Energy and Resources Minister Megan Woods has introduced the Crown Minerals (Petroleum) Amendment Bill to Parliament.

The bill amends the Crown Minerals Act 1991 to give effect to the Government's 12 April 2018 announcement relating to offshore petroleum permitting.

It provides that new petroleum exploration, and mining permits will be available only in the onshore Taranaki region (which is defined in the Bill).

New onshore petroleum exploration permit holders will be able to access conservation land only for minimum impact activities, but will still be able to carry out activities below that land in accordance with section 57 of the Crown Minerals Act.

Future offshore petroleum mining permits may be granted only as a subsequent right to offshore petroleum exploration permits that existed before the bill comes into force.

The bill also sets out how existing rights, privileges, applications for permits, and legal proceedings relating to petroleum permits are affected by the changes to the Crown Minerals Act.

If passed, the bill will come into force on the day after it receives the Royal assent.

A regulatory impact assessment was produced by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment on 3 September 2018 and a departmental disclosure statement has also been released.