MBIE’s role and the offshore renewable energy regulatory framework
New Zealand’s offshore renewable energy regulatory framework is established by the Offshore Renewable Energy Act 2026 and supporting regulations. It provides a permitting regime for offshore renewable energy developments, including offshore wind, wave, tidal and solar developments.
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Relevant legislation
Act
Offshore Renewable Energy Act 2026(external link) — New Zealand Legislation
The Offshore Renewable Energy Act 2026 establishes the permitting, administration, compliance and decommissioning framework for offshore renewable energy developments in New Zealand’s territorial sea and exclusive economic zone.
Regulations
Offshore Renewable Energy Regulations 2026(external link) — New Zealand Legislation
The Offshore Renewable Energy Regulations 2026 set out detailed requirements for the feasibility permit application round. These include application information requirements, how permit areas must be described, matters considered when assessing applications, processes for competing applications and the application fee.
Offshore Renewable Energy (Levies) Regulations 2026(external link) — New Zealand Legislation
The Offshore Renewable Energy (Levies) Regulations 2026 require feasibility permit holders to pay an annual levy to recover the reasonable direct and indirect costs of administering feasibility permits. The levy is shared equally among the estimated number of permit holders and reconciled against actual costs after the end of each levy period.
Supporting instrument
Round Notice (terms of the application round)
Feasibility permit application round notices are issued to formally launch feasibility permit application rounds. Application round notices set out the scope and key requirements of application rounds, including the geographic area(s) open for applications, the application deadline and any applicable limitations such as the type of technology.
Government commitments
The Act delivers on the Government’s commitment to introduce a regulatory regime for offshore renewable energy.
Offshore renewable energy has the potential to support a clean energy economy and help New Zealand reach its target of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
Our role
The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment is responsible for regulating and administering the offshore renewable energy regime.
Our responsibilities include:
- administering application rounds and permit processes
- providing forms and guidance for applicants
- receiving and assessing permit applications
- undertaking public consultation on proposed developments and consulting relevant Māori groups
- advising the Minister responsible for permit decisions
- maintaining the public register of permits
- monitoring compliance with the Act, regulations and permit conditions
- administering fees and levies associated with the regime
- carrying out enforcement activities where required