Best Oil, Gas & Energy Lawyers in Feilding

About Oil, Gas & Energy Law in Feilding, New Zealand

Feilding is a regional town in the Manawatu area where most energy issues involve land use, local electricity distribution, renewable-energy projects on farm land, and infrastructure such as pipelines and transmission-lines. Large-scale oil and gas extraction in New Zealand tends to be offshore, but local legal issues still arise for onshore activities - for example exploration work, small-scale fuel storage and distribution, biofuel or biomass projects, and development of solar or wind generation. Energy law in Feilding sits at the intersection of national statutes, regional planning rules, and local council bylaws. Key themes are resource access and allocation, environmental consenting, health and safety, property rights, iwi and hapu consultation, and compliance with national policy settings.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Oil, gas and energy matters can be technically and legally complex. You may need a lawyer if you face any of the following situations:

- Negotiating land access, leases or easements for pipelines, cables, wells or renewable-energy equipment.

- Applying for resource consents or building consents for energy projects and preparing submissions or appeals.

- Responding to alleged or actual environmental harm, contamination or spill incidents that may trigger enforcement action or clean-up obligations.

- Dealing with workplace health and safety investigations or prosecutions under the Health and Safety at Work Act.

- Buying or selling land or businesses that include energy infrastructure or fuel storage, where warranties, disclosure and title issues arise.

- Handling compensation claims from landowners or neighbours for nuisance, damage or loss of amenity caused by exploration or production activity.

- Managing iwi and hapu engagement and treaty-related issues for sites of cultural significance.

- Seeking or defending regulatory enforcement actions, prosecutions, or civil litigation related to energy operations.

- Structuring project finance, joint ventures, and commercial contracts for energy development or supply.

- Advising on decommissioning and rehabilitation obligations when infrastructure reaches end of life.

Local Laws Overview

Understanding how national, regional and local rules interact is central to energy work in Feilding. Key legal frameworks to be aware of include:

- Resource management and planning - Resource consents for land use, water take, discharges and earthworks are usually required under national planning instruments, regional plans and the Manawatu District Plan. The national resource management system has been under reform in recent years and new statutes or plans may affect consenting routes, so check the current law before relying on a past process.

- Crown minerals and exploration - Exploration and mining rights for petroleum and other minerals are generally managed by central government - historically under the Crown Minerals Act - and licences or permits are required for exploration or extraction. Even if a licence is granted, applicants must still obtain relevant resource consents and follow permitting conditions.

- Environmental standards - National Environmental Standards and National Policy Statements set criteria that can constrain or guide local decision-making on freshwater, biodiversity, coastal matters and emissions. Regional councils apply these standards when assessing consent applications.

- Building and infrastructure - The Building Act governs building consent and code compliance for on-site infrastructure. Network utilities, pipelines and transmission lines may also require designations or notices in district plans.

- Health and safety - The Health and Safety at Work Act applies to energy operations, including small-scale fuel storage and on-site contractor safety. WorkSafe New Zealand enforces these rules and can investigate incidents.

- Hazardous substances and contamination - The Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act and local rules cover storage, transport and disposal of fuels and chemicals. Remediation obligations for contaminated sites can arise under environmental law and land-title considerations.

- Treaty and tangata whenua - Iwi and hapu have interests in land and resources. Early engagement and consultation is often required during consenting, and cultural heritage or wahi tapu issues can affect project timing and conditions.

- Local bylaws and council controls - Manawatu District Council bylaws set controls on activities such as fuel storage, road use and public safety. Horizons Regional Council administers regional water and discharge consents and monitoring in the Manawatu-Whanganui region.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a resource consent to install a solar array or small wind turbine on my farm near Feilding?

Possibly. Many small-scale solar installations are permitted activities under district plans, but rules differ by zone and by height, setback, and visual effects. If you are connecting to the grid, you may also need approvals from the network owner. If the site is near a river, wetland, or has heritage or landscape values, a consent could be required. A lawyer or planner can review the district plan and advise whether a consent is needed.

How do exploration permits for oil and gas work in New Zealand - and do they apply to Feilding?

Exploration and mining rights for minerals including petroleum are controlled by central government. Companies apply for exploration permits or licences and these are granted under Crown minerals legislation and related processes. Much petroleum activity in New Zealand is offshore, but onshore permits are subject to the same licensing rules plus any regional and district consenting requirements. Whether Feilding is covered depends on where the permit is granted and the location of the proposed activity.

What obligations do landowners have if a company wants to drill or lay a pipeline across their land?

Landowners should not assume rights are automatically granted. Developers usually seek easements, access agreements and compensation for use and disturbance. Agreements should cover access timing, reinstatement, environmental safeguards, indemnities, and compensation. If compulsory access is sought under statute, the developer may have specific rights, but procedures, notices and compensation entitlements still apply. Legal advice is critical before signing anything.

Who enforces environmental rules if there is a spill or contamination from a fuel site?

Regional councils handle many enforcement matters under resource management laws and can require remediation and issue fines or abatement notices. WorkSafe handles incidents that involve worker safety. The Environmental Protection Authority and central government agencies may become involved depending on the substance and scale. Civil claims for property damage or clean-up costs are also possible.

How important is iwi consultation for an energy project in Feilding?

Iwi and hapu consultation is often a crucial part of the consenting process. Councils must consider tangata whenua values and statutory requirements to consult where relevant. Early and genuine engagement can reduce delays and the risk of appeals. Legal advisers can help design consultation strategies and draft cultural impact assessment agreements where needed.

Can the council stop a proposed energy project near Feilding?

Yes. If a proposed project fails to meet plan rules, national direction, or would have unacceptable effects, the council can decline consents. Even where consents are granted, conditions can tightly control activity. Applicants can appeal council decisions to the Environment Court, which provides a judicial review of the planning merits.

What are the typical costs and timeframes for consenting an energy project?

Costs and timeframes vary widely. A simple permitted activity might incur minor fees and weeks of work. A complex project that requires resource consents, cultural assessments, and environmental studies can take many months or years and cost tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars in professional fees. Expect investigation, consultation, report-writing, application fees and potential hearings. A lawyer can give a preliminary estimate tailored to your project.

My neighbour is objecting to my small biomass boiler - what can I do?

Start by reviewing any consent conditions or plan rules that apply. If the activity is permitted, neighbours have limited grounds to stop it unless it causes measurable adverse effects beyond plan limits. If a consent was granted and neighbours appealed, there may be hearing or mediation options. Legal advice can help you understand rights, negotiate with neighbours, or represent you in council hearings or mediation.

What happens when energy infrastructure is decommissioned - who pays for clean-up?

Decommissioning obligations are typically set in permits, lease agreements and licences. Operators often carry responsibility to remove structures, remediate contamination and reinstate land. The exact obligations depend on contractual terms and statutory conditions. Banks and purchasers take decommissioning liabilities seriously, so legal and technical assessments are important when acquiring assets.

How do I find a lawyer experienced in energy law near Feilding?

Look for lawyers or firms that list energy, resource management, environmental law, or related commercial experience. Ask about specific experience with consenting, Crown minerals, iwi engagement, health and safety prosecutions, and infrastructure transactions. Request references for similar projects, a clear scope of work, and an estimate of fees. The New Zealand Law Society can provide referral services and local firms often have experience working across Manawatu.

Additional Resources

Useful organisations and bodies to consult or contact when you need information or input include:

- Manawatu District Council - for district plan rules, building consents and local bylaws.

- Horizons Regional Council - for regional resource consents, water management, and discharge permits.

- Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment - for Crown minerals and exploration licensing processes.

- WorkSafe New Zealand - for workplace health and safety guidance and incident reporting.

- Environmental Protection Authority - for national approvals and hazardous-substance matters.

- Ministry for the Environment - for national policy statements and environmental standards.

- New Zealand Law Society - for finding accredited lawyers and getting guidance on legal costs and conduct.

- Local iwi and hapu representatives - for tangata whenua engagement and cultural impact information.

- Technical advisers - including environmental consultants, geotechnical engineers, hydrogeologists and economists who support consent applications and technical assessments.

Next Steps

If you need legal assistance with an oil, gas or energy matter in Feilding, consider the following practical steps:

- Gather documents - collect all relevant title records, lease agreements, consent notices, environmental reports, incident records and correspondence.

- Identify the central issue - is the requirement contractual, regulatory, health and safety, environmental remediation, or commercial? This will guide the type of lawyer you need.

- Contact a lawyer early - early legal advice can save time and money, and help shape consultation, consenting and contractual strategy.

- Ask about experience - confirm the lawyer or firm has energy or resource management experience, and ask for examples of similar work.

- Get a clear engagement letter - establish scope, estimated fees, billing arrangements and expected timelines in writing.

- Prepare for consultation - if a consent is contemplated, plan for iwi engagement, neighbour consultation and technical studies early.

- Consider experts - many energy matters need technical reports, so coordinate legal and technical advice from the start.

- Keep records - document decisions, notifications and communications to support consent applications or to defend against claims.

- Explore dispute resolution - ask your lawyer about mediation or negotiated settlements before escalating to court or the Environment Court.

Energy projects and disputes can be complex but manageable with the right team. If you are unsure where to start, a short initial meeting with a lawyer who understands local planning, environmental and commercial issues will help you map the path forward.