If you are a business operating in the upstream oil and gas industry in New Zealand, it is important to be aware of the upstream regulatory laws, regulations, and obligations that apply to you. Compliance with these laws is essential for protecting your business and ensuring compliance with government mandates. In this article, we will provide an overview of the key upstream regulatory requirements in New Zealand.
The upstream oil and gas industry in New Zealand is regulated by the Crown Minerals Act 1991 (CMA). The CMA sets out the requirements for exploration, mining, and production of minerals, including oil and gas. The CMA is administered by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE).
Under the CMA, all upstream oil and gas activities must be carried out in a manner that is consistent with the health and safety of people and the environment. operators must also comply with any conditions or restrictions that are imposed by the Minister of Energy on their exploration or production activities.
In addition to the CMA, there are a number of other upstream regulatory requirements that apply to the upstream oil and gas industry in New Zealand. These include the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015, the Earthquakes Commission Act 1993, the Resource Management Act 1991, and the Conservation Act 1987.
Operators in the upstream oil and gas industry must also comply with a range of environmental obligations. These include obtaining resource consent from the relevant regional or district council for any activities that may have an effect on the environment, such as drilling, hydraulic fracturing, and construction of well sites.
Operators must also hold a valid environmental permit from the New Zealand Petroleum and Minerals (NZP&M) for all upstream oil and gas activities. The NZP&M is responsible for regulating the upstream oil and gas industry in New Zealand and setting environmental standards.
In addition to the above upstream regulatory requirements, businesses operating in the upstream oil and gas industry in New Zealand must also comply with a range of other laws and regulations, including those relating to health and safety, taxation, employment, and immigration.
Failure to comply with the upstream regulatory requirements in New Zealand can result in significant penalties, including fines of up to $100,000 for companies and $50,000 for individuals.
If you are a business operating in the upstream oil and gas industry in New Zealand, it is essential that you are aware of the upstream regulatory requirements that apply to you. compliance with these requirements is essential for protecting your business and ensuring compliance with government mandates.
This article was authored by the team at Upstream Compliance, a specialist upstream oil and gas compliance consultancy based in New Zealand. For more information on upstream regulatory requirements in New Zealand, or to get expert help with compliance, contact us today.
If you have any questions about upstream regulatory requirements in New Zealand, or if you need assistance with compliance, please contact us. We would be happy to help.
