine the acceptable financial security arrangement to be put in place and maintained by or on behalf of the permit holder or licence holder, including, without limitation,—
(i)
the amount, or the mechanism for determining the amount, secured by each financial security comprised in the financial security arrangement:
(ii)
the time by which the financial security arrangement must be in place (including, if applicable, the times when different financial securities that comprise the financial security arrangement must or may be in place):
(iii)
if applicable, how the financial securities that comprise the financial security arrangement are to be held and who is to hold them:
(iv)
the circumstances in which 1 or more parties to each financial security will be released from their obligations to maintain that financial security:
(v)
any other matters that the Minister considers appropriate:
(b)
impose any conditions of the financial security arrangement that the Minister considers appropriate.
(2)
The Minister may also direct how the financial security arrangement must operate, in accordance with the prescribed requirements (if any).
(3)
If the financial security arrangement required includes a bond or a monetary deposit paid to the chief executive, then,—
(a)
if the bond or monetary deposit relates to a participating interest in a permit, section 97 (except subsection (4)) applies:
(b)
if the bond or monetary deposit relates to a licence or a participating interest in a licence, section 47H of the Petroleum Act 1937 (as preserved by clause 12(1)(a) of Schedule 1 of this Act) applies.
(4)
If the financial security arrangement required includes a bond or a monetary deposit held either in accordance with section 97 or separately by a third party (for example, in an escrow account), the permit holder or licence holder may, with the consent of the Minister, use a part or all of those amounts to carry out the decommissioning to which that financial security arrangement relates.
(5)
The Minister must give the permit holder or licence holder a notice of the Minister’s decision specifying the acceptable financial security arrangement to be put in place and maintained, including, without limitation,—
(a)
the amount, or the mechanism to be used for determining the amount, to be secured by each financial security comprised in the financial security arrangement:
(b)
the time by which the financial security arrangement must be in place, including, if applicable, the times when different financial securities that comprise the financial security arrangement must or may be in place:
(c)
if applicable, how the financial securities that comprise the financial security arrangement are to be held and who must hold them:
(d)
the circumstances in which 1 or more parties to each financial security will be released from their obligation to maintain the financial security:
(e)
any other matters the Minister considers appropriate:
(f)
a summary of the reasons for the Minister’s decision.
(6)
To avoid doubt, the Minister may enter into, be a party to, or execute any financial security on behalf of the Crown.
Section 89ZN: replaced, on 6 August 2025, by section 54 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 40).
89ZO Alteration of 1 or more elements of financial security arrangement
(1)
The Minister may, at any time, require or allow a permit holder or licence holder referred to in section 89ZN(1) to—
(a)
alter the amount, or mechanism for determining the amount, secured by 1 or more of the financial securities comprised in the financial security arrangement referred to in section 89ZN(1); or
(b)
alter any other requirements of the financial security arrangement or any financial security comprised in that arrangement (for example, by changing the person who must hold 1 or more financial securities, or the time by which 1 or more financial securities must be in place).
(2)
When exercising a power conferred by subsection (1), the Minister must take into account the matters referred to in section 89ZM(1)(b) to (i).
Section 89ZO: replaced, on 6 August 2025, by section 54 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 40).
89ZP Minister must notify required or permitted changes to financial security arrangement
(1)
The Minister must, after exercising a power under section 89ZO(1)(a) or (b), give the affected permit holder or licence holder written notice of the required or permitted changes to the financial security arrangement referred to in section 89ZN(1) and the time by which the permit holder or licence holder must or may make these changes (as the case requires).
(2)
The notice must be accompanied by reasons for the required or permitted change.
Section 89ZP: replaced, on 6 August 2025, by section 54 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 40).
89ZQ Permit holder or licence holder may object to required financial security arrangement or required change to that arrangement
(1)
A permit holder or licence holder who receives written notice under section 89ZN(5) or 89ZP(1) may, within 30 working days of receiving that notice, object to the required financial security arrangement or a required change, as the case requires, by notice in writing to the Minister.
(2)
A notice of objection under subsection (1) must be accompanied by reasons for, and evidence or other information supporting, the objection and refer to the criteria in section 89ZM that the objector considers relevant.
(3)
If a permit holder or licence holder makes an objection under subsection (1), they cannot make any subsequent objection to the required financial security arrangement or required change described in the notice unless there is a change in circumstances.
Section 89ZQ: replaced, on 6 August 2025, by section 54 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 40).
89ZR What happens if permit holder or licence holder makes objection
(1)
If a permit holder or licence holder makes an objection under section 89ZQ, the Minister must—
(a)
give the permit holder or licence holder an opportunity to be heard; and
(b)
consider and determine the objection within a reasonable time after its receipt.
(2)
The Minister must—
(a)
dismiss the objection; or
(b)
uphold the objection in whole or in part.
(3)
Not later than 30 working days after deciding whether to uphold an objection, the Minister must send to the permit holder or licence holder—
(a)
a copy of the decision, which must include the reasons for the decision; and
(b)
written notice of any required or permitted changes to the financial security arrangement to be put in place and maintained or the amount secured, as the case requires; and
(c)
if paragraph (b) applies, and the changes are required changes, the time by which the permit holder or licence holder must comply with the changes referred to in paragraph (b).
Section 89ZR: inserted, on 2 December 2021, by section 18 of the Crown Minerals (Decommissioning and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 53).
Section 89ZR(3)(b): amended, on 6 August 2025, by section 55 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 40).
Subpart 3—Post-decommissioning obligations
Subpart 3: inserted, on 1 December 2023, by section 18 of the Crown Minerals (Decommissioning and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 53).
89ZS Application of this subpart
(1)
This subpart applies to—
(a)
each permit holder:
(b)
each licence holder:
(c)
any other person who is, or will be, obliged under subpart 2 to carry out and meet the costs of decommissioning.
(2)
This subpart applies only in relation to—
(a)
petroleum infrastructure that was decommissioned on or after commencement; or
(b)
any well that was plugged and abandoned on or after commencement.
Section 89ZS: inserted, on 1 December 2023, by section 18 of the Crown Minerals (Decommissioning and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 53).
89ZT Relationship between this subpart and other enactments and permit or licence conditions
(1)
This subpart does not limit or affect any person’s obligations under another enactment or under the conditions of a current permit or licence.
(2)
Any requirement under this subpart for a person to supply information does not replace or limit any requirement for that person to supply information under any other provision of this Act or another enactment.
Section 89ZT: inserted, on 1 December 2023, by section 18 of the Crown Minerals (Decommissioning and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 53).
89ZU Interpretation
In this subpart, unless the context otherwise requires,—
commencement, in relation to any provision in this subpart, means the day on which that provision commences
current licence holder has the same meaning as in section 89D
current permit holder has the same meaning as in section 89D
licence has the same meaning as in section 89D
permit has the same meaning as in section 89D
petroleum infrastructure has the meaning set out in section 89F
post-decommissioning work means—
(a)
monitoring decommissioned petroleum infrastructure and wells in order to determine if activities need to be undertaken under paragraph (b):
(b)
activities carried out in relation to the remediation of—
(i)
petroleum infrastructure that has been decommissioned but not removed:
(ii)
a well that has been plugged and abandoned:
(iii)
environmental damage or health and safety risks caused by a failure of the decommissioning of petroleum infrastructure or a well referred to in subparagraph (i) or (ii)
well has the meaning set out in section 89D.
Section 89ZU: inserted, on 1 December 2023, by section 18 of the Crown Minerals (Decommissioning and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 53).
89ZV Post-decommissioning obligations
(1)
Any person who is obliged under section 89J(1), 89K(1), 89R(1), or 89S(1) to carry out and meet the costs of decommissioning must carry out, and meet the costs of, any post-decommissioning work required on petroleum infrastructure or, as the case requires, 1 or more wells that have been decommissioned.
(2)
The liability created by subsection (1) continues indefinitely.
(3)
Every person who is obliged under subsection (1) to carry out and meet the costs of post-decommissioning work must,—
(a)
if the person is a body corporate, notify the chief executive as soon as practicable after—
(i)
any change of control of the body corporate:
(ii)
any change in the place where the body corporate is registered or has its head office:
(b)
after receiving any monitoring report or documents relating to post-decommissioning remediation work, promptly send the report or documents to the Minister.
Section 89ZV: replaced, on 6 August 2025, by section 56 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 40).
89ZW Matters for Minister to consider
[Repealed]Section 89ZW: repealed, on 6 August 2025, by section 56 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 40).
89ZX Details of payment or financial security
[Repealed]Section 89ZX: repealed, on 6 August 2025, by section 56 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 40).
89ZY Other duties of chief executive
[Repealed]Section 89ZY: repealed, on 6 August 2025, by section 56 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 40).
89ZZ Other duties of Minister
[Repealed]Section 89ZZ: repealed, on 6 August 2025, by section 56 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 40).
Exemptions
Heading: inserted, on 1 December 2023, by section 18 of the Crown Minerals (Decommissioning and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 53).
89ZZA Exemption powers of Minister
(1)
The Minister may, if they consider it appropriate and if satisfied that the criteria in section 89ZZB(1) are satisfied, exempt a permit holder or a licence holder from the obligation to carry out and meet the costs of any post-decommissioning work.
(2)
The Minister—
(a)
may grant an exemption on any terms and conditions that the Minister considers appropriate:
(b)
may amend or revoke an exemption:
(c)
may grant an exemption for an indefinite or a limited period:
(d)
may replace an exemption either before or when it expires:
(e)
must provide a summary of reasons for a decision under paragraphs (a) to (d) and include that summary in the notice of exemption.
(3)
Class exemptions may be granted by regulations (see section 105).
Section 89ZZA: inserted, on 1 December 2023, by section 18 of the Crown Minerals (Decommissioning and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 53).
Section 89ZZA(1): replaced, on 6 August 2025, by section 57 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 40).
89ZZB Criteria for granting exemption
(1)
Before granting an exemption under section 89ZZA(1), the Minister must be satisfied that—
(a)
the requirement is unreasonable or inappropriate in the particular case; or
(b)
events have occurred that make the requirement unnecessary or inappropriate in the particular case.
(2)
For the purposes of applying subsection (1)(a) and (b), the Minister must consider the prescribed criteria (if any).
Section 89ZZB: inserted, on 1 December 2023, by section 18 of the Crown Minerals (Decommissioning and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 53).
Subpart 4—Enforcement, remedies, and appeals
Subpart 4: inserted, on 2 December 2021, by section 18 of the Crown Minerals (Decommissioning and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 53).
89ZZC Application of this subpart
This subpart applies in relation to any contravention or alleged contravention of this Act or the regulations.
Section 89ZZC: inserted, on 2 December 2021, by section 18 of the Crown Minerals (Decommissioning and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 53).
89ZZD Chief executive or enforcement officer may accept enforceable undertakings
(1)
The chief executive or an enforcement officer may accept an enforceable undertaking given by a person in writing in connection with a matter relating to a contravention or an alleged contravention by the person of this Act or the regulations.
(2)
The giving of an enforceable undertaking does not constitute an admission of guilt by the person giving it in relation to the contravention or alleged contravention to which the undertaking relates.
Compare: 2015 No 70 s 123
Section 89ZZD: inserted, on 2 December 2021, by section 18 of the Crown Minerals (Decommissioning and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 53).
89ZZE Notice of decision and reasons for decision
The chief executive or enforcement officer must give the person seeking to make an enforceable undertaking written notice of—
(a)
their decision to accept or reject the undertaking; and
(b)
the reasons for the decision.
Compare: 2015 No 70 s 124
Section 89ZZE: inserted, on 2 December 2021, by section 18 of the Crown Minerals (Decommissioning and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 53).
89ZZF When enforceable undertaking is enforceable
An enforceable undertaking takes effect and becomes enforceable when the chief executive’s or enforcement officer’s decision to accept the undertaking is given to the person who made the undertaking, or at any later date specified by the chief executive or enforcement officer.
Compare: 2015 No 70 s 125
Section 89ZZF: inserted, on 2 December 2021, by section 18 of the Crown Minerals (Decommissioning and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 53).
89ZZG Compliance with enforceable undertaking
(1)
A person must not contravene an enforceable undertaking given by that person that is in force.
(2)
A person who contravenes subsection (1) commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $200,000.
Compare: 2015 No 70 s 126
Section 89ZZG: inserted, on 2 December 2021, by section 18 of the Crown Minerals (Decommissioning and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 53).
89ZZH Contravention of enforceable undertaking
(1)
The chief executive or an enforcement officer may apply to the District Court for an order referred to in subsection (2) if a person contravenes an enforceable undertaking.
(2)
If the court is satisfied that the person who made the enforceable undertaking has contravened the undertaking, the court may make either or both of the following orders:
(a)
an order directing the person to comply with the undertaking:
(b)
an order discharging the undertaking.
(3)
In addition to the orders referred to in subsection (2), the court may make any other order that the court considers appropriate in the circumstances, including orders directing the person to pay the department that, with the authority of the Prime Minister, is responsible for the administration of this Act—
(a)
the costs of the proceedings; and
(b)
the reasonable costs of the chief executive or the enforcement officer in monitoring compliance with the enforceable undertaking in the future.
(4)
This section does not prevent proceedings being brought for the contravention or alleged contravention of this Act or regulations to which the enforceable undertaking relates.
Compare: 2015 No 70 s 127
Section 89ZZH: inserted, on 2 December 2021, by section 18 of the Crown Minerals (Decommissioning and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 53).
89ZZI Withdrawal or variation of enforceable undertaking
(1)
A person who has given an enforceable undertaking may at any time, with the written agreement of the chief executive,—
(a)
withdraw the undertaking; or
(b)
vary the undertaking.
(2)
However, the provisions of the undertaking cannot be varied to provide for a different alleged contravention of this Act or regulations.
Compare: 2015 No 70 s 128
Section 89ZZI: inserted, on 2 December 2021, by section 18 of the Crown Minerals (Decommissioning and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 53).
89ZZJ Proceedings for alleged contravention
(1)
Subject to this section, no proceedings (whether civil or criminal) for a contravention or an alleged contravention of this Act or regulations may be brought against a person if an enforceable undertaking is in effect in relation to that contravention.
(2)
No proceedings may be brought for a contravention or an alleged contravention of this Act or regulations against a person who—
(a)
has made an enforceable undertaking in relation to that contravention; and
(b)
has completely discharged the enforceable undertaking.
(3)
The chief executive or an enforcement officer may accept an enforceable undertaking in relation to a contravention or an alleged contravention before proceedings in relation to that contravention have been completed.
(4)
If the chief executive or an enforcement officer accepts an enforceable undertaking before the proceedings are completed, the chief executive or an enforcement officer must take all reasonable steps to have the proceedings discontinued as soon as practicable.
Compare: 2015 No 70 s 129
Section 89ZZJ: inserted, on 2 December 2021, by section 18 of the Crown Minerals (Decommissioning and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 53).
Compliance notices
Heading: inserted, on 2 December 2021, by section 18 of the Crown Minerals (Decommissioning and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 53).
89ZZK Power to issue compliance notices
(1)
This section applies if the chief executive or an enforcement officer reasonably believes that a person—
(a)
is contravening a provision of this Act or the regulations; or
(b)
is likely to contravene a provision of this Act or the regulations.
(2)
The chief executive or enforcement officer may issue a compliance notice requiring the person to—
(a)
remedy the contravention; or
(b)
prevent a likely contravention from occurring; or
(c)
remedy the things or activities causing the contravention or likely to cause a contravention.
(3)
The chief executive or enforcement officer may issue a compliance notice only, if in the opinion of the chief executive or enforcement officer,—
(a)
the contravention or likely contravention is or would be sufficiently serious to justify the issue of a compliance notice; or
(b)
there has been a repeated contravention or a repetition of behaviour that is likely to lead to a contravention occurring; or
(c)
the contravention or behaviour likely to lead to a contravention has been committed intentionally or recklessly or involves negligence on the person’s part.
(4)
However, each of the criteria specified in subsection (3)(a) to (c) may be considered on the basis of the information readily available to the chief executive or enforcement officer, and the chief executive or enforcement officer need not make further enquiries before applying those criteria.
Compare: 2015 No 70 s 101
Section 89ZZK: inserted, on 2 December 2021, by section 18 of the Crown Minerals (Decommissioning and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 53).
89ZZL Content of compliance notices
(1)
A compliance notice must state—
(a)
that the chief executive or an enforcement officer believes, on reasonable grounds, that the person—
(i)
is contravening a provision of this Act or the regulations; or
(ii)
is likely to contravene a provision of this Act or the regulations; and
(b)
the provision the chief executive or enforcement officer believes, on reasonable grounds, is being, or is likely to be, contravened; and
(c)
briefly, how the provision is being, or is likely to be, contravened; and
(d)
a period within which the person is required to remedy—
(i)
the contravention or likely contravention; or
(ii)
the things or activities causing the contravention or likely to cause a contravention.
(2)
A compliance notice may include recommendations concerning—
(a)
the measures that could be taken to remedy the contravention, or prevent the likely contravention, to which the notice relates:
(b)
the things or activities causing the contravention, or likely to cause a contravention, to which the notice relates.
Compare: 2015 No 70 s 102
Section 89ZZL: inserted, on 2 December 2021, by section 18 of the Crown Minerals (Decommissioning and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 53).
89ZZM Compliance with compliance notice
(1)
A person who has been issued with a compliance notice must comply with the notice within the period specified in the notice.
(2)
A person who contravenes subsection (1) commits an offence and is liable, on conviction, to a fine not exceeding $200,000.
(3)
However, in a prosecution for an offence against subsection (2), the defendant has a defence if they prove that they had a reasonable excuse for failing to comply with the compliance notice within the required period.
(4)
It is not an offence to fail to comply with recommendations in a compliance notice.
Compare: 2015 No 70 s 103
Section 89ZZM: inserted, on 2 December 2021, by section 18 of the Crown Minerals (Decommissioning and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 53).
89ZZN Extension of time for compliance with compliance notices
(1)
This section applies if a person has been issued with a compliance notice.
(2)
The chief executive or enforcement officer may, on their own initiative or on the application of the person, by written notice given to the person, extend the compliance period for the compliance notice.
(3)
However, the chief executive or enforcement officer may extend the compliance period only if the period has not ended.
(4)
If a person applies for an extension of time for complying with a compliance notice not less than 2 weeks before the time for compliance expires but a decision has not been made on the application before the time for compliance expires, the period for compliance is deemed to be extended for a period of 2 weeks, to enable a decision on extension to be made within that period.
(5)
In this section, compliance period—
(a)
means the period stated in the compliance notice under section 89ZZL(1); and
(b)
includes any extension of that period under this section.
Compare: 2015 No 70 s 104
Section 89ZZN: inserted, on 2 December 2021, by section 18 of the Crown Minerals (Decommissioning and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 53).
General provisions
Heading: inserted, on 2 December 2021, by section 18 of the Crown Minerals (Decommissioning and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 53).
89ZZO General provisions relating to compliance notices
(1)
A compliance notice must be in writing.
(2)
A compliance notice may be addressed to any person under the person’s legal name or usual business name.
Compare: 2015 No 70 s 112
Section 89ZZO: inserted, on 2 December 2021, by section 18 of the Crown Minerals (Decommissioning and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 53).
89ZZP Changes to notice by chief executive or enforcement officer
The chief executive or an enforcement officer (as the case may be) may make minor changes to a compliance notice—
(a)
for clarification; or
(b)
to correct errors or references; or
(c)
to reflect changes of address or other circumstances.
Compare: 2015 No 70 s 113
Section 89ZZP: inserted, on 2 December 2021, by section 18 of the Crown Minerals (Decommissioning and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 53).
89ZZQ Chief executive or enforcement officer may vary or cancel compliance notice
Except as provided in section 89ZZP, a compliance notice issued by the chief executive or an enforcement officer may be varied or cancelled only by the chief executive or the enforcement officer.
Compare: 2015 No 70 s 114
Section 89ZZQ: inserted, on 2 December 2021, by section 18 of the Crown Minerals (Decommissioning and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 53).
89ZZR Formal irregularities or defects in compliance notice
A compliance notice is not invalid merely because of—
(a)
any defect, irregularity, omission, or want of form in the compliance notice unless the defect, irregularity, omission, or want of form causes or is likely to cause a miscarriage of justice; or
(b)
a failure to use the correct name of the person to whom the compliance notice is issued if the notice sufficiently identifies the person and is issued to the person in accordance with section 89ZZS.
Compare: 2015 No 70 s 115
Section 89ZZR: inserted, on 2 December 2021, by section 18 of the Crown Minerals (Decommissioning and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 53).
89ZZS Issue of compliance notice
(1)
A compliance notice may be issued to a person by—
(a)
delivering it to the person or, if the person refuses to accept it, bringing it to the person’s notice; or
(b)
leaving it for the person at the person’s last known place of residence with another person who appears to be of or over the age of 16 years; or
(c)
leaving it for the person at the person’s place of business or work with another person; or
(d)
sending it to the person by prepaid post addressed to the person’s last known place of residence or place of business or work; or
(e)
sending it to an electronic address of the person in any case where the person does not have a known place of residence or business in New Zealand.
(2)
Regulations may prescribe the steps a person to whom a compliance notice is issued must take to bring it to the attention of other persons.
(3)
A compliance notice—
(a)
posted under subsection (1)(d) is to be treated as having been received by the person on the fifth working day after the day on which it was posted:
(b)
delivered electronically under subsection (1)(e) is to be treated as having been received at the time the electronic communication first entered an information system that is outside the control of the chief executive or an enforcement officer.
Compare: 2015 No 70 s 116
Section 89ZZS: inserted, on 2 December 2021, by section 18 of the Crown Minerals (Decommissioning and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 53).
Civil proceedings for non-compliance with compliance notices
Heading: inserted, on 2 December 2021, by section 18 of the Crown Minerals (Decommissioning and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 53).
89ZZT Civil proceedings relating to non-compliance with compliance notice
(1)
On an application by the chief executive or an enforcement officer, the District Court may make an order—
(a)
compelling a person to comply with a compliance notice; or
(b)
restraining a person from contravening a compliance notice.
(2)
The court may make an order—
(a)
under subsection (1)(a), if it is satisfied that the person has refused or failed to comply with a compliance notice:
(b)
under subsection (1)(b), if it is satisfied that the person has contravened, is contravening, or is likely to contravene a compliance notice.
(3)
The courts may make an order under subsection (2) whether or not proceedings have been brought for an offence against this Act or regulations in connection with any matter in relation to which the compliance notice was issued.
Compare: 2015 No 70 s 122
Section 89ZZT: inserted, on 2 December 2021, by section 18 of the Crown Minerals (Decommissioning and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 53).
Pecuniary penalties
Heading: inserted, on 2 December 2021, by section 18 of the Crown Minerals (Decommissioning and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 53).
89ZZU Reasonable mistake defence in pecuniary penalty proceedings
(1)
Every person has a defence to proceedings for pecuniary penalties under section 89ZZV, in connection with a breach of this Act, if the person proves that—
(a)
the breach was due to a reasonable mistake or due to events outside of the person’s control; and
(b)
the breach was remedied (to the extent that it could be remedied) as soon as practicable after the breach was discovered by the person or brought to the person’s notice; and
(c)
the person has compensated or offered to compensate any person who has suffered loss or damage by that breach.
(2)
For the avoidance of doubt, a mistake does not include a mistake of law or a mistake in the interpretation of any enactment or of any document.
Section 89ZZU: inserted, on 2 December 2021, by section 18 of the Crown Minerals (Decommissioning and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 53).
89ZZV Pecuniary penalties
(1)
A court of competent jurisdiction may, on the application of the chief executive, order a person to pay to the Crown the pecuniary penalty that the court determines to be appropriate if the court is satisfied that the person—
(a)
has contravened any of the following provisions:
(i)
sections 89J and 89K (which require the decommissioning of petroleum infrastructure):
(ii)
sections 89R and 89S (which require the plugging and abandoning of wells):
(iii)
section 89ZL (which requires the establishment and maintenance of an acceptable financial security arrangement):
(iv)
[Repealed](b)
has attempted to contravene such a provision; or
(c)
has aided, abetted, counselled, or procured any other person to contravene such a provision; or
(d)
has induced, or attempted to induce, any other person, whether by threats or promises or otherwise, to contravene such a provision; or
(e)
has been in any way, directly or indirectly, knowingly concerned in, or party to, the contravention by any other person of such a provision; or
(f)
has conspired with any other person to contravene such a provision.
(1A)
A court of competent jurisdiction may, on the application of the chief executive, order an outgoing person to pay to the Crown the pecuniary penalty the court considers appropriate if the court is satisfied that the outgoing person has contravened section 41AB (which contains requirements relating to certain changes of controls).
(2)
In determining an appropriate penalty under this section, the court must have regard to all relevant matters, in particular,—
(a)
the nature and extent of the contravention; and
(b)
the nature and extent of any loss or damage suffered by any person because of the contravention; and
(c)
any gains made or losses avoided by the person in contravention; and
(d)
the circumstances in which the contravention took place (including whether the contravention was intentional, inadvertent, or caused by negligence).
(3)
The amount of any pecuniary penalty must not, in respect of each act or omission, exceed,—
(a)
in the case of an individual, $500,000; or
(b)
in the case of a body corporate, the greater of—
(i)
$10 million; or
(ii)
either—
(A)
if it can readily be ascertained and if the court is satisfied that the contravention resulted in a cost to the Crown or another person to remedy the effects of the contravention, 3 times the commercial gain; or
(B)
if the commercial gain cannot be readily ascertained, 10% of the turnover of the person and all its interconnected bodies corporate (if any) in each accounting period during which the contravention occurred.
(4)
Proceedings under this section may be commenced within 3 years after the matter giving rise to the contravention was discovered or ought reasonably to have been discovered.
(5)
Where conduct by any person constitutes a contravention of 2 or more provisions referred to in subsection (1)(a), proceedings may be instituted under this Act against that person in relation to the contravention of any 1 or more of the provisions; but no person is liable to more than 1 pecuniary penalty under this section in respect of the same conduct.
(6)
In this section, outgoing person has the same meaning as in section 41AA(1).
Compare: 2003 No 52 s 107A
Section 89ZZV: inserted, on 2 December 2021, by section 18 of the Crown Minerals (Decommissioning and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 53).
Section 89ZZV(1)(a)(iii): amended, on 6 August 2025, by section 58(1) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 40).
Section 89ZZV(1)(a)(iv): repealed, on 6 August 2025, by section 58(2) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 40).
Section 89ZZV(1A): inserted, on 6 August 2025, by section 58(3) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 40).
Section 89ZZV(3)(b)(i): amended, on 6 August 2025, by section 58(4) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 40).
Section 89ZZV(6): inserted, on 6 August 2025, by section 58(5) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 40).
89ZZW Proceedings for pecuniary penalties
In any proceedings under this subpart for a pecuniary penalty,—
(a)
the standard of proof is the standard of proof that applies in civil proceedings; and
(b)
the chief executive may, by order of the court, obtain discovery and administer interrogatories.
Compare: 2003 No 52 s 107B
Section 89ZZW: inserted, on 2 December 2021, by section 18 of the Crown Minerals (Decommissioning and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 53).
Criminal liability for knowingly failing to carry out certain obligations
Heading: inserted, on 2 December 2021, by section 18 of the Crown Minerals (Decommissioning and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 53).
89ZZX Criminal liability for knowingly failing to carry out certain obligations
(1)
This section applies to a person (A) if A is liable for 1 or more of the following (A’s decommissioning obligations):
(a)
carrying out or meeting the costs (or both) of decommissioning petroleum infrastructure under section 89J or 89K by the time A is required to do so under section 89N:
(b)
carrying out or meeting the costs (or both) of plugging and abandoning wells under section 89R or 89S by the time A is required to do so under section 89V.
(2)
A commits an offence if they do an act, fail to act, or engage in a course of conduct knowing that the act, failure to act, or course of conduct will result in A not being able to meet A’s decommissioning obligations.
(3)
If A is a permit holder or licence holder that is a body corporate who, during the period while they are a current permit or licence holder commits an offence under subsection (2), any person who is a director of A when A commits the offence also commits an offence.
(4)
If A is a body corporate who commits an offence under subsection (2) in relation to decommissioning obligations under section 89N(2) or 89V(2) (which impose decommissioning obligations when a permit or licence is revoked), any person who is a director of A when A commits the offence also commits an offence).
(5)
A person who commits an offence under this section is liable on conviction,—
(a)
in the case of an individual, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 2 years, or a fine not exceeding $1 million, or both; and
(b)
in any other case, the greater of the following:
(i)
a fine not exceeding $10 million:
(ii)
a fine not exceeding 3 times the cost of decommissioning.
(6)
Proceedings under this section may be commenced within 3 years after the matter giving rise to the offence was discovered or ought reasonably to have been discovered.
Section 89ZZX: inserted, on 2 December 2021, by section 18 of the Crown Minerals (Decommissioning and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 53).
89ZZY Defence to criminal liability for directors
(1)
In any proceeding against a director under section 89ZZX(3), it is a defence if the director proves that—
(a)
A took all reasonable steps to ensure A would meet A’s decommissioning obligations; or
(b)
the director took all reasonable steps to ensure that A would meet A’s decommissioning obligations; or
(c)
in the circumstances, the director could not reasonably have been expected to take steps to ensure that A would meet A’s decommissioning obligations.
(2)
In this section,—
A has the meaning set out in section 89ZZX
A’s decommissioning obligations has the meaning set out in section 89ZZX.
Section 89ZZY: inserted, on 2 December 2021, by section 18 of the Crown Minerals (Decommissioning and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 53).
Relationship between pecuniary penalties and criminal liability
Heading: inserted, on 2 December 2021, by section 18 of the Crown Minerals (Decommissioning and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 53).
89ZZZ Relationship between pecuniary penalties and criminal liability
(1)
A criminal proceeding for an offence may be commenced against a person in relation to particular conduct whether or not a proceeding for a pecuniary penalty has been commenced against the person in relation to the same conduct.
(2)
A proceeding for a pecuniary penalty against a person in relation to particular conduct is stayed if a criminal proceeding against the person for that conduct results in a conviction.
Section 89ZZZ: inserted, on 2 December 2021, by section 18 of the Crown Minerals (Decommissioning and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 53).
Restrictions on indemnities and insurance
Heading: inserted, on 2 December 2021, by section 18 of the Crown Minerals (Decommissioning and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 53).
89ZZZA Restriction on indemnities
(1)
A body corporate must not indemnify any director, employee, or agent, or former director, employee, or agent, of the body corporate or of any related body corporate (person C) in respect of—
(a)
any pecuniary penalty imposed on person C under this Act; or
(b)
any costs incurred by person C in defending any civil proceedings in which the pecuniary penalty referred to in paragraph (a) is imposed.
(2)
An indemnity given in contravention of subsection (1) is void.
(3)
In this section and section 89ZZZB, indemnify includes relieve or excuse from liability, whether before or after the liability arises, and indemnity has a corresponding meaning.
Compare: 2003 No 52 s 107D
Section 89ZZZA: inserted, on 2 December 2021, by section 18 of the Crown Minerals (Decommissioning and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 53).
89ZZZB Restriction on insurance
No person may enter into a contract of insurance that indemnifies or purports to indemnify a person (person C) in respect of—
(a)
any pecuniary penalty imposed on person C under this Act; or
(b)
any costs incurred by person C in defending any civil proceedings in which the pecuniary penalty referred to in paragraph (a) is imposed.
Compare: 2003 No 52 s 107E
Section 89ZZZB: inserted, on 2 December 2021, by section 18 of the Crown Minerals (Decommissioning and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 53).
Subpart 5—Crown liability
Subpart 5: inserted, on 2 December 2021, by section 18 of the Crown Minerals (Decommissioning and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 53).
89ZZZC Effects of subparts 2 and 3 on Crown liability
(1)
Subparts 2 and 3 of this Part (which deal with decommissioning and post-decommissioning obligations) do not require the Crown to undertake or pay for the decommissioning of petroleum infrastructure or wells or post-decommissioning work.
(2)
Subsection (1) does not extinguish or otherwise affect any liability the Crown may have under any other enactment, rule of law, or agreement.
Section 89ZZZC: inserted, on 2 December 2021, by section 18 of the Crown Minerals (Decommissioning and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 53).
Subpart 6—Offences and miscellaneous
Subpart 6 heading: inserted, on 2 December 2021, by section 19 of the Crown Minerals (Decommissioning and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 53).
Registers, records, and use of information
Heading: replaced, on 24 May 2013, by section 43 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
90 Permit holder records and reports
(1)
Each permit holder must keep detailed records and reports in respect of all prospecting, exploration, mining, decommissioning activities, and post-decommissioning activities conducted by or on behalf of the permit holder—
(a)
in accordance with the conditions of the permit and the regulations; and
(b)
in a form that is readily accessible at all reasonable times by the chief executive or any person authorised in writing by the chief executive.
(1A)
Without limiting the generality of subsection (1), the records and reports required to be kept include—
(a)
financial records, including any financial records required to be kept and retained under the Tax Administration Act 1994:
(b)
commercial records, including any feasibility studies:
(c)
scientific and technical records:
(d)
any calculations made in support of the above records:
(e)
records, reports, statements, or any other documentation or information required under other legislation, if regulations made under this Act prescribe that they must be retained for the purposes of this Act:
(f)
any other records or reports prescribed by regulations.
(2)
Each permit holder must provide to the chief executive, in accordance with the conditions of the permit and the regulations, a copy of the records and reports required to be kept under subsection (1) and, on the expiry of whichever of the periods referred to in subsection (6) first occurs, the chief executive must send a copy of those records and reports to the person designated by the Minister for the purposes of this subsection.
(3)
If requested by the chief executive to do so, a permit holder must provide to the chief executive—
(a)
a copy of any report made by or for the permit holder in respect of any activities under the permit:
(b)
a report on any specified aspect of the permit holder’s activities under the permit.
(4)
When part of a permit is relinquished under section 35B or 35C or surrendered under section 40, the permit holder must provide to the chief executive separate copies of all geological, geophysical, and other reports previously provided to, or requested by, the chief executive under subsections (1) to (3), showing, separately, details in respect of the area of land in respect of which the relinquishment or surrender occurred.
(5)
If a permit is revoked or transferred to the Minister under section 39, the person who (immediately before the permit was revoked or transferred) was the permit holder must provide to the chief executive any report, document, or other information as required by the regulations.
(6)
The information supplied by a permit holder under subsections (1) to (3), other than information in relation to permits specified in subsection (7), must be made available by the chief executive to any person who requests it, on the payment of a reasonable charge for the costs incurred in making the information available, on and from the earliest of the following events:
(a)
the expiry of 5 years from the date on which the information was obtained by the permit holder:
(b)
the expiry of the permit and every subsequent permit in respect of that permit (in so far as the information relates to land covered by both the initial and any subsequent permit):
(c)
if the permit holder surrenders the permit and is concurrently granted (under section 36(2)(b)) an extension of land for an equivalent permit and the extension includes land to which the surrendered permit applied, the expiry of the extended permit and every subsequent permit in respect of the extended permit (in so far as the information relates to land covered by the surrendered permit, the extended permit, and any subsequent permit in respect of the extended permit).
(7)
The information supplied by a permit holder under subsections (1) to (3) in respect of a prospecting permit for petroleum, or a non-exclusive prospecting permit for a mineral other than petroleum, must be made available by the chief executive to any person who requests it, on the payment of a reasonable charge for the costs incurred in making the information available, on and from the earlier of the following events:
(a)
the expiry of 15 years from the date on which the information was obtained by the permit holder:
(b)
the conclusion of a public tender process for exploration permits to the extent that the information relates to land to which the public tender relates, except if the public tender process concludes earlier than 5 years from the date on which the information was obtained by the permit holder, in which case, the expiry of the 5 years.
(8)
Despite subsection (7), all information provided under subsections (1) to (3) to the chief executive by a non-exclusive petroleum prospecting permit holder who is determined to be a speculative prospector under section 90C must be made available by the chief executive to any person who requests it on or after the expiry of 15 years after the date on which the information was obtained by the permit holder.
(8A)
The chief executive may, but is not required to, publish on an Internet site maintained by the chief executive or in any other way the chief executive considers appropriate all or any of the information supplied under this section, at any time after the information is required to be made available under any of subsections (6) to (8).
(9)
The Minister, the chief executive, or an enforcement officer may use information supplied under this section at any time before or after the information is required to be made available under any of subsections (6) to (8) for the purpose of exercising any power or performing any function conferred on the person by or under this Act.
(10)
Section 90A applies to any information that, because of its use in accordance with subsection (8A) or (9), is disclosed.
(11)
Nothing in this section requires the chief executive to send, make available, publish, or otherwise disclose any records, reports, information, or returns—
(b)
relating to the calculation and payment of royalties by permit holders.
Section 90: replaced, on 24 May 2013, by section 43 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
Section 90(1): amended, on 2 December 2021, by section 20(1) of the Crown Minerals (Decommissioning and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 53)
Section 90(1A): inserted, on 2 December 2021, by section 20(2) of the Crown Minerals (Decommissioning and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 53).
Section 90(8A): inserted, on 2 December 2021, by section 20(3) of the Crown Minerals (Decommissioning and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 53).
Section 90(10): amended, on 2 December 2021, by section 20(4) of the Crown Minerals (Decommissioning and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 53).
Section 90(11): replaced, on 2 December 2021, by section 20(5) of the Crown Minerals (Decommissioning and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 53).
90A Disclosure of information
(1)
The Minister, an appropriate Minister, the chief executive, or any enforcement officer must not disclose any information provided under or for the purposes of any of sections 23A, 24, 32, 33A to 33D, 35, 35A, 36 to 38, 41 to 41C, 41E to 41I,42, 42B, 42C, 46, 61, 61B, 61C, 89ZC, 89ZD, 89ZE, 89ZF, 89ZL, 89ZM, 89ZY, 89ZZ, 89ZZH, 90, 99E, and 99F unless—
(a)
the disclosure is for the purposes of, or in connection with, the performance or exercise of any function, duty, or power conferred or imposed by or under this Act on the Minister, the chief executive, or any enforcement officer; or
(b)
the information is publicly available; or
(c)
the disclosure is with the consent of the person to whom the information relates, or to whom the information is confidential; or
(d)
the disclosure is in connection with proceedings, or any investigation or inquiry for proceedings, for an offence against this Act or any other enactment; or
(e)
disclosure is required by another enactment; or
(ea)
disclosure is authorised under section 90(8A); or
(f)
disclosure is required by a court of competent jurisdiction; or
(g)
the information is disclosed to a regulatory agency under section 90E.
(2)
Any information that is disclosed under subsection (1)(a) for the purposes of, or in connection with, the Minister’s function of attracting permit applications under section 5(a) must be disclosed only to external advisers to the Minister.
(3)
All disclosures that are made under subsection (1)(a) to an external adviser to the Minister must be made on a confidential basis.
Section 90A: replaced, on 24 May 2013, by section 43 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
Section 90A(1): amended, on 6 August 2025, by section 59 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 40).
Section 90A(1): amended, on 2 December 2021, by section 21(1) of the Crown Minerals (Decommissioning and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 53).
Section 90A(1): amended, on 2 December 2021, by section 21(2) of the Crown Minerals (Decommissioning and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 53).
Section 90A(1)(ea): inserted, on 2 December 2021, by section 21(3) of the Crown Minerals (Decommissioning and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 53).
90B Disclosure and publication of mineral resources and mineral production information
(1)
Every holder of a permit must provide to the chief executive all information in connection with mineral resources and mineral production that is prescribed as information that must be provided under this section.
(2)
The information must be provided in accordance with the regulations.
(3)
The chief executive may, in accordance with the regulations, publish all, or any part, of the information provided under this section.
(4)
For the purposes of this section, holder of a permit includes every person who is the holder of an existing privilege.
Section 90B: inserted, on 24 May 2013, by section 43 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
90C Provisions relating to speculative prospectors
(1)
A non-exclusive petroleum prospecting permit holder may apply to the Minister for a determination that the holder is a speculative prospector and, if the Minister is satisfied that the holder is a speculative prospector, the Minister must confer that status on the permit holder effective from the date of conferral.
(2)
An applicant for a non-exclusive petroleum prospecting permit may, at the same time as applying for the permit, apply to the Minister for a determination that, if granted a permit, the applicant will be a speculative prospector and, if the Minister is satisfied that the applicant will be a speculative prospector, the Minister must confer that status on the applicant, effective from the date the permit is granted, if the Minister grants the permit application.
(3)
If a permit holder with speculative prospector status subsequently becomes aware that the holder no longer falls within the definition of a speculative prospector, the holder must notify the Minister as soon as practicable and in any case not later than 10 working days after the date on which the holder becomes aware of that fact.
(4)
If the Minister, having previously determined that a permit holder is a speculative prospector, subsequently considers that the permit holder’s business activities are not consistent with those of a speculative prospector (for example, because the holder is providing or selling data on an exclusive basis to 1 petroleum explorer), the Minister may, by notice in writing to the permit holder, remove the permit holder’s status as a speculative prospector.
(5)
Before removing a permit holder’s status under subsection (4), the Minister must—
(a)
inform the permit holder of his or her intention and provide an opportunity for the permit holder to comment; and
(b)
consider any representations made by the permit holder.
(6)
If a permit holder notifies the Minister under subsection (3) or the Minister removes a permit holder’s status as a speculative prospector under subsection (4), section 90(7) applies in relation to all records and reports provided by the permit holder to the chief executive, irrespective of whether the records and reports were obtained before or after the loss or removal of status.
(7)
In this Act, speculative prospector means a non-exclusive petroleum prospecting permit holder who carries out activities under the permit for the sole purpose of on-selling the information obtained on a non-exclusive basis to petroleum explorers and producers.
Section 90C: inserted, on 24 May 2013, by section 43 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
90D Treatment of speculative prospecting information purchased or licensed by permit holder
(1)
If a permit holder purchases or licenses information that relates to the permit from a speculative prospector, for the purposes of section 90, the information must be treated as records or reports in respect of activities conducted by or on behalf of the permit holder.
(2)
However, when providing the information to the chief executive under section 90(2), the permit holder must clearly identify that the information was obtained by a speculative prospector.
(3)
Despite section 90(6) and (7), information to which this section applies must be made available by the chief executive to any person who requests it on or after the expiry of 15 years after the date on which the information was obtained by the speculative prospector.
(4)
A permit holder must, if requested to do so, provide evidence to satisfy the chief executive that any information supplied to him or her by the permit holder under section 90 was purchased or licensed information from a speculative prospector.
Section 90D: inserted, on 24 May 2013, by section 43 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
90E Providing information to regulatory agencies
(1)
The Minister, an appropriate Minister, or the chief executive may provide to the health and safety regulator any information, or a copy of any document, that he or she—
(a)
holds in relation to the performance or exercise of his or her functions, duties, or powers under this Act that relate to a permit or an application for a permit; and
(b)
considers may assist the health and safety regulator in the performance or exercise of the regulator’s functions, duties, or powers under any relevant health and safety legislation (as defined in section 16 of the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015).
(2)
The Minister, an appropriate Minister, or the chief executive may provide to Maritime New Zealand any information, or a copy of any document, that he or she—
(a)
holds in relation to the performance or exercise of his or her functions, duties, or powers under this Act that relate to a permit or an application for a permit; and
(b)
considers may assist the Director of Maritime New Zealand in the performance or exercise of his or her or Maritime New Zealand’s functions, duties, or powers under the Maritime Transport Act 1994.
(3)
The Minister may provide to the Environmental Protection Authority (established by section 7 of the Environmental Protection Authority Act 2011) and to any consent authority any information, or a copy of any document, that the Minister—
(a)
holds in relation to the matters referred to in section 29A(2)(d) (whether obtained under section 24, 29A, or 29B); and
(b)
considers may assist—
(i)
the Environmental Protection Authority in the performance or exercise of its functions, duties, or powers under the Exclusive Economic Zone and Continental Shelf (Environmental Effects) Act 2012 or the Resource Management Act 1991; or
(ii)
a consent authority in the performance or exercise of its functions, duties, or powers under the Resource Management Act 1991.
(4)
However, subsections (1) to (3) do not apply to any information obtained under section 90 relating to the calculation and payment of royalties by permit holders.
(5)
A regulatory agency must not disclose any information provided to it under this section to any other person or organisation unless—
(a)
the disclosure is for the purposes of, or in connection with, the performance or exercise of any function, power, or duty conferred or imposed by a specified Act on the regulatory agency; or
(b)
the information is publicly available; or
(c)
the disclosure is with the consent of the person to whom the information relates, or to whom the information is confidential; or
(d)
the disclosure is in connection with proceedings, or any investigation or inquiry for proceedings, for an offence against this Act or any other enactment; or
(e)
disclosure is required by another enactment; or
(f)
disclosure is required by a court of competent jurisdiction.
Section 90E: inserted, on 24 May 2013, by section 43 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
Section 90E(1): replaced, on 4 April 2016, by section 232 of the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 (2015 No 70).
Section 90E(3)(b)(i): amended, on 23 December 2023, by section 6 of the Resource Management (Natural and Built Environment and Spatial Planning Repeal and Interim Fast-track Consenting) Act 2023 (2023 No 68).
Section 90E(3)(b)(ii): amended, on 23 December 2023, by section 6 of the Resource Management (Natural and Built Environment and Spatial Planning Repeal and Interim Fast-track Consenting) Act 2023 (2023 No 68).
90F Conditions that may be imposed on providing information or documents under section 90E
(1)
A person providing information or documents under section 90E(1), (2), or (3) may impose any conditions in relation to the provision of the information or documents, whether in compliance with a request or otherwise.
(2)
The conditions imposed under this section may include (without limitation) conditions relating to—
(a)
the storing of, use of, or access to anything provided:
(b)
the copying, returning, or disposing of copies of documents provided.
Section 90F: inserted, on 24 May 2013, by section 43 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
90G Regulatory agency may provide information for purposes of this Act
(1)
A regulatory agency may provide to a recipient specified in subsection (2) any information or a copy of any document that it believes would assist the recipient in the performance or exercise of the recipient’s functions, duties, or powers under this Act.
(2)
The recipients are—
(a)
the Minister:
(b)
an appropriate Minister:
(c)
the chief executive:
(d)
an enforcement officer.
(3)
A regulatory agency may provide to another regulatory agency any information or a copy of any document that it believes would assist that other agency in the performance or exercise of its functions, duties, or powers under a specified Act that relate to activities under or associated with a permit.
(4)
A person or an agency that receives information provided under this section must not disclose the information to any other person or organisation unless—
(a)
the disclosure is made for the purposes of, or in connection with, the performance or exercise of any function, power, or duty conferred or imposed by this Act or a specified Act on the person or agency; or
(b)
the information is publicly available; or
(c)
the disclosure is made with the consent of the person to whom the information relates or to whom the information is confidential; or
(d)
the disclosure is made in connection with proceedings, or any investigation or inquiry for proceedings, for an offence against this Act or any other enactment; or
(e)
the disclosure is required by another enactment; or
(f)
the disclosure is required by a court of competent jurisdiction.
Section 90G: inserted, on 24 May 2013, by section 43 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
91 Chief executive to keep registers
(1)
The chief executive must keep a register of permits in the form that he or she thinks fit on which is entered brief particulars of all permits, including, in respect of each permit, the name and contact details of the permit participants, the name and contact details of the permit operator, and any changes, transfers, or leases of the permit.
(2)
The chief executive must ensure that the following information is available for public inspection on an Internet site maintained by or on behalf of the chief executive:
(a)
a copy of every permit granted under this Act and all changes to a permit; and
(b)
the register (or a copy of the register) kept under subsection (1); and
(c)
any other prescribed documents.
(3)
The chief executive shall keep such other registers as may be prescribed or as he or she considers necessary.
(4)
The contents of any register kept by the chief executive may be evidenced in any proceedings by a certificate under the hand of the chief executive, and every such certificate shall, in the absence of proof to the contrary, be sufficient evidence of the matters stated therein.
(5)
A certificate under the hand of the chief executive that on a date specified in the certificate the name of any person did not appear in any register as the holder of a permit shall, in the absence of proof to the contrary, be sufficient evidence that the person was not the holder of such a permit on that date.
Section 91 heading: amended, on 24 May 2013, by section 64 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
Section 91(1): replaced, on 24 May 2013, by section 44 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
Section 91(2): replaced, on 24 May 2013, by section 44 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
Section 91(3): amended, on 24 May 2013, by section 64 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
Section 91(4): amended, on 24 May 2013, by section 64 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
Section 91(5): amended, on 24 May 2013, by section 64 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
91A Correction of errors or omissions
The chief executive may correct any clerical error or omission in a permit document that was made by the department of State that is for the time being responsible for the administration of this Act.
Section 91A: inserted, on 21 August 2003, by section 19 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2003 (2003 No 45).
Section 91A: amended, on 24 May 2013, by section 64 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
Miscellaneous provisions
92 Permits are not real or personal property
(1)
A permit is neither real nor personal property.
(2)
Except as expressly provided otherwise in the conditions of a permit,—
(a)
on the death of a permit participant, his or her participating interest vests in the personal representative of the permit participant as if the participating interest were personal property, and the personal representative may deal with the participating interest to the same extent as the permit participant would have been able to; and
(b)
on the bankruptcy of an individual who is the holder of a permit, the permit vests in the Official Assignee as if it were personal property, and he or she may deal with the permit to the same extent as the holder would have been able to do so; and
(c)
a permit shall be treated as property for the purposes of the Protection of Personal and Property Rights Act 1988; and
(d)
a permit is personal property for the purposes of the Personal Property Securities Act 1999.
(3)
The holder of a permit may grant a charge over that permit as if it were personal property, but the permit may only be transferred to the chargee, or by or on behalf of the chargee, to the same extent as it could be so transferred by the holder.
(4)
In the case of a participating interest to which subsection (2)(a) applies, the participating interest must be treated as property for the purposes of the distribution of the permit participant’s estate and the permit participant’s personal representative may transfer the participating interest to a beneficiary of the permit participant’s estate without obtaining consent under section 41.
Section 92(2)(a): replaced, on 24 May 2013, by section 45(1) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
Section 92(2)(c): amended, on 24 May 2013, by section 45(2) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
Section 92(2)(d): inserted, on 24 May 2013, by section 45(3) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
Section 92(4): inserted, on 24 May 2013, by section 45(4) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
92A Effect of liquidation or loss of registration of company
(1)
On the liquidation of a permit participant, its participating interest vests in the liquidator as if it were personal property, and the liquidator may deal with the participating interest to the same extent as the permit participant would have been able to.
(2)
On the removal of a permit participant from the New Zealand register under the Companies Act 1993, all participating interests held by the permit participant company vest in the Crown as if they were personal property.
Section 92A: inserted, on 24 May 2013, by section 46 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
93 Access arrangement does not confer interest
(1)
An access arrangement does not transfer to, or confer on, the permit holder or applicant for a permit an estate or interest in the land to which it relates.
(2)
A right of access obtained by the holder of a permit may, subject to the conditions of the relevant access arrangement, be enjoyed by the holder for the time being of that permit.
94 Officers not to have personal interest
Except as otherwise provided in this Act or in regulations, no person holding any office under, or employed by, the Crown in any capacity in the administration of this Act shall hold, directly or indirectly, any pecuniary interest whatever in any permit.
95 Address for service
(1)
Every permit holder must give written notice to the chief executive of its address for service of notices and other documents, which must be one of the addresses given to the chief executive under subsection (2)(a).
(2)
Every permit holder must give written notice to the chief executive of—
(a)
their physical address in New Zealand and their email address; and
(b)
a telephone number at which they can be contacted.
(3)
Every permit participant must give written notice to the chief executive of an address (which may be an email address) and telephone number at which the permit participant can be contacted.
(4)
A permit holder or permit participant must give written notice to the chief executive of any change to the information provided under subsection (2) or (3) as soon as is reasonably practicable, but no later than the tenth working day after the change takes effect.
Section 95(1): replaced, on 6 August 2025, by section 60(1) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 40).
Section 95(2): replaced, on 6 August 2025, by section 60(1) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 40).
Section 95(3): inserted, on 24 May 2013, by section 47(3) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
Section 95(4): replaced, on 6 August 2025, by section 60(2) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 40).
96 Service of documents
(1)
If a notice or other document is to be served on a permit holder, the document is validly served if it is—
(a)
sent to an email address given as the permit holder’s address for service under section 95(1):
(b)
delivered to a physical address given as the permit holder’s address for service under section 95(1):
(c)
sent by pre-paid post addressed to the permit holder at the physical address given as the permit holder’s address for service under section 95(1).
(2)
If a notice or other document is to be served on a person other than a permit holder for the purposes of this Act,—
(a)
if the person has given an address for service, the document must be served by delivering or sending it to that address:
(b)
if the person has not given an address for service, the document may be served by any of the following methods:
(i)
delivering it personally to the person:
(ii)
delivering it at the usual or last known place of residence or business of the person:
(iii)
sending it by pre-paid post addressed to the person at the usual or last known place of residence or business of the person:
(iv)
sending it by pre-paid post to a PO box address used by the person:
(v)
leaving it at a document exchange for direction to the document exchange box number used by the person.
(3)
If a notice or other document is sent by post to a person in accordance with this section, it is deemed, in the absence of proof to the contrary, to be received by the person at the time at which the document would have been delivered in the ordinary course of the post.
(4)
This section is subject to any other provision of this Act that specifies how a document may be served or issued.
Section 96: replaced, on 6 August 2025, by section 61 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 40).
96A Service of documents on particular persons
(1)
If a notice or other document is to be served on a body (whether incorporated or not), service may be effected by serving the document on an officer of the body, or sending or delivering it to the registered office of the body, in accordance with section 96.
(2)
If a notice or other document is to be served on a partnership, service may be effected by serving the document on any one of the partners in accordance with section 96.
Section 96A: inserted, on 6 August 2025, by section 61 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 40).
96B Service in court or other proceedings
Sections 96 and 96A do not apply to service of a document to commence, or in the course of, court or other proceedings for which the methods of service are set out in legislation other than this Act.
Section 96B: inserted, on 6 August 2025, by section 61 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 40).
96C Service on owners of Māori land
Part 10 of Te Ture Whenua Maori Act 1993 (except section 185), with any necessary modifications, applies to the service of notices and other documents under this Act on owners of Māori land, except that the period fixed for anything to be done by the owners must not be extended by more than 20 working days under section 181(4) of that Act, unless the chief executive otherwise agrees.
Section 96C: inserted, on 6 August 2025, by section 61 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 40).
97 Application of monetary deposits
(1)
Subject to subsections (2) and (4), Part 7 of the Public Finance Act 1989 shall apply in respect of all money paid to the chief executive in respect of any monetary deposit or bond required or permitted under this Part.
(2)
Any money paid to the chief executive by a person in accordance with this section, together with any accrued interest thereon, may be applied by the Minister, as he or she thinks fit, in or towards the payment of any money payable by the person to the Crown in relation to the permit concerned or in relation to any other permit held by that person.
(3)
Subject to subsections (2) and (5), a permit holder shall, during the currency of a permit in respect of which money is held by the chief executive, be entitled to receive all interest from time to time earned on the money while it is held by the chief executive.
(4)
Subject to subsection (5), on the termination or transfer of any permit in respect of which money is held by the chief executive the following provisions shall apply:
(a)
if the permit holder has substantially complied with the conditions of the permit throughout its currency, he or she shall be entitled to a refund of the deposit, together with all accrued interest thereon, less any amount that has been applied by the Minister in accordance with subsection (2):
(b)
if, in the opinion of the Minister, the permit holder has failed to comply substantially with the conditions of his or her permit, the Minister may direct that the full deposit or such part of it as he or she thinks fit shall be paid into the Departmental Bank Account in respect of outstanding fees, or into a Crown Bank Account in respect of other payments outstanding (including interest payable under section 99J); and in any such case the balance (if any) of the deposit shall be refunded to the permit holder.
(5)
In the case of any monetary deposit or bond held by the chief executive under a financial security required under section 89ZL, the provisions of subsections (3) and (4) apply subject to the following modifications:
(a)
the funds held by the chief executive must not be released until any required decommissioning is completed, unless they are released under section 89ZN(5):
(b)
any interest to be paid to the permit holder must be repaid in 1 lump sum at the time when the principal sum deposited by the permit holder under section 89ZL is refunded.
Section 97(1): amended, on 24 May 2013, by section 64 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
Section 97(2): amended, on 24 May 2013, by section 64 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
Section 97(3): amended, on 2 December 2021, by section 22(1) of the Crown Minerals (Decommissioning and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 53).
Section 97(3): amended, on 24 May 2013, by section 64 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
Section 97(4): amended, on 2 December 2021, by section 22(2) of the Crown Minerals (Decommissioning and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 53).
Section 97(4): amended, on 24 May 2013, by section 64 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
Section 97(4)(b): amended, on 24 May 2013, by section 48 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
Section 97(4)(b): amended, on 25 January 2005, pursuant to section 65R(3) of the Public Finance Act 1989 (1989 No 44).
Section 97(5): inserted, on 2 December 2021, by section 22(3) of the Crown Minerals (Decommissioning and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 53).
97A Chief executive may prescribe form of certain documents
(1)
The chief executive may prescribe—
(a)
the form and electronic format of any applications, returns, information accompanying any applications or returns, or any other documents that are not otherwise prescribed in regulations made under this Act:
(b)
the manner in which any applications, returns, information, or other documents must be submitted or notified if the manner of submission or notification is not otherwise prescribed in regulations made under this Act.
(2)
For the purposes of subsection (1)(a), the chief executive may prescribe different forms or formats for different classes of permits or minerals.
(3)
The chief executive must publish any form or format prescribed under subsection (1) on an Internet site maintained by or on behalf of the chief executive.
(4)
The production by the chief executive of any document purporting to be a prescribed form or an extract from a prescribed form, or a copy of a form or an extract, is, in all courts and in all proceedings, unless the contrary is proved, sufficient evidence that the form or electronic format was prescribed.
(5)
To avoid doubt, if the chief executive prescribes an electronic format for a form, the chief executive may require any signature on the form to be an electronic signature.
Section 97A: inserted, on 24 May 2013, by section 49 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
98 Gold fossicking areas (Crown land)
(1)
The appropriate Minister and the Minister may, by notice in the Gazette, jointly designate any area of Crown land as a gold fossicking area, which shall then be open for public fossicking in respect of gold.
(2)
The area and location of every gold fossicking area declared under subsection (1) shall be defined in the notice under that subsection.
(3)
Every person shall have the right to mine for gold in a gold fossicking area by means only of non-motorised hand held tools.
(4)
The designation of an area of land as a gold fossicking area does not prevent or restrict the granting of any permit in respect of that area.
(5)
The Minister may, by notice in the Gazette, revoke any designation of a gold fossicking area.
Section 98 heading: amended, on 24 May 2013, by section 50 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
98A Gold fossicking areas (other land)
(1)
The Minister may, by notice in the Gazette given on the request of a local authority, designate any land owned by the authority as a gold fossicking area.
(2)
The notice must—
(a)
state that the area is open for public fossicking in respect of gold; and
(b)
specify the area and its general location; and
(c)
state that a person has the right to mine for gold in the area by means only of non-motorised hand held tools; and
(d)
state any other terms or conditions that apply when a person is fossicking in the area (as agreed between the Minister and the owner of the land).
(3)
The Minister must revoke a designation made under subsection (1) if requested to do so by the authority.
Section 98A: inserted, on 24 May 2013, by section 51 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
99 Arbitration
(1)
A reference of a matter to arbitration under section 44 shall be deemed to be a submission within the meaning of the Arbitration Act 1908 and that Act shall apply accordingly.
(2)
Where a dispute is referred to arbitration under this Part, the decision of the arbitrator or arbitrators or umpire shall be final and binding on the parties to the arbitration and the Minister shall take such steps as may be necessary to ensure that effect is given to the decision.
Provisions relating to enforcement officers, auditing, and requiring information
Heading: inserted, on 24 May 2013, by section 52 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
99A Appointment of enforcement officers
(1)
The chief executive may appoint 1 or more persons who are employees of a government department, a Crown entity, or a local authority to exercise 1 or more of the powers and perform the functions conferred on enforcement officers under this Act.
(2)
The chief executive must supply each enforcement officer with a warrant of authorisation that clearly states the powers and functions of the officer.
(3)
An enforcement officer who exercises, or purports to exercise, a power conferred on the enforcement officer under this Act must carry and produce, if required to do so,—
(a)
his or her warrant of authorisation; and
(b)
evidence of his or her identity.
(4)
An enforcement officer must, on the termination of the enforcement officer’s appointment, surrender his or her warrant to the chief executive.
Section 99A: inserted, on 24 May 2013, by section 52 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
99B Powers of enforcement officers
(1)
Any enforcement officer, specifically authorised in writing by the Minister to do so, may at all reasonable times go on, into, under, or over any place or structure, except a dwellinghouse or marae, for the purpose of determining whether a permit, this Act, or the regulations are being complied with.
(2)
If the owner or occupier of a place subject to inspection is not present at the time of the inspection, the enforcement officer must leave in a prominent position at the place, or attached to a structure on the place, a written notice showing the date and time of the inspection and the name of the officer carrying out the inspection.
(3)
An enforcement officer may not enter, unless the permission of the landowner is obtained, any land that any other Act states may not be entered without that permission.
(4)
An enforcement officer who exercises the power of inspection under this section may be accompanied by any person or persons reasonably necessary to assist the enforcement officer with the inspection.
(5)
A person who provides assistance under subsection (4) may exercise the powers provided to enforcement officers under subsection (1).
Section 99B: inserted, on 24 May 2013, by section 52 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
99C Application for warrant for entry to search
(1)
An issuing officer (within the meaning of section 3(1) of the Search and Surveillance Act 2012) may issue a warrant authorising the entry and search of any place, structure, vehicle, or ship if, on an application made in the manner provided in subpart 3 of Part 4 of that Act, he or she is satisfied that there are reasonable grounds for believing that there is in, on, under, or over any place, structure, vehicle, or ship anything—
(a)
in respect of which an offence has been or is suspected of having been committed against this Act or the regulations; or
(b)
that will be evidence of an offence against this Act or the regulations; or
(c)
that is intended to be used for the purpose of committing an offence against this Act or the regulations.
(2)
An application may be made under subsection (1) by—
(a)
a constable; or
(b)
an enforcement officer specifically authorised in writing by the Minister to apply for search warrants.
Section 99C: inserted, on 24 May 2013, by section 52 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
Section 99C(1): amended, on 2 December 2021, by section 23 of the Crown Minerals (Decommissioning and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 53).
99D Application of Part 4 of Search and Surveillance Act 2012
Part 4 of the Search and Surveillance Act 2012 (other than sections 118 and 119) applies, with any necessary modifications, in respect of inspections or searches undertaken under this Act by enforcement officers.
Section 99D: inserted, on 24 May 2013, by section 52 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
99E Auditing
(1)
A person referred to in subsection (2) may carry out an audit of records, kept by or on behalf of the chief executive or a permit holder, for the purpose of obtaining information about the following matters and reporting that information to the chief executive:
(a)
the calculation of mineral resources by a permit holder undertaking mining activities:
(b)
the calculation and payment of the correct amount of royalties due by a permit holder:
(c)
the calculation and payment of any other money payable to the Crown:
(d)
compliance with any prescribed requirement to keep or provide records or other information.
(2)
The following persons may carry out an audit if directed by the chief executive:
(a)
an enforcement officer:
(b)
an independent auditor appointed by the chief executive.
(3)
If the chief executive requires an independent auditor to be appointed, the permit holder must pay the independent auditor’s costs if required to do so by the chief executive.
(4)
However, the chief executive may require the payment of those costs only if the auditor has found material failures in relation to any calculations or payments or the keeping or providing of records or other information by the permit holder.
Section 99E: inserted, on 24 May 2013, by section 52 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
99F Power to require information
(1)
The Minister, the chief executive, or any enforcement officer may, by written notice, require any person to provide any information that the person giving the notice considers is necessary for any purpose relating to that person’s functions, duties, or powers under this Act or for the administration or enforcement of this Act.
(2)
The information specified in the notice may relate to—
(a)
any aspect of the operation of a permit:
(b)
any commercial agreements or arrangements to which a permit participant is a party.
(3)
Information may be disclosed to the Minister, the chief executive, or an enforcement officer in confidence if—
(a)
a person who is required to provide information under subsection (1) so requests; and
(b)
the Minister, chief executive, or enforcement officer agrees to that request in writing.
(4)
A person required to provide any information under this section must provide the information—
(a)
in the form and in the manner set out in the notice; and
(b)
within any reasonable time specified in the notice requiring the information; and
(c)
free of charge; and
(d)
regardless of whether the Minister, chief executive, or enforcement officer agrees to the information being disclosed in confidence.
Section 99F: inserted, on 24 May 2013, by section 52 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
99G Protection of persons acting under authority of this Act
(1)
No enforcement officer or person called upon to assist an enforcement officer who does an act, or omits to do an act, when performing a function or exercising a power conferred on that person by or under this Act (other than when exercising powers of inspection or search under sections 99B and 99C) is under any civil or criminal liability in respect of the act or omission, unless the person has acted, or omitted to act, in bad faith.
(2)
Sections 166 and 167 of the Search and Surveillance Act 2012 apply in relation to persons exercising powers of inspection or search under sections 99B and 99C.
Section 99G: inserted, on 24 May 2013, by section 52 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
Royalties and interest
Heading: inserted, on 24 May 2013, by section 52 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
99H Royalties
Every permit holder must—
(a)
submit royalty returns in accordance with the relevant permit, this Act, and the regulations; and
(b)
pay royalties in accordance with the relevant permit, this Act, and the regulations.
Section 99H: inserted, on 24 May 2013, by section 52 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
99I Power to amend royalty returns or make default assessment
(1)
If the chief executive is satisfied that the information contained in a royalty return is incorrect, he or she may, at any time, amend the return and any assessment of the permit holder’s liability to pay money to the Crown (an amendment) as he or she thinks fit.
(2)
If a permit holder fails to submit a royalty return when required to do so under this Act, the regulations, or a permit, the chief executive may make an assessment (a default assessment) of the matters that should have been in the permit holder’s royalty return.
(3)
As soon as practicable after making an amendment or a default assessment, the chief executive must notify the permit holder of—
(a)
the particulars of the amendment or default assessment; and
(b)
any grounds or information upon which the amendment or default assessment was based; and
(c)
the right of the permit holder to object (as set out in section 99K).
(4)
If an amendment or a default assessment results in the permit holder owing money to the Crown, the permit holder must pay the amount due within 20 working days after the date on which the permit holder is notified under subsection (3).
(5)
If an amendment shows that a permit holder has overpaid the amount of royalties due, the chief executive must, within 20 working days after the date of the amendment, arrange for a refund to be paid to the permit holder.
(6)
Interest calculated at the Commissioner’s paying rate, as defined in section 120C of the Tax Administration Act 1994, is payable on any amount refunded.
(7)
Despite subsection (1), the chief executive must not make an amendment to a permit holder’s royalty return under this section at any time after the date that is 7 years from the end of the permit year in which the permit holder submitted the return if the amendment would result in an increase in the amount payable to the Crown, unless the chief executive is satisfied on reasonable grounds that the contents of the return—
(a)
are fraudulent or wilfully misleading; or
(b)
do not include an assessment of minerals obtained under the permit through a particular method or from a particular location, and in respect of which an assessment was required to be included in the return.
Section 99I: inserted, on 24 May 2013, by section 52 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
99J Interest on unpaid money
(1)
If a permit holder does not fully pay, by the due date, all fees and other money payable by the holder to the Crown under this Act or the regulations (the original amount), the chief executive may make a written demand for the payment of interest on the part of the original amount that remains unpaid.
(2)
The permit holder is liable for the interest payable and the interest must be calculated for every month or part of a month after the due date during which the original amount remains unpaid in full.
(3)
Interest must be calculated in accordance with the following formula:
| a = | b × c | ||
| 12 |
where—
- a
is the interest payable
- b
is any part of the original amount that remains unpaid at the end of the month for which the interest is calculated
- c
is the taxpayer’s paying rate, as defined in section 120C of the Tax Administration Act 1994.
(4)
In the case of royalties where the amount payable was assessed or amended under section 99I, interest must be calculated from the date on which the amount of royalties was originally due.
(5)
Any payment the chief executive receives or applies on account of a permit holder’s liability to pay an original amount must first be applied towards payment of the interest.
Section 99J: inserted, on 24 May 2013, by section 52 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
99K Right to object to amendment or default assessment
(1)
A permit holder may object to an amendment or a default assessment under section 99I.
(2)
An objection must be in writing and received by the chief executive not later than 40 working days after the date on which the permit holder is notified of the amendment or default assessment under section 99I(3).
(3)
The objection must set out the reasons for the objection.
(4)
The chief executive must—
(a)
give the permit holder an opportunity to be heard; and
(b)
consider and determine the objection within 40 working days after its receipt.
(5)
The chief executive must—
(a)
dismiss the objection; or
(b)
uphold the objection in whole or in part.
(6)
Not later than 20 working days after deciding an objection, the chief executive must send to the permit holder—
(a)
a copy of the decision, which must include the reasons for the decision; and
(b)
any amended royalty return or default assessment; and
(c)
notice of the right of the permit holder to appeal (as set out in section 99L).
Section 99K: inserted, on 24 May 2013, by section 52 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
99L Right of appeal
(1)
A permit holder who has made an objection under section 99K may, in accordance with the rules of court, appeal to the District Court against the chief executive’s determination of the objection.
(2)
An appeal must be made not later than 20 working days after the date on which the permit holder is notified of the chief executive’s decision under section 99K(6).
(3)
The District Court may confirm, reverse, or modify the decision and, if applicable,—
(a)
amend the relevant royalty return or default assessment; and
(b)
specify the amount of any money to be paid by the permit holder to the Crown or to be refunded to the permit holder, as the case may be.
(4)
A decision of the District Court under subsection (3) may be appealed to the High Court, but only if—
(a)
the ground of the appeal is that the decision is erroneous in point of law; or
(b)
the District Court has determined that an amount of money is payable to the Crown and the amount is more than $2,000.
(5)
To avoid doubt, an appeal may be taken under subsection (4) by the permit holder or the chief executive (on behalf of the Crown).
Section 99L: inserted, on 24 May 2013, by section 52 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
Section 99L(1): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).
Section 99L(4): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).
99M Status of original amendment or default assessment
(1)
This section applies to an amendment or a default assessment made by the chief executive under section 99I if the permit holder concerned—
(a)
objects to the amendment or default assessment under section 99K; or
(b)
having made an objection, exercises 1 or more of the appeal rights under section 99L in respect of the determination of the objection.
(2)
If the amendment or default assessment results in the permit holder owing money to the Crown,—
(a)
the amendment or default assessment must be treated as correct and final until the permit holder has exhausted those rights or the time period by which the rights must be exercised has expired and a final decision has been given by the chief executive or a court, as the case may be (final decision); and
(b)
the permit holder must pay the money owing in accordance with section 99I(4).
(3)
If the final decision differs from the amendment or default assessment and—
(a)
a refund is required to be paid to the permit holder, section 99I(5) and (6) apply, with any necessary modifications:
(b)
a further amount is required to be paid by the permit holder, the permit holder must pay the amount to the chief executive within 20 working days after the date on which the final decision is made, including any interest calculated in accordance with section 99J.
Section 99M: inserted, on 24 May 2013, by section 52 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
Offences and legal proceedings
100 Offences
(1)
Every person commits an offence against this Act who contravenes, or permits a contravention of, section 8 (which imposes duties and restrictions in relation to minerals).
(2)
Every person commits an offence against this Act who contravenes, or permits a contravention of, any of the following:
(a)
section 33, which relates to compliance with permit holder responsibilities:
(b)
section 49(5), which relates to entering land and carrying out an activity other than minimum impact activity:
(c)
section 77, which relates to contravening the conditions of a right of access:
(d)
section 94, which relates to persons administering this Act holding a pecuniary interest in a mining permit:
(e)
section 99F, which relates to providing certain information to the Minister, the chief executive, or an enforcement officer.
(2A)
Every incoming person commits an offence against this Act who contravenes, or permits a contravention of, section 41AB(2) (which relates to obtaining prior consent for a change of control) if, before the power referred to in the definition of controlling interest in section 41AA(2) is obtained, the incoming person knows or ought reasonably to know, that the incoming person will obtain the power.
(2B)
Every person commits an offence against this Act who contravenes, or permits a contravention of,—
(a)
section 41AB(3) (which relates to notifying the Minister of a change of control); or
(b)
section 41AG(1) or 41A(1) (which also relates to notifying the Minister of a change of control).
(3)
Every person commits an offence against this Act who wilfully obstructs, hinders, resists, or deceives any person in the execution of any powers conferred on that person by or under this Act.
(3A)
Every person commits an offence against this Act who knowingly provides altered, false, incomplete, or misleading information (including royalty returns) to the chief executive or any other person in respect of a matter or thing under this Act or the regulations.
(4)
Despite anything to the contrary in section 25 of the Criminal Procedure Act 2011, the limitation period in respect of an offence against subsection (1) ends on the date that is 12 months after the date on which the contravention giving rise to the charge first became known, or should have become known, to the Secretary.
(5)
If an enforceable undertaking has been given, criminal proceedings may be taken for an offence within 6 months after—
(a)
the enforceable undertaking is contravened; or
(b)
it comes to the notice of the regulator that the enforceable undertaking has been contravened; or
(c)
the chief executive agreed to the withdrawal of the enforceable undertaking.
(6)
In this section, incoming person has the same meaning as in section 41AA(1).
Section 100(2)(a): amended, on 24 May 2013, by section 53(1) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
Section 100(2)(e): inserted, on 2 December 2021, by section 24(1) of the Crown Minerals (Decommissioning and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 53).
Section 100(2A): replaced, on 6 August 2025, by section 62(1) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 40).
Section 100(2B): inserted, on 6 August 2025, by section 62(1) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 40).
Section 100(3A): inserted, on 24 May 2013, by section 53(2) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
Section 100(4): replaced, on 1 July 2013, by section 413 of the Criminal Procedure Act 2011 (2011 No 81).
Section 100(5): inserted, on 2 December 2021, by section 24(2) of the Crown Minerals (Decommissioning and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 53).
Section 100(6): inserted, on 6 August 2025, by section 62(2) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 40).
101 Penalties
(1)
Every person who commits an offence against section 100(1) is liable on conviction to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 2 years or a fine not exceeding $400,000, and, if the offence is a continuing one, to a further fine not exceeding $20,000 for every day or part of a day during which the offence continues.
(2)
Every person who commits an offence against section 100(2) is liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $20,000, and, if the offence is a continuing one, to a further fine not exceeding $2,000 for every day or part of a day during which the offence continues.
(2A)
Every person who commits an offence against section 100(2A) is liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $800,000.
(2B)
Every person who commits an offence against section 100(2B) is liable on conviction to the following:
(a)
in the case of section 100(2B)(a), a fine not exceeding $200,000:
(b)
in the case of section 100(2B)(b), a fine not exceeding $50,000.
(3)
Every person who commits an offence against section 100(3) is liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $3,000.
(3A)
Every person who commits an offence against section 100(3A) is liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $800,000.
(4)
A court may sentence any person who commits an offence against this Act to a sentence of community work, and the provisions of Part 2 of the Sentencing Act 2002, with all necessary modifications, apply accordingly.
(5)
Where a person is convicted of an offence against section 77, the court may, instead of, or in addition to, imposing a fine, cancel or revoke the right of access or impose additional conditions on the right where it considers it is appropriate to do so in the circumstances.
(6)
The continued existence of anything, or the intermittent repetition of any actions, contrary to any provision of this Act shall be deemed to be a continuing offence.
Section 101(1): amended, on 1 July 2013, by section 413 of the Criminal Procedure Act 2011 (2011 No 81).
Section 101(1): amended, on 24 May 2013, by section 54(1)(a) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
Section 101(1): amended, on 24 May 2013, by section 54(1)(b) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
Section 101(2): amended, on 1 July 2013, by section 413 of the Criminal Procedure Act 2011 (2011 No 81).
Section 101(2): amended, on 24 May 2013, by section 54(2)(a) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
Section 101(2): amended, on 24 May 2013, by section 54(2)(b) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
Section 101(2A): replaced, on 6 August 2025, by section 63 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 40).
Section 101(2B): inserted, on 6 August 2025, by section 63 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 40).
Section 101(3): amended, on 1 July 2013, by section 413 of the Criminal Procedure Act 2011 (2011 No 81).
Section 101(3): amended, on 24 May 2013, by section 54(3) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
Section 101(3A): inserted, on 24 May 2013, by section 54(4) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
Section 101(3A): amended, on 4 October 2013, by regulation 3(1) of the Criminal Procedure (Consequential Amendments) Regulations 2013 (SR 2013/409).
Section 101(4): substituted, on 30 June 2002, by section 186 of the Sentencing Act 2002 (2002 No 9).
101A Interpretation
In sections 101B and 101C,—
exclusive economic zone has the same meaning as in section 2(1) of the Territorial Sea, Contiguous Zone, and Exclusive Economic Zone Act 1977
foreign ship has the same meaning as in section 2(1) of the Maritime Transport Act 1994
master has the same meaning as in section 2(1) of the Maritime Transport Act 1994
offshore area means any area that is—
(a)
within the territorial sea; or
(b)
within the exclusive economic zone; or
(c)
on or above the continental shelf
permitted prospecting, exploration, or mining activity means an activity authorised under—
(a)
a prospecting, exploration, or mining permit; or
(b)
an existing privilege
specified non-interference zone means a zone specified by the chief executive in accordance with section 101B(6) to (8)
structure—
(a)
means any fixed, moveable, or floating structure or installation; and
(b)
includes a petroleum pipeline, petroleum pumping station, petroleum tank station, or petroleum valve station.
Section 101A: inserted, on 24 May 2013, by section 55 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
Section 101A permitted prospecting, exploration, or mining activity: replaced, on 6 August 2025, by section 64 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 40).
Section 101A ship: repealed, on 2 December 2021, by section 25 of the Crown Minerals (Decommissioning and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 53).
101B Interfering with structure or operation in offshore area
(1)
A person commits an offence if the person intentionally engages in conduct that results in—
(a)
damage to, or interference with, any structure or ship that is in an offshore area and that is, or is to be, used in mining operations or for the processing, storing, preparing for transporting, or transporting of minerals; or
(b)
damage to, or interference with, any equipment on, or attached to, such a structure or ship; or
(c)
interference with any operations or activities being carried out, or any works being executed, on, by means of, or in connection with such a structure or ship.
(2)
A person commits an offence if—
(a)
the person is the master of a ship that, without reasonable excuse, enters a specified non-interference zone for a permitted prospecting, exploration, or mining activity; or
(b)
the person leaves a ship and, without reasonable excuse, enters a specified non-interference zone for a permitted prospecting, exploration, or mining activity.
(3)
In prosecuting an offence against subsection (2), it is not necessary for the prosecution to prove that the person intended to commit the offence.
(4)
A person who commits an offence against subsection (1) is liable on conviction,—
(a)
in the case of an individual, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 months or to a fine not exceeding $50,000:
(b)
in the case of a body corporate, to a fine not exceeding $100,000.
(5)
A person who commits an offence against subsection (2) is liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $10,000.
(6)
For the purposes of subsection (2), the chief executive may specify a non-interference zone by notice.
(6A)
In addition to complying with the Legislation Act 2019, the chief executive must publish the notice in a fortnightly edition of New Zealand Notices to Mariners (under Part 25 of the Maritime Rules).
(7)
A notice must specify—
(a)
the permitted prospecting, mining, or exploration activity to which the non-interference zone relates; and
(b)
the locality of the activity; and
(c)
the area of the non-interference zone to which the activity relates (which may be up to 500 metres from any point on the outer edge of the structure or ship to which the activity relates or, if there is any equipment attached to the structure or ship, 500 metres from any point on the outer edge of the equipment); and
(d)
the period (which may be up to 3 months) for which the notice has effect.
(8)
The chief executive, when determining the area of a non-interference zone for the purposes of a notice, must take into account the nature of the activity, including the size of any structure or ship to which the activity relates and any equipment attached to the structure or ship necessary for the carrying out of the activity.
(9)
No proceedings for an offence against this section may be brought in a New Zealand court in respect of a contravention of this section on board, or by a person leaving, a foreign ship without the consent of the Attorney-General.
(10)
A notice under subsection (6) is secondary legislation (see Part 3 of the Legislation Act 2019 for publication requirements).
| Legislation Act 2019 requirements for secondary legislation made under this section | ||||
| Publication | The maker must comply with subsection (6A) | LA19 ss 73, 74(1)(a), Sch 1 cl 14 | ||
| Presentation | It is not required to be presented to the House of Representatives because a transitional exemption applies under Schedule 1 of the Legislation Act 2019 | LA19 s 114, Sch 1 cl 32(1)(a) | ||
| Disallowance | It may be disallowed by the House of Representatives | LA19 ss 115, 116 | ||
| This note is not part of the Act. | ||||
Section 101B: inserted, on 24 May 2013, by section 55 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
Section 101B(4): amended, on 4 October 2013, by regulation 3(1) of the Criminal Procedure (Consequential Amendments) Regulations 2013 (SR 2013/409).
Section 101B(5): amended, on 4 October 2013, by regulation 3(1) of the Criminal Procedure (Consequential Amendments) Regulations 2013 (SR 2013/409).
Section 101B(6): replaced, on 28 October 2021, by regulation 45 of the Legislation Act (Amendments to Legislation) Regulations 2021 (LI 2021/247).
Section 101B(6A): inserted, on 28 October 2021, by regulation 45 of the Legislation Act (Amendments to Legislation) Regulations 2021 (LI 2021/247).
Section 101B(10): inserted, on 28 October 2021, by section 3 of the Secondary Legislation Act 2021 (2021 No 7).
101C Powers of enforcement officers
(1)
An enforcement officer who has reasonable cause to suspect that a person is committing, has committed, or is attempting to commit an offence against section 101B may do 1 or more of the following things:
(a)
stop a ship within a specified non-interference zone and detain the ship:
(b)
remove any person or ship from a specified non-interference zone:
(c)
prevent any person or ship from entering a specified non-interference zone:
(d)
board a ship (whether within a specified non-interference zone or otherwise), give directions to the person appearing to be in charge, and require the person to give his or her name and address:
(e)
without warrant, arrest a person.
(2)
If an enforcement officer described in subsection (6)(b) or (c) arrests a person under subsection (1)(e), the enforcement officer must cause the person to be delivered into the custody of a constable as soon as practicable.
(3)
An enforcement officer who exercises a power under this section may be accompanied by any person or persons reasonably necessary to assist the enforcement officer to exercise the power.
(4)
A person who provides assistance under subsection (3) may exercise the powers provided to an enforcement officer under subsection (1)(a) to (d).
(5)
No enforcement officer, or person called upon to assist an enforcement officer, who does an act, or omits to do an act, when exercising a power under this section is under any civil or criminal liability in respect of the act or omission, unless the person has acted, or omitted to act, in bad faith.
(6)
For the purposes of this section, the following persons are enforcement officers:
(a)
every constable:
(b)
every person in command of a ship of the New Zealand Defence Force:
(c)
every person acting under the command of a person described in paragraph (b).
Section 101C: inserted, on 24 May 2013, by section 55 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
102 Liability of principal for acts of agents
(1)
Where an offence is committed against this Act by any person acting as the agent or employee of another person, that other person shall, without prejudice to the liability of the first-mentioned person, be liable under this Act in the same manner and to the same extent as if he, she, or it had personally committed the offence.
(2)
Notwithstanding anything in subsection (1), where any proceedings are brought by virtue of that subsection, it shall be a good defence if the defendant proves—
(a)
in the case of a natural person (including a partner in a firm) that—
(i)
he or she did not know nor could reasonably be expected to have known that the offence was to be or was being committed; or
(ii)
he or she took all reasonable steps to prevent the commission of the offence:
(b)
in the case of a body corporate that—
(i)
neither the directors nor any person involved in the management of the body corporate knew or could reasonably be expected to have known that the offence was to be or was being committed; or
(ii)
the body corporate took all reasonable steps to prevent the commission of the offence; and
(c)
in all cases, that the defendant took all reasonable steps to remedy any effects of the act or omission giving rise to the offence.
(3)
Where any body corporate is convicted of an offence against this Act, every director and every person concerned in the management of the body corporate shall be guilty of the like offence if it is proved—
(a)
that the act that constituted the offence took place with his or her authority, permission, or consent; and
(b)
that he or she knew or could reasonably be expected to have known that the offence was to be or was being committed and failed to take all reasonable steps to prevent or stop it.
103 Strict liability
(1)
In any prosecution for an offence of contravening or permitting a contravention of section 8, it is not necessary to prove that the defendant intended to commit the offence.
(2)
Subject to subsection (3), it is a defence to prosecution of the kind referred to in subsection (1), if the defendant proves—
(a)
that—
(i)
the action or event to which the prosecution relates was necessary for the purposes of saving or protecting life or health, or preventing serious damage to property or avoiding an actual or likely adverse effect on the environment; and
(ii)
the conduct of the defendant was reasonable in the circumstances; and
(iii)
the effects of the action or event were adequately mitigated or remedied by the defendant after it occurred; or
(b)
that the action or event to which the prosecution relates was due to an event beyond the control of the defendant, including natural disaster, mechanical failure, or sabotage, and in each case either—
(i)
the action or event could not reasonably have been foreseen or been provided against by the defendant; and
(ii)
the effects of the action or event were adequately mitigated or remedied by the defendant after it occurred.
(3)
Except with the leave of the court, subsection (2) does not apply unless, within 7 days after the service of the summons or within such further time as the court may allow, the defendant delivers to the prosecutor a written notice—
(a)
stating that he or she intends to rely on subsection (2); and
(b)
specifying the facts that support his or her reliance on subsection (2).
104 Recovery of fees and other money
(1)
All fees and other money payable to the Crown under this Act or the regulations, or under any permit granted under this Act, is recoverable as money due to the Crown, and, without limiting any other method of recovery, may be recovered in any court of competent jurisdiction as a debt due to the Crown.
(2)
All fees payable under this Act or the regulations must be paid into a Departmental Bank Account, and all other money payable to the Crown under this Act, or the regulations, or under any permit granted under this Act, must be paid into a Crown Bank Account.
(3)
To avoid doubt, any interest payable on fees must be paid into a Crown Bank Account.
Section 104(1): amended, on 24 May 2013, by section 56(1) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
Section 104(1): amended, on 24 May 2013, by section 56(2) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
Section 104(2): replaced, on 24 May 2013, by section 56(3) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
Section 104(3): inserted, on 24 May 2013, by section 56(3) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
104A Interpretation
In this Act,—
infringement fee, in relation to an infringement offence, means the infringement fee for the offence prescribed in the regulations
infringement offence means an offence in the regulations that is prescribed as an infringement offence against the regulations.
Section 104A: inserted, on 2 December 2021, by section 26 of the Crown Minerals (Decommissioning and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 53).
104B Infringement offences
(1)
A person who is alleged to have committed an infringement offence may—
(a)
be proceeded against by the filing of a charging document under section 14 of the Criminal Procedure Act 2011; or
(b)
be issued with an infringement notice under section 104D.
(2)
Proceedings commenced in the way described in subsection (1)(a) do not require the leave of a District Court Judge or Registrar under section 21(1)(a) of the Summary Proceedings Act 1957.
(3)
See section 21 of the Summary Proceedings Act 1957 for the procedure that applies if an infringement notice is issued.
Section 104B: inserted, on 2 December 2021, by section 26 of the Crown Minerals (Decommissioning and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 53).
104C Who may issue infringement notices
The chief executive may, in writing, authorise an enforcement officer to issue infringement notices under this Act.
Section 104C: inserted, on 2 December 2021, by section 26 of the Crown Minerals (Decommissioning and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 53).
104D When infringement notice may be issued
The chief executive or an enforcement officer may issue an infringement notice to a person if the chief executive or enforcement officer believes on reasonable grounds that the person is committing, or has committed, an infringement offence.
Section 104D: inserted, on 2 December 2021, by section 26 of the Crown Minerals (Decommissioning and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 53).
104E Revocation of infringement notice before payment made
(1)
The chief executive or an enforcement officer may revoke an infringement notice before—
(a)
the infringement fee is paid; or
(b)
an order for payment of a fine is made or deemed to be made by a court under section 21 of the Summary Proceedings Act 1957.
(2)
The chief executive or enforcement officer must take reasonable steps to ensure that the person to whom the notice was issued is made aware of the revocation of the notice.
(3)
The revocation of an infringement notice before the infringement fee is paid is not a bar to any further action as described in section 104B(1)(a) or (b) against the person to whom the notice was issued in respect of the same matter.
Section 104E: inserted, on 2 December 2021, by section 26 of the Crown Minerals (Decommissioning and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 53).
104F What infringement notice must contain
An infringement notice must be in the form prescribed in the regulations and must contain the following particulars:
(a)
details of the alleged infringement offence that fairly inform a person of the time, place, and nature of the alleged offence:
(b)
the amount of the infringement fee:
(c)
the address of the [place where the infringement notice may be paid]:
(d)
how the infringement fee may be paid:
(e)
the time within which the infringement fee must be paid:
(f)
a summary of the provisions of section 21(10) of the Summary Proceedings Act 1957:
(g)
a statement that the person served with the notice has a right to request a hearing:
(h)
a statement of what will happen if the person served with the notice neither pays the infringement fee nor requests a hearing:
(i)
any other matters prescribed in the regulations.
Section 104F: inserted, on 2 December 2021, by section 26 of the Crown Minerals (Decommissioning and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 53).
104G How infringement notice may be issued to person
(1)
An infringement notice may be issued to a person who the chief executive or enforcement officer believes is committing or has committed the infringement offence by—
(a)
delivering it to the person or, if the person refuses to accept it, bringing it to the person’s notice; or
(b)
leaving it for the person at the person’s last known place of residence with another person who appears to be of or over the age of 16 years; or
(c)
leaving it for the person at the person’s place of business or work with another person; or
(d)
sending it to the person by prepaid post addressed to the person’s last known place of residence or place of business or work; or
(e)
sending it to an electronic address of the person in any case where the person does not have a known place of residence or business in New Zealand.
(2)
Unless the contrary is shown,—
(a)
an infringement notice (or a copy of it) sent by prepaid post to a person under subsection (1) is to be treated as having been served on that person on the fifth working day after the date on which it was posted; and
(b)
an infringement notice sent to a valid electronic address is to be treated as having been served at the time the electronic communication first entered an information system that is outside the control of the chief executive or enforcement officer.
Section 104G: inserted, on 2 December 2021, by section 26 of the Crown Minerals (Decommissioning and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 53).
104H Payment of infringement fees
All infringement fees paid for infringement offences must be paid into a Crown Bank Account.
Section 104H: inserted, on 2 December 2021, by section 26 of the Crown Minerals (Decommissioning and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 53).
104I Reminder notices
A reminder notice must be in the form prescribed in the regulations and must include the same particulars, or substantially the same particulars, as the infringement notice.
Section 104I: inserted, on 2 December 2021, by section 26 of the Crown Minerals (Decommissioning and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 53).
104J Regulations
Regulations may be made under section 105—
(a)
prescribing infringement offences by—
(i)
prescribing a duty, restriction, or prohibition for conduct that is similar to conduct, or similar to an element of conduct, for which there is a duty, restriction, or prohibition under any provision of this Act or regulations; and
(ii)
providing that a contravention of the duty, restriction, or prohibition is an infringement offence:
(b)
prescribing for those infringement offences—
(i)
fines not exceeding—
(A)
$2,000 for an individual:
(B)
$6,000 in any other case:
(ii)
infringement fees not exceeding—
(A)
$1,000 for an individual:
(B)
$3,000 in any other case.
Section 104J: inserted, on 2 December 2021, by section 26 of the Crown Minerals (Decommissioning and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 53).
104K Relationship between infringement offences and other offences
A person may be prosecuted or convicted of any offence referred to in the Act (rather than proceeding under sections 104A to 104I), even if their conduct is, or may be, an infringement offence.
Section 104K: inserted, on 2 December 2021, by section 26 of the Crown Minerals (Decommissioning and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 53).
Regulations
105 Regulations
(1)
The Governor-General may from time to time, by Order in Council, make regulations for all or any of the following purposes:
(a)
prescribing the form or content of applications, permits, notices, reports, or any other documentation or information required under this Act, and the manner in which such documentation or information is to be provided (including electronically):
(b)
prescribing the information to be provided with applications for permits:
(c)
prescribing conditions on which permits may be applied for, granted, changed, or extended:
(ca)
specifying for the purposes of section 33C the kind or class of permits for which an annual report of the permit holder’s engagement with iwi affected by the permit must be provided to the Minister:
(cb)
prescribing, in relation to iwi engagement reports to which sections 33C and 33CA apply, the minimum required content, the manner in which the reports are to be provided, the periods to which the reports must apply, and the respective times by which—
(i)
draft reports must be provided to iwi and hapū for feedback:
(ii)
feedback on the draft reports must be given by iwi or hapū to the permit holder or holder of an existing privilege, as the case requires:
(iii)
reports must be provided to the chief executive.
(d)
prescribing the manner in which permits may be surrendered:
(e)
prescribing the manner in which persons wishing to apply for permits in respect of any land are to mark out or identify the land and prescribing a graticular system for the purpose of defining areas or parts of areas comprised in permits, applications for permits, or extensions of permits:
(ea)
specifying requirements for the work programme for Tier 3 permits under section 2BA, including permitting or prohibiting the use of specific equipment by permit holders:
(f)
prescribing registers to be kept under this Act, the form of such registers, the matters to be entered therein, and the means by which entries shall be verified:
(g)
providing for the keeping and provision of records, reports, information, and returns by permit holders for any purpose under this Act, and prescribing the nature of the records, reports, information, and returns, and the form, manner, and times in or at which they shall be kept or provided:
(gaa)
prescribing the records, statements, or any other documentation or information required under other legislation that must be retained for the purposes of this Act:
(gab)
prescribing matters for the purposes of section 42B (field development plans), section 42C (notice of expected cessation and nature of cessation), and section 89ZD (asset registers):
(gac)
prescribing requirements in relation to the subpart 2 decommissioning plan submitted under section 89ZB:
(gad)
prescribing matters for the purposes of sections 89ZC (decommissioning cost estimate), 89ZE (decommissioning completion report), and 89ZF (provision of information needed to monitor financial position):
(gae)
prescribing the standard or requirements that a decommissioning cost estimate submitted under section 89ZC must meet:
(ga)
prescribing the information that must be provided under section 90B and the form, manner, and times in or at which that information must be provided:
(gb)
prescribing the form, manner, and times in or at which the chief executive may publish any or all of the information that must be provided under section 90B:
(h)
providing for the keeping by a holder of a permit of cores, specimens, or samples obtained in the course of activities carried out under the permit and for the examination, taking, and retention of such cores, specimens, or samples by authorised persons:
(i)
prescribing matters in respect of which fees are to be payable under this Act, the amount of the fees, the time and manner of their payment, and the persons liable to pay them, and providing for charges for late payment of fees:
(j)
authorising the refund or remission of any fees payable under this Act:
(k)
prescribing the amount of monetary deposits or bonds required with applications for permits:
(l)
prescribing the duties of permit holders and the activities to be carried out under permits:
(m)
prohibiting or regulating activities under a permit near the boundaries of the land comprised in the permit and on or near land comprised in other permits:
(n)
for the purposes of the definition of minimum impact activity, prescribing impacts as prohibited impacts and land as prohibited land:
(o)
generally regulating activities carried out under permits:
(p)
providing for the exemption of permit holders, either wholly or partially, and either absolutely or conditionally, from any of the conditions of their permits or from the provisions of any regulations for the time being in force under this Act:
(q)
the prevention of the waste or loss of petroleum:
(qa)
regulating the decommissioning of petroleum infrastructure and the plugging and abandonment of wells:
(qb)
exempting specified classes of permit holders or licence holders from the obligation to decommission specified classes of petroleum infrastructure (in whole or in part), or to plug and abandon specified classes of wells, or both, or deferring any or all of those obligations (in whole or in part):
(qc)
declaring petroleum infrastructure and classes or items of petroleum infrastructure to be or not to be, as the case requires, relevant older petroleum infrastructure:
(qd)
declaring an individual well or class of wells to be, or not to be, as the case requires, to be a relevant older well or relevant older wells:
(qe)
requiring permit holders and licence holders to notify the chief executive of the likely date on which production will cease at any well, or in any field, at specified times:
(qf)
[Repealed](qg)
exempting specified classes of permit holders or licence holders from the obligation to carry out, and meet the costs of, post-decommissioning work under section 89ZV (either in whole or in part):
(qh)
prescribing requirements in relation to the ongoing monitoring of a permit or licence holder’s financial position and assessing their financial capability under sections 89ZF to 89ZK:
(qha)
prescribing arrangements or other things that are or are not to be treated as financial securities:
(qi)
regulating the setting, obtaining and maintaining of financial security arrangements that are required to be put in place and maintained, which may include, without limitation,—
(i)
setting criteria that the Minister must consider under section 89ZM(1)(b) when deciding the kinds and amounts of financial security to be required:
(ii)
specifying matters to be considered by the Minister when determining the amounts that are required to be secured (including 1 or more formulas or other methods of calculating those amounts):
(iii)
prescribing circumstances in which certain kinds of securities will or will not be permitted:
(iv)
requiring certain kinds of financial securities to be held in specified situations:
(v)
setting a hierarchy of preferred financial securities, which may differ in different circumstances:
(vi)
specifying how certain financial securities must be held:
(vii)
setting time frames for the obtaining and maintaining of all or part of a required security:
(viii)
prescribing the manner in which information is to be supplied for the purposes of section 89ZL(2):
(ix)
enabling the Minister to determine any other specified matter in connection with financial securities:
(qj)
specifying the maximum amount or a scale of maximum amounts to be secured by financial securities that permit holders and licence holders may be required to obtain and maintain:
(qk)
[Repealed](ql)
[Repealed](qm)
prescribing matters for the purposes of section 89ZZS:
(r)
providing for such matters as are contemplated by or necessary for giving full effect to this Act and for its due administration.
(2)
Any regulations made under this section may provide for different regulations to apply in respect of different classes of permits, permit holders, or activities or in respect of the same class of permits, permit holders, or activities, in different circumstances.
(3)
Any regulations made under this section may apply generally throughout New Zealand or within any specified part or parts thereof. All regulations made under this section shall, unless otherwise specified in the regulations, apply generally throughout New Zealand and the continental shelf.
(3A)
Regulations made under this section may apply in relation to licences, licence holders, and holders of a participating interest in a licence, or any class of licence or those persons, in so far as the regulations relate to subparts 2 and 3 of Part 1B or any other provision of this Act specified in the regulations.
(3B)
Regulations made under subsection (1)(qb) subsection (1)(qb), (qc), or (qd) (which relates to class exemptions) may only provide for exemptions—
(a)
that the Minister is satisfied are exemptions from requirements that are unreasonable or inappropriate for the exempted class of persons to comply with; or
(b)
if the Minister is satisfied that events have occurred that make the requirements unnecessary or inappropriate for the exempted class of persons to comply with.
(4)
Regulations under this section are secondary legislation (see Part 3 of the Legislation Act 2019 for publication requirements).
| Legislation Act 2019 requirements for secondary legislation made under this section | ||||
| Publication | PCO must publish it on the legislation website and notify it in the Gazette | LA19 s 69(1)(c) | ||
| Presentation | The Minister must present it to the House of Representatives | LA19 s 114, Sch 1 cl 32(1)(a) | ||
| Disallowance | It may be disallowed by the House of Representatives | LA19 ss 115, 116 | ||
| This note is not part of the Act. | ||||
Section 105(1)(a): replaced, on 24 May 2013, by section 57(1) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
Section 105(1)(a): amended, on 2 December 2021, by section 27(1) of the Crown Minerals (Decommissioning and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 53).
Section 105(1)(ca): inserted, on 24 May 2013, by section 57(2) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
Section 105(1)(cb): replaced, on 31 August 2023, by section 19 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2023 (2023 No 53).
Section 105(1)(ea): inserted, on 25 September 2025, by section 65(1) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 40).
Section 105(1)(f): amended, on 24 May 2013, by section 57(3) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
Section 105(1)(g): amended, on 24 May 2013, by section 57(3) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
Section 105(1)(gaa): inserted, on 2 December 2021, by section 27(2) of the Crown Minerals (Decommissioning and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 53).
Section 105(1)(gab): inserted, on 2 December 2021, by section 27(2) of the Crown Minerals (Decommissioning and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 53).
Section 105(1)(gac): inserted, on 2 December 2021, by section 27(2) of the Crown Minerals (Decommissioning and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 53).
Section 105(1)(gad): inserted, on 2 December 2021, by section 27(2) of the Crown Minerals (Decommissioning and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 53).
Section 105(1)(gae): inserted, on 2 December 2021, by section 27(2) of the Crown Minerals (Decommissioning and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 53).
Section 105(1)(ga): inserted, on 18 October 2004, by section 5 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2004 (2004 No 84).
Section 105(1)(gb): inserted, on 18 October 2004, by section 5 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2004 (2004 No 84).
Section 105(1)(gb): amended, on 24 May 2013, by section 64 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
Section 105(1)(p): amended, on 24 May 2013, by section 57(3) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
Section 105(1)(qa): inserted, on 2 December 2021, by section 27(3) of the Crown Minerals (Decommissioning and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 53).
Section 105(1)(qb): inserted, on 2 December 2021, by section 27(3) of the Crown Minerals (Decommissioning and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 53).
Section 105(1)(qb): amended, on 6 August 2025, by section 65(3) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 40).
Section 105(1)(qb): amended, on 6 August 2025, by section 65(4) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 40).
Section 105(1)(qc): inserted, on 2 December 2021, by section 27(3) of the Crown Minerals (Decommissioning and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 53).
Section 105(1)(qd): inserted, on 2 December 2021, by section 27(3) of the Crown Minerals (Decommissioning and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 53).
Section 105(1)(qe): inserted, on 2 December 2021, by section 27(3) of the Crown Minerals (Decommissioning and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 53).
Section 105(1)(qf): repealed, on 6 August 2025, by section 65(7) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 40).
Section 105(1)(qg): inserted, on 2 December 2021, by section 27(3) of the Crown Minerals (Decommissioning and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 53).
Section 105(1)(qg): amended, on 6 August 2025, by section 65(5) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 40).
Section 105(1)(qh): inserted, on 2 December 2021, by section 27(3) of the Crown Minerals (Decommissioning and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 53).
Section 105(1)(qha): inserted, on 6 August 2025, by section 65(2) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 40).
Section 105(1)(qi): inserted, on 2 December 2021, by section 27(3) of the Crown Minerals (Decommissioning and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 53).
Section 105(1)(qi): amended, on 6 August 2025, by section 65(6) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 40).
Section 105(1)(qj): inserted, on 2 December 2021, by section 27(3) of the Crown Minerals (Decommissioning and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 53).
Section 105(1)(qk): repealed, on 6 August 2025, by section 65(7) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 40).
Section 105(1)(ql): repealed, on 6 August 2025, by section 65(7) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 40).
Section 105(1)(qm): inserted, on 2 December 2021, by section 27(3) of the Crown Minerals (Decommissioning and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 53).
Section 105(1)(r): amended, on 24 May 2013, by section 57(3) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
Section 105(3A): amended, on 2 December 2021, by section 27(4) of the Crown Minerals (Decommissioning and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 53).
Section 105(3B): amended, on 2 December 2021, by section 27(4) of the Crown Minerals (Decommissioning and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 53).
Section 105(4): inserted, on 28 October 2021, by section 3 of the Secondary Legislation Act 2021 (2021 No 7).
105A Regulations relating to royalties
(1)
The Governor-General may, by Order in Council made on the recommendation of the Minister, make regulations for 1 or more of the following purposes:
(a)
prescribing how royalties are to be calculated, or the rate or rates for royalties:
(b)
prescribing thresholds that apply for the purpose of determining whether royalties are payable:
(c)
prescribing the due dates for royalty payments and submitting royalty returns.
(2)
The regulations may make different provisions for—
(a)
different minerals:
(b)
a mineral that occurs in different specified states, places, phases, or strata:
(c)
a mineral that is explored for or extracted by different specified methods.
(3)
If regulations made under this section are in force—
(a)
when an initial permit is granted in respect of a mineral, royalties must be calculated in accordance with the regulations as they apply at the time the permit is granted:
(b)
when a subsequent permit is granted in respect of the same mineral, royalties must also be calculated in accordance with the regulations as they applied at the time the initial permit was granted:
(c)
when a permit is changed to cover a different mineral, royalties in respect of that mineral must be calculated in accordance with the regulations as they apply when the relevant change to the permit takes effect.
(4)
Despite subsection (3), the period in relation to which the royalty calculations are made must be that specified in the current regulations.
(5)
Regulations under this section are secondary legislation (see Part 3 of the Legislation Act 2019 for publication requirements).
| Legislation Act 2019 requirements for secondary legislation made under this section | ||||
| Publication | PCO must publish it on the legislation website and notify it in the Gazette | LA19 s 69(1)(c) | ||
| Presentation | The Minister must present it to the House of Representatives | LA19 s 114, Sch 1 cl 32(1)(a) | ||
| Disallowance | It may be disallowed by the House of Representatives | LA19 ss 115, 116 | ||
| This note is not part of the Act. | ||||
Section 105A: inserted, on 24 May 2013, by section 58 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
Section 105A(5): inserted, on 28 October 2021, by section 3 of the Secondary Legislation Act 2021 (2021 No 7).
105B Regulations not invalid for certain matters
(1)
No regulation made under section 105 or 105A is invalid because—
(a)
it authorises the Minister or any other person—
(i)
to give any consent or approval on or subject to conditions to be imposed or approved by the Minister or any other person; or
(ii)
to set any standard; or
(b)
it otherwise leaves any matter to the discretion of the Minister or any other person.
(2)
No regulation made under section 105A is invalid because it authorises the Minister or any other person to determine any costs, value, or price for the purpose of assessing royalties payable in any case.
Section 105B: inserted, on 24 May 2013, by section 58 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
105C Regulations may incorporate material by reference
(1)
Regulations made under section 105 or 105A may incorporate by reference 1 or more of the following:
(a)
financial reporting standards in effect under the Financial Reporting Act 2013, as those standards are defined in section 5(1) of that Act (financial reporting standards):
(b)
a standard, framework, code of practice, recommended practice, or requirement of an international organisation or a national organisation:
(c)
a standard, framework, code of practice, recommended practice, or requirement prescribed in any country or jurisdiction, or by any group of countries:
(d)
any other written material that deals with technical matters and that can reasonably be regarded as being too large or impractical to include in, or publish as part of, the regulations.
(2)
The material may be incorporated by reference in the regulations—
(a)
in whole or in part; and
(b)
with modifications, additions, or variations specified in the regulations.
(3)
The incorporated material—
(a)
is as that exists at the time that the regulations are made; and
(b)
forms part of the regulations for all purposes and has legal effect accordingly.
(4)
An amendment to, or replacement of, a financial reporting standard in regulations made under section 105 or 105A (the initial regulations) has legal effect as part of the initial regulations on and from the date on which the amendment or regulation takes effect and commences to apply under sections 27 and 28 of the Financial Reporting Act 2013, if—
(a)
the amendment or replacement is made by the External Reporting Board in accordance with that Act; and
(b)
the amendment or replacement is of the same general character as the standard that is amended or replaced; and
(c)
the initial regulations state that amendments or replacements have this effect.
(5)
An amendment to, or replacement of, any other material in the initial regulations referred to in subsection (1) has legal effect as part of the initial regulations only if it is specifically incorporated by amendment regulations to the initial regulations.
(6)
A copy of material incorporated by reference in regulations made under section 105 or 105A, including any amendment to, or replacement of, the material, must be—
(a)
certified as a correct copy by the chief executive; and
(b)
retained by the chief executive.
(7)
The production in proceedings of a certified copy of the material incorporated by reference is, in the absence of evidence to the contrary, sufficient evidence of the incorporation in the regulations of the material.
(8)
Material incorporated by reference in regulations made under section 105 or 105A that expire or that are revoked or that cease to have effect ceases to have legal effect as part of the regulations only if regulations made under that section state that the material ceases to have legal effect.
(9)
The department responsible for the administration of this Act must—
(a)
provide electronic access to any material incorporated by reference in regulations made under this section, unless doing so would infringe copyright; and
(b)
make the material available for inspection during working hours, free of charge, at the department’s head office and at any other place that the chief executive determines is appropriate.
(10)
A failure to comply with subsection (9) does not invalidate regulations that incorporate any material incorporated by reference in regulations made under section 105 or 105A.
(11)
Subpart 1 of Part 3 and section 114 of the Legislation Act 2019 do not apply to material that is incorporated by reference in regulations merely because it is incorporated.
(12)
[Repealed](13)
[Repealed]Section 105C: inserted, on 24 May 2013, by section 58 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
Section 105C(1)(a): amended, on 1 April 2014, by section 126 of the Financial Reporting (Amendments to Other Enactments) Act 2013 (2013 No 102).
Section 105C(4): amended, on 1 April 2014, by section 126 of the Financial Reporting (Amendments to Other Enactments) Act 2013 (2013 No 102).
Section 105C(11): replaced, on 28 October 2021, by section 3 of the Secondary Legislation Act 2021 (2021 No 7).
Section 105C(12): repealed, on 28 October 2021, by section 3 of the Secondary Legislation Act 2021 (2021 No 7).
Section 105C(13): repealed, on 28 October 2021, by section 3 of the Secondary Legislation Act 2021 (2021 No 7).
105D Requirement to consult on proposal to incorporate material by reference
(1)
Before regulations incorporating material by reference are made under section 105 or 105A, the chief executive must—
(a)
make copies of the material proposed to be incorporated by reference (the proposed material) available for inspection during working hours for a reasonable period, free of charge, at the head office of the department responsible for the administration of this Act (the administering department) and at any other place that the chief executive determines is appropriate; and
(b)
state where copies of the proposed material are available for purchase; and
(c)
make copies of the proposed material available, free of charge, on an Internet site maintained by or on behalf of the administering department, unless doing so would infringe copyright; and
(d)
give notice in the Gazette stating—
(i)
that the proposed material is available for inspection during working hours, free of charge, and stating the places at which it can be inspected and the period during which it can be inspected; and
(ii)
that copies of the proposed material can be purchased and stating the places at which they can be purchased; and
(iii)
if applicable, that the proposed material is available on the Internet, free of charge, and stating the Internet site address; and
(e)
allow a reasonable opportunity for persons to comment on the proposal to incorporate the proposed material by reference; and
(f)
consider any comments made.
(2)
The chief executive—
(a)
may make copies of the proposed material available in any other way that he or she considers appropriate in the circumstances; and
(b)
must, if paragraph (a) applies, give notice in the Gazette stating that the proposed material is available in other ways and giving details of where or how it can be accessed or obtained.
(3)
The chief executive may comply with subsection (1)(c) (if applicable) by providing a hypertext link from an Internet site maintained by or on behalf of the administrating department to a copy of the proposed material that is available, free of charge, on an Internet site that is maintained by or on behalf of someone else.
(4)
A failure to comply with this section does not invalidate an instrument that incorporates material by reference in reliance on section 105C.
(5)
For the purposes of subsection (1)(c), a chief executive may not rely on section 66 of the Copyright Act 1994 as authority to make the proposed material available on an Internet site.
(6)
Nothing in this section applies to material proposed to be incorporated by reference described in section 105C(1)(a).
(7)
In this section, proposed material means—
(a)
the material itself:
(b)
an accurate translation in an official New Zealand language of the material, if the material is not in an official New Zealand language.
Section 105D: inserted, on 24 May 2013, by section 58 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
Part 2 Savings and transitional provisions
Part 2: replaced, on 24 May 2013, by section 59 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
106 Savings and transitional provisions
The savings and transitional provisions set out in Schedule 1 have effect for the purposes of this Act.
Section 106: replaced, on 24 May 2013, by section 59 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
Existing privileges[Repealed]
Heading: repealed, on 24 May 2013, by section 59 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
107 Existing privileges to continue
[Repealed]Section 107: repealed, on 24 May 2013, by section 59 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
108 Administration of existing privileges
[Repealed]Section 108: repealed, on 24 May 2013, by section 59 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
109 Bonds and monetary deposits
[Repealed]Section 109: repealed, on 24 May 2013, by section 59 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
110 Fees payable by holders of existing privileges
[Repealed]Section 110: repealed, on 24 May 2013, by section 59 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
110A Data lodgement requirements in respect of petroleum licences
[Repealed]Section 110A: repealed, on 24 May 2013, by section 59 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
110B Extension of term of petroleum prospecting licences
[Repealed]Section 110B: repealed, on 24 May 2013, by section 59 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
111 Right to new permits
[Repealed]Section 111: repealed, on 24 May 2013, by section 59 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
111A No application under section 103D of Mining Act 1971 for extension of duration of mining privilege
[Repealed]Section 111A: repealed, on 24 May 2013, by section 59 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
Existing applications[Repealed]
Heading: repealed, on 24 May 2013, by section 59 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
112 Existing applications under Mining Act 1971
[Repealed]Section 112: repealed, on 24 May 2013, by section 59 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
113 Existing applications under Coal Mines Act 1979
[Repealed]Section 113: repealed, on 24 May 2013, by section 59 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
114 Existing applications under Petroleum Act 1937
[Repealed]Section 114: repealed, on 24 May 2013, by section 59 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
114A Priority of existing applications under Mining Act 1971, Coal Mines Act 1979, and Petroleum Act 1937
[Repealed]Section 114A: repealed, on 24 May 2013, by section 59 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
Transitional arrangements regarding access to land[Repealed]
Heading: repealed, on 24 May 2013, by section 59 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
115 Existing agreements regarding land access not affected
[Repealed]Section 115: repealed, on 24 May 2013, by section 59 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
Miscellaneous provisions[Repealed]
Heading: repealed, on 24 May 2013, by section 59 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
116 Notices under section 24 of Mining Act 1971
[Repealed]Section 116: repealed, on 24 May 2013, by section 59 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
117 Minister’s obligations in respect of minerals programmes
[Repealed]Section 117: repealed, on 24 May 2013, by section 59 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
118 Granting of petroleum permits before minerals programme issued
[Repealed]Section 118: repealed, on 24 May 2013, by section 59 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
119 Restriction on granting of permits
[Repealed]Section 119: repealed, on 24 May 2013, by section 59 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
119A No compensation
[Repealed]Section 119A: repealed, on 24 May 2013, by section 59 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
120 Repeals and revocations
[Repealed]Section 120: repealed, on 24 May 2013, by section 59 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
121 Consequential amendments
[Repealed]Section 121: repealed, on 24 May 2013, by section 59 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
122 Savings as to compensation claims
[Repealed]Section 122: repealed, on 24 May 2013, by section 59 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
123 Savings as to court proceedings
[Repealed]Section 123: repealed, on 24 May 2013, by section 59 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
Schedule 1 Savings and transitional provisions
Schedule 1: replaced, on 24 May 2013, by section 60 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
Contents
Part 1 Provisions relating to Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013
1 Interpretation
In Part 1 of this schedule,—
Amendment Act means the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013
existing permit means a permit that existed immediately before the commencement of the Amendment Act
new section, new subsection, or new Schedule means the specified section, subsection, or Schedule of the principal Act as amended, replaced, or inserted by the Amendment Act
old Part, old section, or old subsection means the specified Part, section, or subsection of the principal Act as it read immediately before the section was amended or replaced by the Amendment Act
principal Act means this Act (the Crown Minerals Act 1991).
Subpart 1—Provisions relating to permits and permit holders
2 Permit holder must notify Minister of operator
(1)
This clause applies to a permit holder that, immediately before the commencement of the Amendment Act, comprises 2 or more permit participants.
(2)
No later than 5 December 2013, the permit holder must—
(a)
notify the Minister of which permit participant is responsible, on behalf of the permit holder, for the day-to-day management of activities under the permit; and
(b)
provide the chief executive with the name and contact details of that permit participant.
(3)
For the purposes of the principal Act, the permit participant notified to the Minister is, on and from the date of notification, the permit operator for the permit.
3 Provisions relating to minerals programmes
(1)
Despite section 13, a minerals programme in force immediately before the commencement of the Amendment Act (an old minerals programme) continues to have effect subject to this clause and new section 22(2).
(2)
An old minerals programme continues to apply to each relevant existing permit until the earliest of the following events occurs:
(a)
the permit holder applies for a subsequent permit in accordance with new section 32:
(b)
the permit holder applies to change the permit under or in accordance with new section 36:
(c)
the permit holder applies to surrender part of the permit under new section 40:
(d)
a permit participant applies for a consent to transfer some or all of its participating interest in the permit under new section 41:
(e)
a permit participant notifies the Minister of a change of control within the scope of new section 41A:
(f)
a permit participant applies for consent to a dealing within the scope of new section 41B:
(g)
the permit holder applies for the permit operator to be changed under new section 41C:
(h)
the permit holder opts into the current minerals programme in accordance with subclause (4).
(3)
Once the event occurs, the minerals programme referred to in new section 13 applies to the permit.
(4)
If a minerals programme is approved under new Part 1A in place of an old minerals programme, the holder of a relevant existing permit may opt into that minerals programme (the current minerals programme) by notice in writing to the Minister, and the current minerals programme applies to the permit from the date on which the Minister approves a revised work programme for the permit that is consistent with the current minerals programme.
(5)
Any valid action taken in anticipation of, or as part of, offering a permit for allocation by public tender under an old minerals programme (including any consultation) must be treated for all purposes as complying with any requirements imposed in relation to those actions by—
(a)
the principal Act (as amended by the Amendment Act) in respect of those actions; or
(b)
any minerals programme approved under new Part 1A in place of the old minerals programme.
(6)
If the Minister has offered permits for allocation by public tender under an old minerals programme, that process must be continued and completed under the principal Act (as amended by the Amendment Act) and any minerals programme approved under new Part 1A in place of the old minerals programme.
(7)
The Governor-General may by Order in Council issue a minerals programme that comes into force on the same date as the Amendment Act commences, and any such minerals programme must be treated for all purposes as if it were issued under new section 19(1) and all the requirements of that section had been satisfied.
4 Provisions about royalties
(1)
Despite anything in clause 3, new section 105A, or regulations made under new section 105A, any royalties to be calculated under a permit or a subsequent permit that is granted in exchange for an existing permit must continue to be calculated in accordance with—
(a)
the minerals programme that applied when the existing permit (or, if the existing permit is a subsequent permit, the initial permit to that subsequent permit) was granted; or
(b)
the minerals programme for minerals (excluding petroleum) that came into force on 1 February 2008 if the permit holder opted into that programme in accordance with clause 1.7(2) of that minerals programme and old section 22(1)(a).
(1A)
Subclause (1) applies on and after 24 May 2013 (the date on which this schedule was replaced by the Amendment Act).
(1B)
The chief executive, on application by a permit holder who opted in as referred to in subclause (1)(b), may refund an overpaid royalty, or reduce a royalty amount payable, for a reporting period that applied (in whole or in part) on or after 24 May 2013 until the commencement of this subclause (so that the royalty that is paid or payable is consistent with subclause (1)(b)).
(2)
Despite subclause (1), the period in relation to which the royalty calculations are made must be that specified in the current regulations made under new section 105A.
(3)
Subclause (1) applies even if the minerals programme that applied when the existing permit was granted is replaced.
(4)
However, if an existing permit is changed to cover a different mineral, royalties in respect of that mineral must be calculated in accordance with regulations made under new section 105A as those regulations apply when the change to the permit takes effect.
Schedule 1 clause 4(1): replaced, on 19 February 2019, by section 20(1) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2019 (2019 No 2).
Schedule 1 clause 4(1A): inserted, on 19 February 2019, by section 20(1) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2019 (2019 No 2).
Schedule 1 clause 4(1B): inserted, on 19 February 2019, by section 20(1) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2019 (2019 No 2).
5 Pending applications for permit or change to permit
(1)
This clause applies to the following applications and notifications if a final decision in respect of the application or notification has not been made before the commencement of the Amendment Act:
(a)
an application for a permit under old section 23 (other than an application to which clause 6 applies); and
(b)
an application under old section 36, 37, or 41; and
(c)
a notification under old section 40.
(2)
The application or notification must be determined by the Minister or accepted by the chief executive, as the case may be, in accordance with—
(a)
the principal Act (as amended by the Amendment Act); and
(b)
the minerals programme that—
(i)
comes into force on the date on which the Amendment Act commences; and
(ii)
relates to the mineral to which the application applies.
(3)
The Minister or the chief executive may require the applicant or the person making the notification to provide any further information or document that the Minister or the chief executive considers necessary in order to determine or accept the application or notification in accordance with the principal Act as so amended.
(4)
If an application was made under old section 36 or 37 and relates to a change to the specified date by which specified work must be carried out, or to a change to specified work that must be carried out by a specified date, the permit holder does not contravene the conditions if the conditions—
(a)
must be complied with or fulfilled while the application is being considered by the Minister; and
(b)
is not complied with or fulfilled while the application is being considered by the Minister.
(5)
However, if the Minister declines the application, the permit holder contravenes the conditions from the date on which the conditions should have been complied with or fulfilled.
(6)
To avoid doubt, any permit granted by the Minister in response to an application made in accordance with this clause is subject to—
(a)
the principal Act (as amended by the Amendment Act); and
(b)
the minerals programme that comes into force on the date on which the Amendment Act commences and that relates to the mineral to which the permit applies unless and until that programme is changed in accordance with the principal Act (as amended by the Amendment Act).
6 Pending applications for petroleum exploration permit
(1)
This clause applies to every application for a petroleum exploration permit under the principal Act—
(a)
that was made before 30 August 2011 under the Minerals Programme for Petroleum (2005); and
(b)
for which a final decision has not been made before the commencement of the Amendment Act.
(2)
An application must be dealt with under the principal Act (as it read immediately before the commencement of the Amendment Act) and the Minerals Programme for Petroleum (2005) (as it read immediately before being revised on 25 January 2012).
(3)
A permit granted in respect of an application to which this clause applies has effect as if granted under the principal Act (as amended by the Amendment Act).
7 Petroleum exploration permit holders’ rights to extension of duration of permit
(1)
Despite new section 35(4), a specified permit may be extended—
(a)
for a period not exceeding 15 years from the commencement date of the permit in accordance with new section 36(1) to (4); and
(b)
under new section 35A.
(2)
In this clause, specified permit means—
(a)
a permit granted in respect of an application to which clause 6 applies; and
(b)
an existing exploration permit for petroleum.
8 Relinquishment obligation
(1)
This clause applies to every existing exploration permit in relation to which the permit holder has relinquished an area subject to the permit in order to obtain an extension of duration under old section 37.
(2)
The relinquishment is deemed to be a relinquishment obligation for the purposes of new section 35C.
9 Pending applications for access arrangement for Crown land
(1)
This clause applies to every application for an access arrangement under old section 61 in respect of Crown land for which a final decision has not been made before the commencement of the Amendment Act.
(2)
The principal Act (as amended by the Amendment Act) applies to the applications.
(3)
To avoid doubt, if, immediately before the commencement of the Amendment Act, a final decision has not been made about an access arrangement application made to the Minister of Conservation, the Minister of Conservation or the Minister and the Minister of Conservation, as the case may be, must consider the application in accordance with new Schedule 4.
10 Provisions relating to speculative prospectors
If the Minister determines, within 90 days after the date on which the Amendment Act comes into force, that an existing non-exclusive petroleum prospecting permit holder or an applicant for a petroleum prospecting permit for which the application is made but not determined before the commencement of the Amendment Act is or will be a speculative prospector (within the meaning of new section 90C(7)), new section 90(8) applies to all information provided by the speculative prospector under new section 90 on or after 1 October 2012.
Subpart 2—Provisions relating to existing privileges
11 Application of this subpart
This subpart applies to existing privileges in replacement of all provisions contained in old Part 2.
12 Existing privileges continue
(1)
Except as otherwise provided in the rest of this clause and subpart, each existing privilege continues to have effect after the commencement of the Amendment Act as if—
(a)
the Act that applied to the privilege before the commencement of the principal Act continues in force; and
(b)
the holder of the privilege continues to have the same statutory rights as the holder would have had if the principal Act and the Resource Management Act 1991 had not been enacted (except that if any consent in respect of the privilege would, but for this subclause, be required and need to be sought under the Resource Management Act 1991, then the Resource Management Act 1991 does apply); and
(c)
subject to clause 15, the holder of the privilege continues to have the same statutory obligations as the holder would have had if the principal Act had not been enacted; and
(d)
every person having any function, power, or duty relating to the administration of the Act that applied to the privilege before that date continues to have those functions, powers, and duties; and
(e)
the Environment Court and any other body having any function, power, or duty connected with the determination of any dispute under the Act which applied to the privilege before that date continued to have those functions, powers, and duties; and
(f)
all persons continue to have the same rights to compensation, to make objections, and to appeal as they would have had if the principal Act had not been enacted.
(2)
Despite subclause (1), sections 63 and 64 of the Petroleum Act 1937 do not apply in respect of any pipeline to which an authorisation granted under Part 2 of that Act relates.
(2A)
Despite subclause (1), the prohibition in section 240A of the Mining Act 1971 on a Minister delegating a power conferred by section 145 of that Act no longer applies to an existing privilege.
(3)
Despite subclause (1), if, after the commencement of the Amendment Act, a holder of an existing privilege makes an application to which section 77 of the Mining Act 1971 or section 48 of the Coal Mines Act 1979 would apply, then—
(a)
the Act does not apply in respect of the application; and
(b)
the principal Act as amended by the Amendment Act applies instead in respect of the application as if the existing privilege were a prospecting permit, exploration permit, or mining permit, as the case may be.
(4)
Despite subclause (1), no extension of the duration of a mining privilege may be granted on an application for a variation of conditions under section 103D of the Mining Act 1971 made after 5 pm on 19 September 2002.
(5)
Despite subclause (1), a section of the principal Act (whether a new or an old section) applies to each existing privilege, in the manner provided in the section, if the section in whole or in part expressly relates to or provides for an existing privilege.
Schedule 1 clause 12(1)(b): amended, on 23 December 2023, by section 6 of the Resource Management (Natural and Built Environment and Spatial Planning Repeal and Interim Fast-track Consenting) Act 2023 (2023 No 68).
Schedule 1 clause 12(2A): inserted, on 19 February 2019, by section 20(2) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2019 (2019 No 2).
13 Operators for existing privileges
(1)
New section 27 applies to each existing privilege as if the existing privilege were a permit and the holder or holders of the privilege were permit participants, except that the person designated by the existing privilege holder as the permit operator under that section may be someone other than a holder of the existing privilege.
(2)
No later than 5 December 2013, the existing privilege holder must—
(a)
notify the Minister of which person is responsible, on behalf of the privilege holder, for the day-to-day management of activities under the privilege; and
(b)
provide the chief executive with the name and contact details of that person.
(3)
For the purposes of the principal Act, the person notified to the Minister is, on and from the date of notification, the permit operator for the existing privilege, unless the permit operator is subsequently changed in accordance with new section 41C.
(4)
For the purposes of subclause (3), new section 41C applies to each existing privilege—
(a)
as if the existing privilege were a permit and the holder of the privilege a permit holder and, for the purpose of that section, new sections 2B to 2D also apply:
(b)
but the person proposed to become the new operator may be someone other than a holder of the existing privilege.
14 New sections apply to existing privileges
(1)
New sections 33A, 33B, 90D, and 90E apply to each existing privilege as if the existing privilege were a permit and the holder of the privilege a permit holder.
(2)
New sections 33C, 33D, and 90 apply to each existing privilege as if the existing privilege were a permit and the holder of the privilege a permit holder and, for the purpose of those sections, new sections 2B to 2D also apply.
(3)
New sections 99B to 99G and 99I to 99M apply to each existing privilege as if the existing privilege were a permit and the holder of the privilege a permit holder, but the reference in new section 99C to an offence against the principal Act must be read as a reference to an offence against the relevant Act referred to in the definition of existing privilege in section 2.
15 Administration of existing privileges in respect of Resource Management Act 1991 and Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 matters
(1)
Subject to clause 16, the functions, powers, and duties—
(a)
that, before the commencement of the principal Act, would have been exercisable or performable by the Minister of Energy in respect of an existing privilege, or of any condition of an existing privilege, or of any provisions of an Act that relate to an existing privilege; and
(b)
that concern matters that are within the functions of a local authority under section 30 or 31 of the Resource Management Act 1991—
are exercisable or performable by the appropriate consent authority and the provisions of the Resource Management Act 1991 relating to the existing privilege, with all necessary modifications, apply accordingly.
(2)
Where there is doubt as to which person is responsible for exercising or performing a particular function, power, or duty, and that doubt cannot be resolved by agreement between those persons, any such person may apply to the Environment Court for an order determining the matter, and the court may grant such an order on such conditions as it thinks fit.
(3)
Before the Minister varies the terms and conditions of an existing privilege, or takes any enforcement action against the holder of an existing privilege in respect of the existing privilege, the Minister must give written notice to the consent authority that has any functions, powers, and duties in relation to the privilege under this clause, of the proposed action and the reasons for it.
(4)
Before a consent authority varies the terms and conditions of an existing privilege, or takes any enforcement action against the holder of an existing privilege in respect of the existing privilege, the consent authority must give written notice to the Minister of the proposed action and the reasons for it.
(5)
A failure to comply with subclause (3) or (4) does not invalidate any variation or enforcement action.
(6)
A local authority has, for the purposes of exercising or performing its functions, powers, and duties in relation to an existing privilege under this section, all of the powers conferred on an enforcement officer by section 332 of the Resource Management Act 1991.
(7)
Despite clause 12(1)(d) or section 4 of the Health and Safety in Employment Act 1992,—
(a)
the health and safety regulator or an inspector may exercise or perform the functions, powers, and duties—
(i)
that would have been exercisable or performable by any person in respect of an existing privilege before the commencement of the Health and Safety in Employment Act 1992; and
(ii)
that concern matters that are within the functions, powers, and duties of the regulator or an inspector under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 or the WorkSafe New Zealand Act 2013; and
(b)
the Acts referred to in paragraph (a)(ii) apply accordingly with any necessary modifications.
(8)
Despite clause 12(1)(d), the functions, powers, and duties—
(a)
that before the commencement of the principal Act would have been exercisable or performable by an Inspector and that would have arisen in respect of an existing privilege, or of any condition of an existing privilege, or of any provisions of an Act that relate to an existing privilege; and
(b)
that concern matters that are not within the functions of a local authority under section 30 or 31 of the Resource Management Act 1991 or the regulator or an inspector under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 or the WorkSafe New Zealand Act 2013—
are exercisable or performable by the chief executive, and the provisions of the Act relating to the existing privilege apply accordingly, with any necessary modifications.
(9)
References in this section to the Minister include references to any statutory officer appointed under the Act under which the existing privilege was granted.
Schedule 1 clause 15 heading: amended, on 23 December 2023, by section 6 of the Resource Management (Natural and Built Environment and Spatial Planning Repeal and Interim Fast-track Consenting) Act 2023 (2023 No 68).
Schedule 1 clause 15 heading: amended, on 4 April 2016, by section 232 of the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 (2015 No 70).
Schedule 1 clause 15(1): amended, on 23 December 2023, by section 6 of the Resource Management (Natural and Built Environment and Spatial Planning Repeal and Interim Fast-track Consenting) Act 2023 (2023 No 68).
Schedule 1 clause 15(1)(b): amended, on 23 December 2023, by section 6 of the Resource Management (Natural and Built Environment and Spatial Planning Repeal and Interim Fast-track Consenting) Act 2023 (2023 No 68).
Schedule 1 clause 15(6): amended, on 23 December 2023, by section 6 of the Resource Management (Natural and Built Environment and Spatial Planning Repeal and Interim Fast-track Consenting) Act 2023 (2023 No 68).
Schedule 1 clause 15(7): replaced, on 4 April 2016, by section 232 of the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 (2015 No 70).
Schedule 1 clause 15(8)(b): amended, on 23 December 2023, by section 6 of the Resource Management (Natural and Built Environment and Spatial Planning Repeal and Interim Fast-track Consenting) Act 2023 (2023 No 68).
Schedule 1 clause 15(8)(b): amended, on 4 April 2016, by section 232 of the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 (2015 No 70).
16 Bonds and monetary deposits
(1)
The administration of monetary deposits and bonds held under section 108A of the Mining Act 1971, section 71 of the Coal Mines Act 1979, or section 47H of the Petroleum Act 1937 must be carried out so that the chief executive holds the monetary deposit or bond, and any money recovered under a bond, but those sections must apply so that, during the duration of, and on the termination of, an existing privilege,—
(a)
the appropriate consent authority is entitled to have first priority to one-half of the amount of any deposit or bond held by the chief executive for the purpose of restoring or protecting any property injuriously affected or endangered by reason of the failure of the holder of the existing privilege to comply with the terms and conditions of the privilege; and
(b)
the Minister is entitled to have first priority to the other half of the amount of any deposit or bond for the purpose of the payment of any money payable to the Crown by the holder of the existing privilege in respect of which the deposit or bond is held or in respect of any other existing privilege held by that holder; and
(c)
the appropriate consent authority is entitled to the full amount of any increase in the deposit or bond under subclause (2).
(2)
Where the regional council for the region within which any land subject to a coal mining right is wholly or predominantly situated is satisfied, after consultation with the appropriate territorial authority, that the amount of the deposit or bond lodged in respect of that right pursuant to section 71(1) of the Coal Mines Act 1979 is insufficient to meet the amount that is or may become payable under section 71(3) of that Act, the regional council may, at intervals of not less than 3 years, require the holder of the coal mining right to increase the amount of the deposit or bond accordingly; and the holder of the coal mining right must comply with that requirement.
(3)
Within 15 working days after the date on which notice is given to the holder of the coal mining right that a regional council has increased the amount of deposit or bond pursuant to subclause (2), the holder of the coal mining right may appeal against the decision of the regional council by lodging a notice of appeal with the Environment Court.
(4)
A copy of the notice of appeal must be served on the regional council and on the chief executive either before or immediately after it is lodged with the Environment Court.
(5)
Subject to subclauses (6) and (7), for the purposes of an appeal under this clause, the Environment Court has all the powers, duties, functions, immunities, and discretions conferred on it under the Resource Management Act 1991.
(6)
In hearing an appeal under this clause, the Environment Court must have regard to—
(a)
the purpose for which the deposit or bond is levied; and
(b)
the reasonableness of the amount of the deposit or bond set by the regional council, given the purpose for which the deposit or bond is levied.
(7)
On completion of the hearing, the Environment Court must prepare a written decision, which must—
(a)
uphold the decision of the regional council; or
(b)
amend the amount of the increase in the deposit or bond set by the regional council, but such amendment shall not increase the amount originally fixed by the regional council; or
(c)
revoke the decision of the regional council.
(8)
No appeal lies from any decision of the Environment Court under this clause.
Schedule 1 clause 16(5): amended, on 23 December 2023, by section 6 of the Resource Management (Natural and Built Environment and Spatial Planning Repeal and Interim Fast-track Consenting) Act 2023 (2023 No 68).
17 Fees payable by holders of existing privileges
(1)
This clause applies despite clause 12(1).
(2)
The holders of coal mining rights under the Coal Mines Act 1979 are not liable for the payment of rental under that Act in respect of any period following the date of commencement of the principal Act.
(3)
The holders of mining privileges under the Mining Act 1971 are not liable for the payment of rental under that Act in respect of any period following the date of commencement of the principal Act.
(4)
Persons entitled to the payment of rental under the Coal Mines Act 1979 are not entitled to the payment of rental under that Act in respect of any period following the date of commencement of the principal Act.
(5)
Persons entitled to the payment of rental under the Mining Act 1971 are not entitled to the payment of rental under that Act in respect of any period following the date of commencement of the principal Act.
(6)
From the date of commencement of the principal Act, the holders of coal mining rights under the Coal Mines Act 1979 and the holders of mining privileges under the Mining Act 1971 are liable to pay to the chief executive the fees in respect of their coal mining right or mining privilege as they would be liable to pay if their coal mining right or mining privilege were the equivalent kind of prospecting permit, exploration permit, or mining permit, as the case may be.
(7)
Any ironsands export levy payable under an authorisation given or an agreement entered into under the Iron and Steel Industry Act 1959 must be paid 6-monthly within 30 days after 1 January and 1 July in each year.
(8)
Where the holder of an existing privilege fails to make payment to the Crown of an ironsands export levy or royalties payable under the existing privilege by the due date, a penalty of 10% of the amount due shall also become due and payable, by the holder of the existing privilege, to the Crown.
(9)
Every holder of a mining licence granted under the Petroleum Act 1937 is not liable to pay any fees provided for in that Act or in any regulations made under that Act, but must pay to the chief executive the fees in respect of the licence as the holder would be liable to pay if the licence were the equivalent kind of prospecting permit, exploration permit, or mining permit, as the case may be.
18 Data lodgement requirements for certain existing privileges
(1)
Subclause (2) applies in relation to the lodging of data and reports in respect of every existing privilege that is—
(a)
a prospecting licence or mining licence granted under the Petroleum Act 1937:
(b)
a licence granted under the Mining Act 1971 or the Coal Mines Act 1979:
(c)
an authorisation given, an agreement entered into, or a grant of rights under the Iron and Steel Industry Act 1959, or an existing right referred to in section 5 of that Act.
(2)
Despite clause 12(1), from the commencement of the Amendment Act, the holder of an existing privilege is only required to comply with the requirements of the principal Act (as amended by the Amendment Act) for the lodging of data and reports in respect of the licence that would apply if the licence were the equivalent kind of prospecting, mining, or exploration permit, as the case may be.
19 Notices under section 24 of Mining Act 1971
(1)
Every notice issued under section 24 of the Mining Act 1971 before the date of commencement of the principal Act continues to have effect until it is revoked by the Minister, and—
(a)
any land set apart by any such notice for mining purposes, or any specified mining purposes exclusively, is not available for any other purpose; and
(b)
no minerals permit that is inconsistent with any such notice may be applied for or granted under new Part 1B.
(2)
The Minister may revoke—
(a)
a notice issued under section 24(1)(aa) of the Mining Act 1971, only with the concurrence of the Minister of Conservation:
(b)
a notice issued under section 24(1)(b) of that Act, only with the concurrence of the Minister of Lands.
20 Compensation claims
(1)
If, immediately before the date of commencement of the principal Act, any claim for compensation under any enactment repealed by the principal Act has been or could be made, that claim may be made or continued and enforced in all respects as if the principal Act had not been enacted.
(2)
No person is entitled to compensation from the Crown in respect of any losses arising from—
(a)
the loss of the right to apply for a new mining licence under section 77 of the Mining Act 1971:
(b)
the loss of the right to apply for a new coal mining licence under section 48 of the Coal Mines Act 1979:
(c)
the loss of the right to apply for an extension to the duration of a mining privilege under section 103D of the Mining Act 1971.
Subpart 3—Other matters
21 Existing reservations of land
(1)
This clause applies if, before the commencement of the Amendment Act,—
(a)
the Minister has given notice that an area of land is reserved for possible allocation by public tender; and
(b)
the notice has not been cancelled.
(2)
The notice must be treated as if it were a notice made—
(a)
on the date of the commencement of the Amendment Act; and
(b)
under and compliant with new section 28A.
Part 2 Provisions relating to Crown Minerals (Petroleum) Amendment Act 2018
Schedule 1 Part 2: inserted, on 13 November 2018, by section 10 of the Crown Minerals (Petroleum) Amendment Act 2018 (2018 No 49).
22 Interpretation
In Part 2 of this schedule,—
Amendment Act means the Crown Minerals (Petroleum) Amendment Act 2018
application means—
(a)
an application for a permit for petroleum lodged by a person under section 23A:
(b)
a tender for a permit for petroleum submitted in response to a public tender process under section 24
existing permit means a permit for petroleum that exists immediately before the commencement of the Amendment Act.
Subpart 1—Existing permits, subsequent permits, and existing applications for permits for petroleum
23 Existing permits unaffected
(1)
This Act (including sections 32, 36, 39, and 40) continues to apply to existing permits as if the Amendment Act had not been enacted.
(2)
Existing permits (including any conditions to which the permits are subject immediately before the commencement of the Amendment Act) continue to have effect according to their terms (unless and until those conditions are amended, or those terms are changed, in accordance with this Act as if the Amendment Act had not been enacted).
24 Applications for subsequent permits unaffected
(1)
This Act (including sections 23A, 25, and 32) applies to the following applications for a subsequent permit as if the Amendment Act had not been enacted:
(a)
an application for a subsequent permit for petroleum in exchange for an existing permit:
(b)
an application for a subsequent permit for petroleum in exchange for a subsequent permit referred to in paragraph (a).
(2)
Subclause (1) applies to applications for a subsequent permit lodged before or after the commencement of the Amendment Act.
(3)
Clause 26 does not apply to those applications.
25 Subsequent permits unaffected
(1)
This Act (including sections 32, 36, 39, and 40) applies to the following subsequent permits as if the Amendment Act had not been enacted:
(a)
a subsequent permit for petroleum that is granted in exchange for an existing permit:
(b)
a subsequent permit for petroleum that is granted in exchange for a subsequent permit referred to in paragraph (a).
(2)
Subclause (1) applies to subsequent permits granted before or after the commencement of the Amendment Act.
26 Existing applications for permits for petroleum determined in accordance with Act as amended
(1)
Any application that was lodged or submitted, but not determined, before the commencement of the Amendment Act—
(a)
is treated as having been withdrawn; and
(b)
is treated as having been re-lodged or re-submitted (but only if, and to the extent that, the application is in respect of land in the onshore Taranaki region) immediately after the commencement of the Amendment Act; and
(c)
must be determined in accordance with this Act as in force immediately after the commencement of the Amendment Act.
(2)
Subclause (1) applies despite anything to the contrary in this Act.
Subpart 2—Other matters unaffected
27 Existing privileges unaffected
(1)
The Amendment Act does not affect existing privileges (see section 2).
(2)
This Act continues to have effect for the purpose of subclause (1) as if it had not been amended by the Amendment Act.
28 Specified proceedings unaffected
The proceedings in the High Court between Greymouth Gas Turangi Limited and the Minister of Energy and Resources (CIV 2018-485-237) may be continued, heard, and determined, or settled, as if the Amendment Act (other than this clause) had not been enacted.
Subpart 3—Changes to minerals programme
29 Changes to minerals programme
Nothing in sections 17 and 18 applies to a change to a minerals programme if the change inserts information into the programme to explain the effect of the amendments made to this Act by the Amendment Act.
Part 3 Provisions relating to Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2019
Schedule 1 Part 3: inserted, on 19 February 2019, by section 20(3) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2019 (2019 No 2).
30 Consequential amendments to minerals programme
Nothing in section 17 or 18 of this Act applies to any change to a minerals programme if the change that is made is consequential to the amendments made to this Act by the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2019 (including any change to remove inconsistencies between the minerals programme and this Act as amended).
31 Existing transactions not affected
(1)
The amendments made by sections 7 to 10, 18, and 19 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2019 (to the extent that they relate to transactions) apply only to transactions entered into on or after commencement (and this Act, as in force immediately before commencement, continues to apply to a transaction entered into before commencement as if the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2019 had not been enacted).
(2)
In this clause, a transaction must be treated as being entered into before commencement even if, immediately before commencement, the transaction is subject to a condition precedent.
(3)
In this clause,—
change of control means a change of control (within the meaning of section 41A(1) and (8) of this Act (as in force immediately before commencement)
commencement means the commencement of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2019
transaction means a contract or an arrangement that has or will have the effect of a corporate body undergoing a change of control.
Part 4 Provisions relating to Crown Minerals (Decommissioning and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021
Schedule 1 Part 4: inserted, on 2 December 2021, by section 28(a) of the Crown Minerals (Decommissioning and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 53).
32 Consequential amendments to minerals programmes
Nothing in section 17 or 18 of this Act applies to any change to a minerals programme if the change that is made is consequential to the amendments made to this Act by the Crown Minerals (Decommissioning and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (including any change to remove inconsistencies between the minerals programme and this Act as amended).
Schedule 1 clause 32: inserted, on 2 December 2021, by section 28(a) of the Crown Minerals (Decommissioning and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 53).
33 Specific proceedings unaffected
To avoid doubt,—
(a)
the decision of the High Court in the proceedings between Greymouth Gas Turangi Limited and the Minister of Energy and Resources (CIV-2018-485-237) is binding on the parties for the purposes of the matters at issue in those proceedings; and
(b)
the Act, as it was in force on 6 March 2018, continues to apply for the purpose of giving effect to that decision, notwithstanding the commencement of the Crown Minerals (Decommissioning and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (other than this clause).
Schedule 1 clause 33: inserted, on 2 December 2021, by section 28(a) of the Crown Minerals (Decommissioning and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 53).
34 Existing applications determined in accordance with Act as amended
(1)
Any application that was lodged or submitted, but not determined, before the day after the date on which the Crown Minerals (Decommissioning and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (the Amendment Act) received the Royal assent must be determined in accordance with this Act as in force on the day after the date on which the Amendment Act received the Royal assent.
(2)
Subclause (1) applies despite anything to the contrary in this Act.
(3)
In this clause, application means—
(a)
an application under section 23A (application for permits); and
(b)
an application under section 24 (allocation by public tender); and
(c)
an application under section 41 (transfer of interest in permit); and
(d)
an application under section 41AB (change of control of permit operator of Tier 1 permit); and
(e)
an application under section 41C (change of permit operator).
Schedule 1 clause 34: inserted, on 2 December 2021, by section 28(a) of the Crown Minerals (Decommissioning and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 53).
35 Section 13 of Petroleum Act 1937 amended (Term of mining licence)
Section 13(3) of the Petroleum Act 1937 (as preserved by clause 12(1)(a) of Schedule 1) must be applied as if there were inserted the following paragraph:
(d)
may be extended under this paragraph by the Minister for such period as the Minister considers reasonable, to enable the licensee to comply with their decommissioning obligations under subpart 2 of Part 1B of the Crown Minerals Act 1991.
Schedule 1 clause 35: inserted, on 2 December 2021, by section 28(a) of the Crown Minerals (Decommissioning and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 53).
36 Power of Minister to extend licence
If clause 35 does not apply but a current licence holder has or will have decommissioning obligations under subpart 2 of Part 1B of the Crown Minerals Act 1991, the Minister may extend the licence for such period as the Minister considers reasonable, to enable the licensee to comply with their decommissioning obligations under subpart 2 of Part 1B of the Crown Minerals Act 1991.
Schedule 1 clause 36: inserted, on 2 December 2021, by section 28(a) of the Crown Minerals (Decommissioning and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 53).
37 Section 34 of Petroleum Act 1937
(1)
Section 34(1) to (3) of the Petroleum Act 1937 ceases to have any effect (including for transitional purposes) on the day on which the Crown Minerals (Decommissioning and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 receives the Royal assent.
(2)
On and after commencement, no further consent may be given in reliance on section 37(4) of the Petroleum Act 1937.
Schedule 1 clause 37: inserted, on 2 December 2021, by section 28(a) of the Crown Minerals (Decommissioning and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 53).
Part 5 Provisions relating to Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2023
Schedule 1 Part 5: inserted, on 31 August 2023, by section 20(a) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2023 (2023 No 53).
38 Interpretation
In this schedule,—
amended section means the specified section of this Act as amended by the amendment Act
amendment Act means the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2023
new section means the specified section of this Act as inserted by the amendment Act.
Schedule 1 clause 38: inserted, on 31 August 2023, by section 20(a) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2023 (2023 No 53).
39 Amended section 33C to apply to existing privileges
Amended section 33C applies to each existing privilege as if the existing privilege were a permit and the holder of the privilege a permit holder.
Schedule 1 clause 39: inserted, on 31 August 2023, by section 20(a) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2023 (2023 No 53).
40 New section 33CA applies to existing privileges
New section 33CA applies to each existing privilege as if the existing privilege were a permit and the holder of the privilege a permit holder.
Schedule 1 clause 40: inserted, on 31 August 2023, by section 20(a) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2023 (2023 No 53).
41 Existing applications determined in accordance with this Act as amended
(1)
Any application that is lodged or submitted, but not determined, before the day after the date on which the amendment Act receives the Royal assent must be determined in accordance with this Act as in force on the day after the date on which the amendment Act receives the Royal assent.
(2)
Subclause (1) applies despite anything to the contrary in this Act.
(3)
In this clause, application means—
(a)
an application under section 23A (application for permits):
(b)
a tender under section 24 (allocation by public tender):
(c)
an application under section 41 (transfer of interest in permit):
(d)
a notification under section 41AB (change of control of permit operator of Tier 1 permit):
(e)
an application under section 41C (change of permit operator).
Schedule 1 clause 41: inserted, on 31 August 2023, by section 20(a) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2023 (2023 No 53).
Part 6 Provisions relating to Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2025
Schedule 1 Part 6: inserted, on 6 August 2025, by section 66(a) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 40).
42 Transitional application of term Minister
For the purposes of applying clauses 11 to 20 (subpart 2) of Part 1 of this schedule (which carry over some existing privileges and preserve some repealed Acts),—
(a)
section 2 of the Petroleum Act 1937 (as preserved by subpart 2 of Part 1 of this schedule) must be applied as if for the definition of Minister the following definition were substituted:
Minister means the Minister of the Crown who, under the authority of a warrant or with the authority of the Prime Minister, is responsible for the administration of the Crown Minerals Act 1991:
(b)
section 2 of the Iron and Steel Industry Act 1959 (as preserved by subpart 2 of Part 1 of this schedule) must be applied as if for the definition of Minister the following definition were substituted:
Minister means the Minister of the Crown who, under the authority of a warrant or with the authority of the Prime Minister, is responsible for the administration of the Crown Minerals Act 1991:
(c)
section 5(1) of the Mining Act 1971 (as preserved by subpart 2 of Part 1 of this schedule) must be applied as if for the definition of Minister the following definition were substituted:
Minister means the Minister of the Crown who, under the authority of a warrant or with the authority of the Prime Minister, is responsible for the administration of the Crown Minerals Act 1991:
(d)
section 2(1) of the Coal Mines Act 1979 (as preserved by subpart 2 of Part 1 of this schedule) must be applied as if for the definition of Minister the following definition were substituted:
Minister means the Minister of the Crown who, under the authority of a warrant or with the authority of the Prime Minister, is responsible for the administration of the Crown Minerals Act 1991:
Schedule 1 clause 42: inserted, on 6 August 2025, by section 66(a) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 40).
43 Information provided to chief executive by certain speculative prospectors
For the purposes of section 90(8), the reference in that subsection to 15 years must be read as 21 years in any case where the non-exclusive petroleum prospecting permit commenced during the period starting on 19 December 2012 and ending on 29 November 2017.
Schedule 1 clause 43: inserted, on 6 August 2025, by section 66(a) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 40).
Tier 3 permits
Heading: inserted, on 25 September 2025, by section 66(a) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 40).
44 Pre-existing applications
(1)
Subclause (2) applies if—
(a)
a person applies for a permit before the Tier 3 commencement date; and
(b)
if granted before the Tier 3 commencement date, the permit would be a Tier 2 permit; and
(c)
the permit is granted on or after the Tier 3 commencement date; and
(d)
the permit satisfies the requirements of a Tier 3 permit as set out in section 2B(2A); and
(e)
the Minister determines that the permit area is an appropriate area.
(2)
If this subclause applies, and—
(a)
if, before the permit is granted, the applicant requests the Minister to determine the application as if Tier 3 permits had not been introduced, the permit (if granted) is a Tier 2 permit:
(b)
if paragraph (a) does not apply, the permit is a Tier 3 permit.
(3)
Subclause (4) applies if—
(a)
a person applies for a change to a Tier 2 permit under section 36(1)(b) before the Tier 3 commencement date; and
(b)
were the certificate of change for the permit to be granted before the Tier 3 commencement date, the permit would remain a Tier 2 permit; and
(c)
the certificate of change for the permit is granted in response to the application on or after the Tier 3 commencement date; and
(d)
the permit satisfies the requirements of a Tier 3 permit as set out in section 2B(2A).
(4)
If this subclause applies, and—
(a)
if, before the application is determined, the applicant requests the Minister to determine the application as if Tier 3 permits had not been introduced, the permit (if granted) is a Tier 2 permit:
(b)
if paragraph (a) does not apply, the permit is a Tier 3 permit.
(5)
In this clause and clause 45, Tier 3 commencement date means the date on which the provisions referred to in section 2(2) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2025 come into force.
Schedule 1 clause 44: inserted, on 25 September 2025, by section 66(a) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 40).
45 Existing Tier 2 permits may become Tier 3 permits
(1)
This clause applies to a permit that is a Tier 2 permit immediately before the Tier 3 commencement date.
(2)
The permit holder may, by the close of 11 December 2026, make a proposal to the Minister that the permit be changed to a Tier 3 permit, including making any proposed changes to the permit necessary to meet the requirements of a Tier 3 permit.
(3)
The Minister must—
(a)
consider whether the permit satisfies the requirements of a Tier 3 permit as set out in section 2B(2A); and
(b)
determine whether the permit area is an appropriate area.
(4)
The Minister may accept or decline the proposal (or any later amended proposal) and, if the Minister accepts the proposal or amended proposal,—
(a)
the changes proposed by the permit holder (if any) are made to the permit; and
(b)
the permit becomes a Tier 3 permit.
(5)
Those changes to the permit (if any) and tier status occur, if the Minister accepts the proposal or amended proposal on or after the Tier 3 commencement date, on the date of the notification of the Minister’s decision to the permit holder.
Schedule 1 clause 45: inserted, on 25 September 2025, by section 66(a) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 40).
Financial securities
Heading: inserted, on 6 August 2025, by section 66(a) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 40).
46 Financial securities entered into before commencement
If a permit holder or licence holder obtained 1 or more financial securities before the commencement of this clause,—
(a)
the provisions of the principal Act relating to the determination of, and the kind and amount or means of calculating the amount, and conditions, of those financial securities and notification of the Minister’s decision to the permit holder or licence holder, as they read immediately before the commencement of this clause, continue to apply in respect of those financial securities; and
(b)
the other provisions of this Act, as they read on or after the commencement of this clause, apply in respect of those financial securities with any necessary modification; and
(c)
if any changes are proposed in relation to any financial securities entered into before the commencement of this clause, sections 89ZL to 89ZO (as they read on and after the commencement of this clause) apply.
Schedule 1 clause 46: inserted, on 6 August 2025, by section 66(a) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 40).
Ministerial consent required for certain transactions
Heading: inserted, on 6 August 2025, by section 66(a) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 40).
47 Requirement for ministerial consent for certain transactions relating to existing privileges: petroleum
(1)
The purpose of this clause is to ensure that, in general,—
(a)
ministerial consent is required for transfers of licences and participating interests in licences for petroleum and changes of control in licence holders and holders of participating interests in licences for petroleum; and
(b)
the same rules requiring consent to changes of control and the provision of outgoing guarantees that apply to permits also apply to licences for petroleum; and
(c)
consents to transfers and changes of control may be conditional on the provision of an outgoing guarantee.
(2)
The following provisions apply with necessary modifications to the transfer of a licence or participating interest in a licence, or a change of control of the holder of the licence or the holder of a participating interest in the licence for petroleum:
(a)
sections 41AA to 41AF (which relate to requirements for ministerial consent to certain changes):
(b)
(c)
(d)
subject to paragraphs (a) to (c), the provisions of the Petroleum Act 1937.
Schedule 1 clause 47: inserted, on 6 August 2025, by section 66(a) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 40).
48 Certain applications for ministerial consent to transfer
(1)
Subclause (2) applies if an application for ministerial consent to the transfer of all or part of a participating interest in a permit or the transfer of a licence or all or part of a participating interest in a licence (permit or licence A) was determined after 2 December 2021 but before the commencement of this clause.
(2)
The provisions of this Act that applied immediately before the commencement of this clause continue to apply to the former licence or permit holder of permit or licence A or person who formerly held a participating interest in permit or licence A.
(3)
However, on the completion of any subsequent transfer to another person, or a change of control, after the commencement of this clause, the former permit or licence holder of permit or licence A, or the person who formerly held a participating interest in permit or licence A, ceases to be liable under subpart 2 or 3 of Part 1B of this Act, in relation to permit or licence A, in respect of any matter that occurs on or after—
(a)
the completion of the subsequent transfer; or
(b)
the change of control.
(4)
For the purposes of this clause, a transfer or change of control is completed on the date the Minister consents to the transfer or change of control.
Schedule 1 clause 48: inserted, on 6 August 2025, by section 66(a) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 40).
49 Certain undetermined applications
(1)
Subclause (2) applies if an application for ministerial consent to the transfer of any or all of a participating interest in a permit was made after 13 March 2025 but has not been determined before the commencement of this clause.
(2)
The provisions of this Act that apply on and after the commencement of this clause apply to the transfer.
(3)
Subclause (4) applies if an application for consent to a change of control under section 41AC was made after 13 March 2025 and not determined before the commencement of this clause.
(4)
The provisions of this Act that apply on and after the commencement of this clause apply to the change of control.
(5)
Subclause (6) applies if an application for the Minister’s consent to the transfer of a licence or participating interest in a licence, or the change of control in a licence holder or holder of a participating interest in a licence, has been made after 13 March 2025, but has not been determined before the commencement of this clause.
(6)
The provisions of this Act and, subject to this Act, the Petroleum Act 1937 that apply on and after the commencement of this clause apply to the transfer or change of control.
Schedule 1 clause 49: inserted, on 6 August 2025, by section 66(a) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 40).
50 Change of control before commencement
(1)
This clause applies if—
(a)
there is a change of control (as defined in section 41AA as it read before the commencement of this clause) of a permit participant who is not the permit operator; and
(b)
that change of control takes effect before the commencement of this clause.
(2)
The provisions of this Act that applied immediately before the commencement of this clause continue to apply in respect of the change of control.
Schedule 1 clause 50: inserted, on 6 August 2025, by section 66(a) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 40).
Regulations providing for transitional matters
51 Regulations providing for transitional matters
(1)
The Governor-General may, by Order in Council made on the recommendation of the Minister, make regulations—
(a)
providing transitional and savings provisions concerning the coming into force of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2025 that may be in addition to, or in place of, the transitional and savings provisions in this Part of this schedule:
(b)
providing that, subject to such conditions as may be specified in the regulations, during a specified transitional period,—
(i)
specified provisions of this Act (including definitions) do not apply:
(ii)
specified terms have the meanings given to them by the regulations:
(iii)
specified provisions repealed, amended, or revoked by the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2025 continue to apply:
(c)
providing for any other matters necessary for facilitating or ensuring an orderly transition from the provisions of any enactments replaced by the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2025.
(2)
No regulations made under this section may be made, or continue in force, later than 2 years after the date of commencement of this section.
(3)
Regulations made under this section are secondary legislation (see Part 3 of the Legislation Act 2019 for publication requirements).
| Legislation Act 2019 requirements for secondary legislation made under this section | ||||
| Publication | PCO must publish it on the legislation website and notify it in the Gazette | LA19 s 69(1)(c) | ||
| Presentation | The Minister must present it to the House of Representatives | LA19 s 114 | ||
| Disallowance | It may be disallowed by the House of Representatives | LA19 ss 115, 116 | ||
| This note is not part of the Act. | ||||
Schedule 1 clause 51: inserted, on 6 August 2025, by section 66(a) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 40).
Part 7 Provision relating to Offshore Renewable Energy Act 2026
Schedule 1 Part 7: inserted, on 10 July 2026, by section 187(1) of the Offshore Renewable Energy Act 2026 (2026 No 39).
52 Certain undetermined applications for minerals permits
(1)
Subclause (2) applies if—
(a)
an application is made, or has been made, for any prospecting, exploration, or mining permit for minerals other than petroleum that are in or below the seabed in an area; and
(b)
the application has not been determined before the date on which that area becomes an ORE designated area under subpart 5 of Part 2 of the Offshore Renewable Energy Act 2026.
(2)
The application is stayed, and cannot be granted, to the extent of the area for which any designation notice has effect.
(3)
Subclause (2) applies regardless of whether the application was made before or after the commencement of that Act.
Schedule 1 clause 52: inserted, on 10 July 2026, by section 187(1) of the Offshore Renewable Energy Act 2026 (2026 No 39).
Schedule 2 Regulations revoked
Coal Mining (Licensing) Regulations 1980 (SR 1980/50)
Mining Regulations 1981 (SR 1981/347)
Amendment(s) incorporated in the regulations.
Mining Regulations 1981, Amendment No 3 (SR 1988/329)
Schedule 3 Enactments amended
Part 1Acts amended
Conservation Act 1987 (1987 No 65)
Amendment(s) incorporated in the Act(s).
Conservation Law Reform Act 1990 (1990 No 31)
Amendment(s) incorporated in the Act(s).
Continental Shelf Act 1964 (1964 No 28) (RS Vol 16, p 83)
Amendment(s) incorporated in the Act(s).
Environment Act 1986 (1986 No 127)
Amendment(s) incorporated in the Act(s).
Marine Farming Act 1971 (1971 No 29) (RS Vol 22, p 695)
Amendment(s) incorporated in the Act(s).
Ministry of Energy (Abolition) Act 1989 (1989 No 140)
Amendment(s) incorporated in the Act(s).
National Parks Act 1980 (1980 No 66)
Amendment(s) incorporated in the Act(s).
Public Finance Act 1989 (1989 No 44)
Amendment(s) incorporated in the Act(s).
State-Owned Enterprises Act 1986 (1986 No 124)
Amendment(s) incorporated in the Act(s).
State-Owned Enterprises Amendment Act 1987 (1987 No 117)
Amendment(s) incorporated in the Act(s).
Survey Act 1986 (1986 No 123)
Amendment(s) incorporated in the Act(s).
Transit New Zealand Act 1989 (1989 No 75)
Amendment(s) incorporated in the Act(s).
Part 2Regulations amended
Petroleum Pipelines Regulations 1984 (SR 1984/114)
Amendment(s) incorporated in the regulations.
Petroleum Regulations 1978 (SR 1978/255)
Amendment(s) incorporated in the regulations.
Schedule 4 Land to which access restrictions apply
Schedule 4: replaced, on 24 May 2013, by section 61 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
Schedule 4 heading: amended, on 19 February 2019, by section 21 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2019 (2019 No 2).
1
Any national park (within the meaning of section 2 of the National Parks Act 1980).
2
Any reserve classified as a nature reserve under section 20 of the Reserves Act 1977.
3
Any reserve classified as a scientific reserve under section 21 of the Reserves Act 1977.
4
Any part of a reserve set apart as a wilderness area under section 47(1) of the Reserves Act 1977.
5
Any conservation area declared under section 18AA or 18(1)of the Conservation Act 1987 as—
(a)
a wilderness area; or
(b)
a sanctuary area.
6
Any area declared a wildlife sanctuary under section 9(1) of the Wildlife Act 1953.
7
Any area declared a marine reserve under section 4(1) of the Marine Reserves Act 1971.
8
Any land within a wetland and notified to the Ramsar Secretariat by the Minister for the time being responsible for the Ramsar Administrative Authority (as the terms Ramsar Secretariat and Ramsar Administrative Authority are defined in section 2(1) of the Conservation Act 1987).
9
The area described in the Otahu Dedicated Area Notice 1976 (Gazette 1976, p 654).
10
The area described in the Parakawai Geological Area Notice 1980 (Gazette 1980, p 2408).
11
All land—
(a)
held, managed, or administered under the Conservation Act 1987, or under any enactment set out in Schedule 1 of that Act, as at 1 October 1991; and
(b)
situated on any island in the area bounded by latitude 35°50΄S and latitude 37°10΄S, and longitude 177°E and longitude 174°35΄E, other than the following islands in the Mercury Islands group:
(i)
Red Mercury Island (Whakau):
(ii)
Atiu or Middle Island:
(iii)
Green Island:
(iv)
Korapuki Island.
12
All Crown land—
(a)
held, as at 1 October 1991, under the Conservation Act 1987 or any enactment set out in Schedule 1 of that Act; and
(b)
situated on the Coromandel Peninsula and lying north and north-west of State Highway 25A (Kopu–Hikuai road) and the road from Hikuai to Pauanui Beach known as the Hikuai Settlement Road.
13
The internal waters of the Coromandel Peninsula.
14
The following scenic reserves:
(a)
Kaikoura Island Scenic Reserve in Auckland City (Gazette 2004, p 3688):
(b)
Rakitu Island Scenic Reserve (Gazette 1995, p 4265).
15
All high protection areas declared by section 20 of the Hauraki Gulf / Tīkapa Moana Marine Protection Act 2025.
Schedule 4 item 15: inserted, on 25 October 2025, by section 78 of the Hauraki Gulf / Tīkapa Moana Marine Protection Act 2025 (2025 No 54).
16
All seafloor protection areas declared by section 16 of the Hauraki Gulf / Tīkapa Moana Marine Protection Act 2025.
Schedule 4 item 16: inserted, on 25 October 2025, by section 78 of the Hauraki Gulf / Tīkapa Moana Marine Protection Act 2025 (2025 No 54).
Schedule 5 Thresholds for Tier 1 and Tier 2 activities
Schedule 5: inserted, on 24 May 2013, by section 62 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).
| Mineral type | Exploration permit | Mining permit | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Estimated total work programme expenditure threshold amount | Estimated annual royalty threshold amount | Estimated annual production threshold amount | ||||
| Gold | $1,250,000 | $50,000 | – | |||
| Silver | $1,250,000 | $50,000 | – | |||
| Coal | $1,250,000 | – | 200 000 tonnes | |||
| Ironsand | $1,250,000 | – | 500 000 tonnes | |||
| Metallic mineral | $1,250,000 | – | 500 000 tonnes of ore | |||
| Platinum group metals | $1,250,000 | $50,000 | – | |||
In this schedule,—
metallic mineral does not include gold, silver, ironsand, or platinum group metals
platinum group metals means iridium, osmium, palladium, platinum, rhodium, and ruthenium.
Schedule 6 Schedule 6 land
Schedule 6: inserted, on 13 November 2025, by section 169(7) of the Ngāti Pāoa Claims Settlement Act 2025 (2025 No 61).
The land described in section 145(1) of the Ngāti Hei Claims Settlement Act 2026.
The land described in section 129(1) of the Ngāti Pāoa Claims Settlement Act 2025.
The land described in section 118(1) of the Ngāti Rāhiri Tumutumu Claims Settlement Act 2026.
The land described in section 88(1) of the Ngāti Tara Tokanui Claims Settlement Act 2026.
Schedule 6: amended, on 19 May 2026, by section 162(5) of the Ngāti Hei Claims Settlement Act 2026 (2026 No 20).
Schedule 6: amended, on 19 May 2026, by section 104(5) of the Ngāti Tara Tokanui Claims Settlement Act 2026 (2026 No 19).
Schedule 6: amended, on 19 May 2026, by section 134(5) of the Ngāti Rāhiri Tumutumu Claims Settlement Act 2026 (2026 No 18).
Notes
1 General
This is a consolidation of the Crown Minerals Act 1991 that incorporates the amendments made to the legislation so that it shows the law as at its stated date.
2 Legal status
A consolidation is taken to correctly state, as at its stated date, the law enacted or made by the legislation consolidated and by the amendments. This presumption applies unless the contrary is shown.
Section 78 of the Legislation Act 2019 provides that this consolidation, published as an electronic version, is an official version. A printed version of legislation that is produced directly from this official electronic version is also an official version.
3 Editorial and format changes
The Parliamentary Counsel Office makes editorial and format changes to consolidations using the powers under subpart 2 of Part 3 of the Legislation Act 2019. See also PCO editorial conventions for consolidations.
4 Amendments incorporated in this consolidation
Offshore Renewable Energy Act 2026 (2026 No 39): Part 5 subpart 1
Ngāti Hei Claims Settlement Act 2026 (2026 No 20): section 162
Ngāti Tara Tokanui Claims Settlement Act 2026 (2026 No 19): section 104
Ngāti Rāhiri Tumutumu Claims Settlement Act 2026 (2026 No 18): section 134
Ngāti Pāoa Claims Settlement Act 2025 (2025 No 61): section 169
Hauraki Gulf / Tīkapa Moana Marine Protection Act 2025 (2025 No 54): section 78
Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 40)
Resource Management (Natural and Built Environment and Spatial Planning Repeal and Interim Fast-track Consenting) Act 2023 (2023 No 68): section 6
Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2023 (2023 No 53)
Te Ture mō te Hararei Tūmatanui o te Kāhui o Matariki 2022/Te Kāhui o Matariki Public Holiday Act 2022 (2022 No 14): wehenga 7/section 7
Crown Minerals (Decommissioning and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 53)
Legislation Act (Amendments to Legislation) Regulations 2021 (LI 2021/247): regulation 45
Secondary Legislation Act 2021 (2021 No 7): section 3
Public Service Act 2020 (2020 No 40): section 135
Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2019 (2019 No 2)
Crown Minerals (Petroleum) Amendment Act 2018 (2018 No 49)
Land Transfer Act 2017 (2017 No 30): section 250
Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15): section 206
District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49): section 261
Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 (2015 No 70): section 232
Financial Reporting (Amendments to Other Enactments) Act 2013 (2013 No 102): section 126
WorkSafe New Zealand Act 2013 (2013 No 94): section 22
Criminal Procedure (Consequential Amendments) Regulations 2013 (SR 2013/409): regulation 3(1)
Holidays (Full Recognition of Waitangi Day and ANZAC Day) Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 19): section 8
Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14)
Ngāti Whare Claims Settlement Act 2012 (2012 No 28): sections 90(5), 105(6)
Criminal Procedure Act 2011 (2011 No 81): section 413
Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Act 2011 (2011 No 3): section 128
Māori Trustee Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 12): section 30(2)(a)
Ngāti Awa Claims Settlement Act 2005 (2005 No 28): sections 87, 160
Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2004 (2004 No 84)
Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2003 (2003 No 45)
Sentencing Act 2002 (2002 No 9): section 186
Public Trust Act 2001 (2001 No 100): section 170(1)
Forests (West Coast Accord) Act 2000 (2000 No 45): section 22
Crown Minerals Amendment Act (No 2) 1997 (1997 No 91)
Crown Minerals Amendment Act 1997 (1997 No 82)
Territorial Sea and Exclusive Economic Zone Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 74): section 5(4)
Waikato Raupatu Claims Settlement Act 1995 (1995 No 58): sections 35, 36
Crown Minerals Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 139)
Te Ture Whenua Maori Act 1993 (1993 No 4): section 362(2)
Public Finance Act 1989 (1989 No 44): section 65R(3)
Versions
Crown Minerals Act 1991
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