Policy

New Zealand opens first offshore renewables feasibility permit round

Applications are now open for designated areas off Taranaki and Waikato / South Auckland, with a deadline of 19 April 2027, under the country's new offshore renewable energy regime.

Image: AI-generated illustration

New Zealand has opened its first application round for offshore renewable energy feasibility permits, covering designated areas off Taranaki and Waikato / South Auckland.

The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) said the round follows publication of the Offshore Renewable Energy Feasibility Permit Application Round Notice 2026. The notice sets out the terms, requirements, limitations and mandatory conditions that apply to the round, the ministry added.

Deadline and eligible areas

Applications must be received by 5:00 pm NZST on 19 April 2027. Each application must relate to either the Offshore Taranaki or the Offshore Waikato / South Auckland designated area.

Compliance requirements

Applicants must comply with the Offshore Renewable Energy Act 2026, the Offshore Renewable Energy Regulations 2026 and the Offshore Renewable Energy (Levies) Regulations 2026, as well as the Round Notice itself.

Successful applicants will also need to meet all applicable requirements and mandatory conditions attached to their feasibility permits.

MBIE said information on eligibility, application guidance and how to apply is available on its website.

The opening of the round was first reported by reNEWS.

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