Public consultation on feasibility permit applications and developments
Public consultation has played a key role in developing the offshore renewable energy regime and it will continue to play a role when considering feasibility permit applications and developments.
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Before a feasibility permit can be granted, the Minister must give public notice of the proposed development, provide the public with an opportunity to make submissions on proposed developments and consult with relevant Māori groups. The Minister must have regard to any submissions made.
The public and relevant Māori groups will have an opportunity to provide feedback on proposed developments. This feedback will be considered as part of the assessment process and by the Minister when making decisions on feasibility permit applications.
Opportunity to provide feedback during the feasibility permit process
After an application round has closed, we will initiate public consultation on proposed developments. For the current application round, public consultation is expected to take place around mid-2027. Further information on the consultation process, including how to make a submission and how long the consultation period will be open for, will be published on this page closer to the time.
As part of the public consultation, we will publish summaries of the proposed developments being considered for the award of feasibility permits.
We will seek feedback on proposed projects as part of our assessment of feasibility permit applications.
Feedback from the public and relevant Māori groups can help us better understand the opportunities, benefits and potential impacts of proposed developments. For example, people may provide information about local activities and interests in the area, navigation or fishing activities, or other matters that should be considered.
We will consider this feedback when assessing applications and developing advice to the Minister for Energy, who decides whether to grant a feasibility permit and what conditions, if any, should apply.
Further opportunity to provide feedback
If a feasibility permit is granted, developers may need additional approvals before they can carry out feasibility studies.
Before an offshore renewable energy project can be built and operated, developers must obtain a commercial permit and any other required approvals, including marine and resource consents. These processes may provide further opportunities for the public and relevant Māori groups to have their say on proposed developments.
Public consultation on developing the regime
Learn about the public consultation we carried out during the development of the regime.