(1)
The work programme for a petroleum mining permit granted on or after the commencement of this section may be changed in accordance with this section if the change is necessary to maximise the economic recovery of the petroleum in accordance with good industry practice.
(2)
If the Minister considers, on the basis of information on the characteristics and extent of the petroleum field received by the Minister at any time during the currency of the permit, that a change to the work programme is necessary, the Minister must notify the permit holder of the proposed change and set out the reasons why it is being proposed.
(3)
If the permit holder and the Minister cannot agree on the proposed changes, the permit holder may notify the Minister within 30 days after the date of the notification under subsection (2) (or within any further time that the Minister may allow) that the permit holder requires a determination by an independent expert on—
whether the work programme should be changed to maximise the economic recovery of the petroleum in accordance with good industry practice; and
what any change should be.
(4)
If the permit holder does not exercise the right under subsection (3) within the time specified by or allowed under that subsection, the conditions of the permit are deemed to be changed as proposed by the Minister.
(5)
If the permit holder exercises the right under subsection (3) within the time specified by or allowed under that subsection, an independent expert must be appointed by agreement between the Minister and the permit holder, or, failing agreement, by the President of the New Zealand Law Society (or his or her delegate) on the application of either party.
Section 37: replaced, on 24 May 2013, by section 30 of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 14).