The New Zealand Petroleum & Minerals Division within the Ministry of Economic Development of the New Zealand government, announced the New Zealand 2012 block offer.

New Zealand Petroleum & Minerals will exclusively use an annual competitive tender process to award exploration permits going forward, replacing the previous license application process.

A total of 23 areas are being offered in 2012, located across nine basins onshore and offshore New Zealand, including blocks within its territorial sea and exclusive economic zone.