Agency roles in offshore oil, gas and mineral activity in New Zealand
The petroleum (oil and gas) and minerals sectors are an important part of New Zealand’s economy.
Maritime NZ, other government agencies and regional councils share responsibility for managing oil, gas and mineral activity in New Zealand’s offshore waters to ensure safe and sustainable outcomes.
To learn more about New Zealand’s oil, gas and mineral sectors please see:
Activities regulated
Activities regulated include oil, gas, and mineral exploration and production through to the decommissioning of wells and facilities:
Roles of Maritime NZ
Maritime NZ has a range of regulatory responsibilities relating to requirements for offshore installations within New Zealand’s territorial waters.
These include:
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marine protection survey and certification requirements
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operational requirements under marine protection conventions.
Maritime NZ’s oversight role covers obligations under the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL), and MARPOL Annexes such as requirements for record-keeping, reporting, and placarding.
Maritime NZ also approves operators’ marine oil spill contingency plans. Where appropriate, contingency plans must include a Well Control Contingency Plan outlining how to manage a loss of well control.
Maritime NZ also audits offshore oil and gas installations, to ensure compliance with rules and regulations. Health and safety is a component of these audits. Worksafe (mahi Haumaru Aotearoa) also regulates health and safety in the petroleum industry.
Responding to maritime incidents
Maritime NZ is the lead agency responsible for major search and rescue incidents, major maritime incidents and national-level (Tier 3) oil spill responses.
Other agencies
For information about the roles of other agencies in managing offshore oil, gas and mineral activity including the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, the Ministry for the Environment and regional councils, please see: