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The Regulator's Update - July 2026
Tēnā koutou
Welcome to this issue of the Regulator’s Update, a newsletter for permit holders and members of the public interested in the regulatory work of New Zealand Petroleum and Minerals.
Addition of GST to Energy Resource Levies
Prepare for GST on Energy Resource Levies from 1 July 2026.
Due to 2023 amendments to the Goods and Services Tax Act 1985 by Inland Revenue, GST will apply to Energy Resource Levies payments from August 2026 onwards.
Fast-track approval process
Following amendments to the Fast-track Approvals Act 2024, applicants are now required to formally notify us in writing of their referral application and allow 20 working days for a response before submitting their application.
Contact us early to discuss project eligibility, required approvals, and what to expect.
New Kermadec mineral reservation 2026-2028
A new mineral reservation over the Kermadec Arc has been declared until 4 January 2028. This continues the previous restrictions on mineral permitting in the area.
Requesting a permit application fee refund
We have published further guidance on how application fee refunds are considered.
Before submitting an application for a refund, please ensure you understand this guidance.
Permit processing timeframes: January - March 2026 update
Processing timeframes for decisions made in January to March 2026 are now available.
We are receiving very high volumes of decisions. To support a timely decision on your application, please make sure you submit a complete and well-prepared application.
Decommissioning of petroleum infrastructure and wells
We’ve published updated guidance about decommissioning obligations on petroleum permit and licence holders.
Find out more about how we monitor financial capability, set financial securities and consider requests for exemptions or changes of control.
Minerals permit applications: Guidance on financial capability
Make sure you know how to demonstrate you meet the financial capability test when applying for a minerals permit. We have published updated guidance to help applicants prepare their applications.
We also have guidance on how to navigate the other tests a permit application will need to meet.
Help us improve our website
We are reviewing our website content to make it easier to find information and support better regulatory outcomes.
We’re running a short online survey so we can see if our changes help and what needs more work. You will complete scenario-based tasks to show where you would expect to find information. Can you help us?
