Old Wine in a New Bottle, or an Exceptional Vintage in the Making? The Role of Crown Minerals in the Early 21st Century

In an industry that is data-hungry and increasingly international in its outlook, the role of the New Zealand Government in facilitating exploration and mining activity here presents unique challenges. All things being equal, the Regime itself should result in æefficient outcomesÆ, however central to this rational economic tenet are the assumptions that the regime is in keeping with the times, other legislation works in tandem with it, and that those who administer the regime have the knowledge and experience to apply the rules wisely. Following the Crown Minerals review in late 2003, a shift in emphasis from Crown Minerals æmanaging the ActÆ towards proactively æmanaging the mineral estateÆ for greater benefit for all New Zealanders means that these assumptions are being increasingly challenged and addressed through a variety of initiatives. These include improved access to relevant data sets, minimisation of red tape and compliance costs, increasing emphasis on permit holder compliance with work programme obligations, changes to the Minerals Programme and regulations, closer collaboration with and representation to other government departments and councils, and additional recruitment of industry-experienced staff. This presentation will highlight aspects of these initiatives, and examine how they will collectively contribute to facilitating future exploration and mining activity in New Zealand.