Gas
Sunda secures exclusive New Zealand gas permit status
Sunda Energy has reached the exclusive phase for its petroleum exploration permit application covering the Awakino gas field offshore New Zealand.
Key points
- Sunda Energy advanced to exclusive rights for the Awakino gas field permit application in New Zealand's Taranaki Basin.
- The 645-square-kilometre permit area contains the Awakino-1 and Awakino South-1/ST1 discoveries made in 1985.
- The proposed work programme involves technical evaluations and 3D seismic reprocessing within 36 months.
What happened
London-listed Sunda Energy has advanced its bid for an offshore petroleum exploration permit in New Zealand, according to Offshore Energy reporting. Following the closure of a competitive window, the firm's application for the Awakino area moved to an exclusive status.
The permit area covers roughly 645 square kilometres within the Taranaki Basin off the west coast of the North Island. It includes the Awakino-1 and Awakino South-1/ST1 gas-condensate discoveries originally made in 1985.
Why it matters
Sunda submitted its application through the open market competitive procedure in July 2026. The planned work commitment focuses on analysing existing well data and reprocessing 450 square kilometres of 3D seismic information within a 36-month timeframe to determine the field's potential for future appraisal and development.
New Zealand Petroleum and Minerals will now review the proposal in detail. The regulatory agency has not guaranteed the timing or granting of the final award.
Dr Andy Butler, chief executive of Sunda, stated that the company was pleased with the progress and looked forward to cooperating with authorities during the evaluation phase, as reported by Offshore Energy.
Original reporting
This article draws on the following reports. Read them in full on the publishers’ sites.
Context from CEII
Gas is the flexible backbone of many grids and the designated transition fuel in many national plans, from LNG trade to domestic LPG and CNG. Supply security and pricing drive both power reliability and emissions.
8.4% of electricity in New Zealand came from gas in 2025Countries in this story
Written by the CEII Desk, the Centre’s automated newsroom, from the reporting credited above and CEII’s own data. Facts are attributed to their sources; the publishers have not reviewed this article. Spotted an error? Tell our editors.
