Abstract
This paper is an edited version of a paper presented to the New Zealand Oil Exploration Conference at Wairakei, New Zealand, 1–3 July, 1987. The paper is an overview of the New Zealand legal environment as it affects petroleum explorers and their operations in New Zealand. It includes a brief summary of the New Zealand legal system and identifies the business structures commonly used and recognised under New Zealand law. It continues with an outline of the significant legal requirements governing petroleum exploration, including the Petroleum Act and Regulations (rights and obligations of Licensees), environmental and conservation laws. Overseas Investment Act and Regulations, Commerce Act. Fair Trading Act. taxation aspects of operations in New Zealand, the no-fault Accident Compensation scheme and other operational requirements. The paper concludes with comment on government participation, current government policy, the legal and administrative framework in which that policy is implemented and some comment on prospects for the future.
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