First offshore oil exploration permit granted since ban lifted

The government has granted Australian firm EnZed Energy a 12-year offshore petroleum exploration permit in the Taranaki Basin — the first since the 2018-era ban was lifted on 31 July. Resources Minister Shane Jones called it a "major milestone." The permit covers 546 sq km east of the Kupe gas field. EnZed Energy will begin with seismic and geological studies rather than drilling.