Block Offer 2020 – Consultation
The tender for Block Offer 2020 was announced on 28 March 2023. Consultation with iwi and hapū began prior to this, between 25 September 2020 and 18 December 2020.
We asked iwi and hapū to identify areas of significance or sensitivity that the-then Minister of Energy and Resources needed to be aware of before deciding what should be included in the tender.
In response to issues raised during consultation, an additional engagement condition was included in the Invitation for Bids document.
This condition strengthens and clarifies NZP&M’s expectation that permit holders will engage with iwi as envisaged by section 33C of the Crown Minerals Act 1991 (CMA) and do so on an ongoing basis through the life of a permit.
This builds on previous conditions to provide active protection for significant sites, and allows for a consistent approach across all iwi and hapū, not just those who made submissions.
The condition explicitly requires permit holders to engage with iwi and hapū on an ongoing basis, with specific early engagement requirements in relation to activities to be undertaken within 200 metres of areas of significance to iwi.