Monumental Energy is pleased to announce that, further to its news release dated August 18, 2026, its reinterpretation of the Mauku block data within the Tirua Petroleum Exploration Permit (PEP 61554) has been completed and a target area (seen in red in the image below) has now been chosen once the final application permit is granted by New Zealand Petroleum and Minerals (NZPAM) governing body. The application for PEP 61554 was made in early 2026 and the 3-month period for counter bids closed on August 12, 2026.
Tirua Application Area: A defined 254 sq km area, assigned the application name PEP 61554, located onshore and offshore in the northern part of the Taranaki Basin, New Zealand. Technical work undertaken by the bid group has defined two gas condensate prospects known as Mauku NE and Mangatoa.
Mauku NE is an Eocene aged Mangahewa Group prospect with a recoverable resource potential of 200Pj and is situated updip of a 2013 well (Mauku-1) that defined a 140m net reservoir intersection. Sandstones of the Mangahewa Formation are the reservoir in several major existing fields.
The Mangatoa prospect is a very large 1000Pj plus prospect at a deeper level in the mid-Cretaceous aged Taniwha Formation. An offshore well, Te Ranga-1 (1986) intersected a 100m section of the Taniwha Formation (3740-3842mAHBKB). Petrophysical reviews of wireline and well data have interpreted moveable hydrocarbons within sands in this unit. Gas facilities that are able to handle and process the gas to sell directly to market are located as close as 30KM from this target area.
The scale of the Mauku NE and its relatively shallow target depth of 2000 meters and being drillable from an onshore location make it a compelling prospect.
Additionally, below Mauku NE lies the southern culmination of the Mangatoa target. Recently reprocessed seismic indicates that this prospect can also be drilled from the onshore. The Te Ranga offshore well intercepted gas sands 400m lower on the target and 25km north of the expected intercept in the proposed Mauku NE well. Modern technology and onshore to offshore drilling could now make these gas sands potentially economically attractive and establish a major reserve. Additional technical work is required, including drilling, before Monumental will know the full extent of these targets.
If PEP 61554 is acquired, it is expected that Monumental will own a 60% stake in this license, with 3TCF (a private New Zealand company) owning 30% and New Zealand Energy Corp. (TSXV:NZ) (“NZEC”) owning the remaining 10%. Prior to owning and operating PEP 61554 these three parties will need to finalize a joint-venture and operating agreement, obtain any required TSX Venture Exchange approvals, and obtain any additional New Zealand government regulatory approvals.
Maximilian Sali, CEO, Director and Founder comments:
'Gas prices in New Zealand spiked as high as $20.55 NZ per MCF ($11.50 USD) due in part to the significant lack of new gas to market. Monumental Energy is working diligently and quickly to apply for new gas barring acreage and bring new investment to these areas that the company deems extremely beneficial to the country of New Zealand and shareholders. We look forward to obtaining an interest in PEP 61554 and carrying out an exploration program.'
Note: Application PEP 61554 with the location of previous wells drilled in the area.
PEP 61554 is within the red lines above.
Note: A 3D rendering of the Application PEP 61554 Area, illustrating the position of the Mangahewa Sand target relative to the previous wells in the area. Further technical work is required to determine the full extent of this area.
Location showing distance from Tirua Point application area to infrastructure
Darkstar Capital Investor Relations
The Company also announces that it has engaged Darkstar Capital, a Toronto-based firm, pursuant to a services agreement dated September 28, 2026, effective October 1, 2026, to assist with investor outreach and market awareness efforts. Pursuant to the terms of the Agreement, Darkstar will provide marketing services, including e-mail and SMS text outreach for corporate awareness purposes, in compliance with applicable laws. The Company has paid Darkstar a one-time account set-up fee of $2,500 plus applicable taxes and will pay Darkstar a retainer of $3,800 per month plus applicable taxes over the twelve-month term. The Company may terminate the Agreement at any time by giving thirty days’ written notice to Darkstar, and termination takes effect thirty days after Darkstar receives the notice.
Darkstar is at arm’s length to the Company and has no other relationship with the Company, and neither Darkstar nor its principal and managing director, Izzy Shakfa, nor any affiliate, has any interest, directly or indirectly, in the Company or its securities or any right or intent to acquire such an interest. There is no performance factors contained in the Agreement and Darkstar will not receive any securities of the Company as compensation. Darkstar is located at 40 King Street West Toronto, ON, M5H 3Y2, Canada, and can be contacted at info@darkstarcapital.ca.
VTV Corporate Services Investor Relations
The Company also announces that it has engaged VTV Corporate Services Inc. ('VTV'), an Ontario-based firm, pursuant to a services agreement dated September 28, 2026, to deliver strategic digital media services, marketing and data analytics services including content development, development of web assets, media buying and distribution, and campaign reporting and optimization, for a total retainer of $25,000 plus applicable taxes for period up to December 1, 2026. The Company may terminate the Agreement at any time by giving ten days’ written notice to VTV.
VTV is at arm’s length to the Company and has no other relationship with the Company, and neither VTV nor its principals and any affiliate, has any interest, directly or indirectly, in the Company or its securities or any right or intent to acquire such an interest. There is no performance factors contained in the Agreement and VTV will not receive any securities of the Company as compensation. VTV is located at 21 Raintree Path Etobicoke, ON M9C 5A9 Canada, Canada, and can be contacted at vitaliy@vtvservices.com.
Source: Monumental Oil
