Requirements if a feasibility permit is granted

Annual levy

If a feasibility permit is granted, the permit holder must pay an annual levy for each levy period in which they hold the permit. The levy helps recover MBIE’s reasonable direct and indirect costs of administering feasibility permits.

The estimated cost is divided equally among the estimated number of feasibility permits likely to be held during the levy period. For example if one feasibility permit is expected to be held, the permit holder will pay the full estimated cost or if 3 feasibility permits are expected to be held, each permit holder will pay a third of the estimated cost.

The levy amount may change from year to year depending on the estimated cost of administering the regime and the estimated number of permits likely to be held. Levy amounts are exclusive of GST.

MBIE may invoice permit holders after 1 July and after the levy amount and calculation have been published in the Gazette. Payment is due within 30 days of receiving the invoice. The full levy is payable even if the permit is held for only part of the levy period.

After the end of the levy period, the levy will be recalculated using the actual administration costs and actual number of permit holders. Any overpayment will be refunded. If there has been a significant underpayment, MBIE will issue a further invoice

Offshore Renewable Energy (Levies) Regulations 2026(external link) — New Zealand Legislation

Reporting on activities and providing data

If a feasibility permit is granted, the permit holder must:

• report annually to MBIE on the feasibility activities carried out during the year.
• provide MBIE with the data collected through those activities by the end of the permit, or by a later date set by the Minister.
• These requirements apply to every feasibility permit holder, whether or not they are included as conditions of the permit.

The information required in an annual report, and how it must be submitted, may also depend on the conditions of the individual permit. MBIE will provide permit holders with further guidance on these requirements at the time.

Permit conditions

As set out by section 22 of the Act, permit holders must comply with any conditions applied to their permit, either as permit-specific conditions or mandatory conditions that are specified in the application round notice.

Offshore Renewable Energy Feasibility Permit Application Round Notice 2026 – permit conditions

Offshore Renewable Energy Feasibility Permit Application Round Notice 2026(external link) — Gazette.govt

Engagement with relevant iwi and hapū

Permit holders must regularly engage with relevant iwi and hapū throughout the permit term. Engagement must be undertaken in a positive, fair and constructive manner, including sharing information in a timely way, providing opportunities for iwi and hapū to express their views, and considering those views when undertaking activities under the permit.

Annual reporting on iwi and hapū engagement

An annual engagement report must be provided to the chief executive of MBIE describing the engagement undertaken with relevant iwi and hapū groups. The report provides an opportunity to explore any issues or concerns from both the permit holder's perspective and the perspectives of relevant iwi and hapū.

Permit holders must submit an annual engagement report within 30 days of each anniversary of the permit start date. Before submitting the report, permit holders must provide a draft to relevant iwi and hapū and allow them a reasonable opportunity for comment. Any feedback received, including requests for an engagement review meeting, must be included in the final report.

We recommend that iwi and hapū engagement reports include:

Who is involved?

List the relevant iwi and hapū you engaged with during the reporting period, including iwi authorities, hapū, Treaty settlement entities, protected customary rights groups, customary marine title groups, and other groups identified in section 14 of the Act. Include key contacts, where appropriate.

What engagement has occurred?

Include the nature of the engagement undertaken with relevant iwi and hapū, such as hui, meetings, project updates, environmental monitoring, and seeking input on proposed activities. Where relevant, note whether the engagement was required under legislation, permit conditions, or other regulatory requirements. Provide evidence where appropriate.

If requested by relevant iwi and hapū, permit holders may be required to attend an annual review meeting.

What was the outcome of the engagement?

Describe how feedback provided by relevant iwi and hapū has been considered and incorporated into the proposed development or project activities. Include any outcomes, commitments, or actions arising from the engagement, and note whether these have been agreed to in writing. Provide supporting examples and documentation where appropriate.

Consulting with relevant iwi and hapū on the draft report

Before submitting the report, permit holders must provide a draft copy to relevant iwi and hapū and allow a reasonable opportunity for comments. Any comments received on the draft report must be included in the final report.

Reflections on engagement

Provide any additional information relating to your engagement during the reporting period.

Engagement review meeting

If requested by the Chief Executive, permit holders may be required to attend an engagement review meeting with relevant iwi and hapū and other stakeholders to discuss their engagement activities and annual engagement report.

Commencement of feasibility activities

Permit holders must commence the feasibility activities specified in their permit as being those activities that must be commenced within 12 months of the permit start date.

Reasonable and ongoing process

Permit holders must make reasonable and ongoing progress in assessing the feasibility of their proposed development during the term of the feasibility permit.

The permit holder must demonstrate to the Chief Executive’s satisfaction that reasonable and ongoing progress in being made by providing information as may be required by permit conditions and by the Chief Executive. If requested by the Chief Executive, this information may include evidence of sufficient financial capability to undertake the offshore renewable energy feasibility activities planned for the next 12-month fixed period. 

Other requirements of permit holders

A permit holder must comply with other requirements set out under the Act and Regulations with respect to, for example:

• applying for a minor extension of their permit
• surrendering a permit
• transferring a permit
• applying for a change in significant influence.