New Zealand Energy.
International Capital.
Creative Finance Consultants connects New Zealand energy operators with serious international capital. We act as a commercial deal facilitator — not a financial adviser.
What CFC does in the energy sector: Creative Finance Consultants introduces permitted New Zealand energy operators to international capital providers with active mandates in the NZ upstream market. CFC is a commercial deal facilitator only — not a financial adviser, broker, or fund manager under the Financial Markets Conduct Act 2013 (NZ). Our success fee is payable by the operator only when capital is actually drawn down. No retainer. No upfront cost to engage us.
New Zealand’s exploration sector has just reopened.
The 2018 ban on offshore oil and gas exploration was reversed in 2025. New legislation now permits nationwide exploration, with applications accepted on an open-market basis at any time. The window is open — and competition is thin.
We have direct access to a group of US-based family office investors with a $100M deployment target in the energy sector. They are not yet matched to an NZ operator. We are actively seeking credible operators with existing or pending permits to facilitate an introduction.
Our role is commercial facilitation only. We introduce operators to capital. We do not hold permits, take operational positions, or provide investment advice.
Early-Mover Window
Only two exploration permit applications have been assessed since the ban lifted. A well-capitalised operator entering now faces minimal competition across 17 largely unexplored sedimentary basins.
Proven Resource Potential
The Great South Basin alone spans over 500,000 km². Basins including Canterbury, East Coast, and offshore Taranaki extension remain significantly underexplored relative to their geological potential.
Streamlined Approvals
The Fast-track Approvals Act 2024 enables multiple consents through a single process. Investment-ready projects with completed feasibility can expect approvals in months, not years.
Stable Jurisdiction
New Zealand offers strong rule of law, unicameral government, world-class health and safety legislation, and a government explicitly committed to increasing petroleum exploration and production.
Our Role in the Deal
We act exclusively as a commercial deal facilitator on the operator side. Our fee is a success-based cash payment from the operator, payable only when capital is drawn down. There is no retainer and no upfront cost to engage us.
Operator Qualification
We review your permit status, work programme, technical capability, and capital requirement. We only progress operators we are confident can be matched to the investor group’s mandate.
Finder’s Fee Agreement
Before any introduction is made, we issue a straightforward Finder’s Fee Agreement confirming our success fee, the scope of introduction, and both parties’ obligations. Governed by NZ law.
Facilitated Introduction
We facilitate a direct introduction between your organisation and the investor representative. From that point, deal structure, terms, and due diligence are managed between the parties and their advisers.
Fee on Capital Drawn
Our success fee is payable by the operator upon confirmed capital draw-down. No capital received — no fee. Terms are fixed in writing before any introduction proceeds.
Who should enquire: NZ-based energy operators holding or actively pursuing petroleum exploration or production permits who have a credible work programme and a genuine requirement for external capital. Applications are assessed at our discretion. We do not engage with speculative or unsubstantiated enquiries.
Common Questions
What type of operators does CFC work with?
CFC works exclusively with permitted New Zealand energy operators — companies or individuals holding active petroleum exploration permits (PEPs) or production sharing agreements in New Zealand. The capital provider mandate is specific to the NZ upstream market.
Is there an upfront fee to engage CFC?
No retainer and no upfront cost. CFC operates on a pure success-fee model. Our fee is a cash payment from the operator, payable only when capital is actually drawn down. No fee is collected through this website at any stage.
Is Creative Finance Consultants a financial adviser?
No. Creative Finance Consultants (LHA Holdings Ltd, NZBN 9429052390173) is a commercial deal facilitator only. We do not provide regulated financial advice within the meaning of the Financial Markets Conduct Act 2013 (NZ) or equivalent legislation in any other jurisdiction. We do not hold, manage, or advise on funds.
Register Your Interest
Complete the form below. We will review your submission and respond within 2 business days. No fee is payable at this stage.
Enquiry Received
Thank you. Our team will review your submission and be in touch within 2 business days to discuss whether we are able to assist.
Important notice: Creative Finance Consultants is a commercial deal facilitator and a division of LHA Holdings Ltd. We are not a financial adviser, investment adviser, or broker, and we do not provide regulated financial advice within the meaning of the Financial Markets Conduct Act 2013 (New Zealand) or equivalent legislation in any other jurisdiction. Our services are limited to facilitating commercial introductions between operators and investors. We do not hold, manage, or advise on funds. No fees are collected through this website. All engagement terms, including any success fee, are agreed separately in a written Finder’s Fee Agreement before any introduction proceeds. The information on this page does not constitute an offer, solicitation, or investment recommendation. All statements regarding investor mandates, capital availability, and permit activity are based on information available at the time of publication and may change without notice.