Management Changes

For immediate release 22 April 2014

Kea Petroleum plc

("Kea" or the "Company")

Management Changes 

Kea Petroleum plc (AIM: KEA), the oil and gas company focused on New Zealand, is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr Ian Brown from 1 May 2014 as Managing Director of the Company's operating subsidiaries in New Zealand. Ian replaces the current Managing Director, Mr Richard Parkes, who leaves the Company on 15 May 2014.

We are very fortunate to have secured the services of Ian. His experience of the exploration and production of oil and gas in New Zealand make him a highly valued addition to the management team.

Ian is a professional geological engineer with academic qualifications in engineering and geology and who has more than 30 years' experience in applied earth science and management. Between 1985 and 2011 he managed a successful consulting practice of up to 10 geologists, geophysicists and engineers working on a variety of projects including oil and gas exploration and development. From February 2011 through April 2014 Ian was Chief Operating Officer then General Manager Development and Corporate Affairs at New Zealand Energy Corp. (TSX-V: NZ). He has considerable experience in the producing Taranaki Basin of New Zealand.

The Board would like to thank Richard for his efforts over the past few years and wish him well in his future endeavours.

For further information please contact:

Kea Petroleum plc

David Lees, Executive Director Tel: +44 (0)20 7340 9970

WH Ireland Limited Tel: +44 (0)20 7220 1666

James Joyce

Nick Field

Buchanan Tel: +44 (0)20 7466 5000

Mark Court

Sophie Cowles

Notes to Editors:

Kea Petroleum is an AIM listed oil and gas company with interests in three

petroleum exploration permits in the Taranaki Basin of New Zealand. Kea listed on

the London AIM market in February 2010.