New Zealand Awards First New Offshore Oil and Gas Exploration Permit Since Reversing Ban

New Zealand has awarded its first new offshore petroleum exploration permit since the government reversed the country’s ban on new offshore oil and gas exploration, marking what officials describe as a significant step toward rebuilding domestic energy investment.

The 12-year exploration permit has been awarded by New Zealand Petroleum and Minerals (NZP&M) to Australian explorer EnZed Energy following a competitive application process that closed six months ago. The permit covers approximately 546 square kilometers in the offshore Taranaki Basin, east of the producing Kupe gas field.

Resources Minister Shane Jones said the award sends a clear message that New Zealand is