Overview

• Parliament approved the Crown Minerals Amendment with a 68-54 vote, officially lifting the 2018 exploration moratorium.
• Starting in September, companies can apply for new offshore oil and gas permits beyond the Taranaki region for the first time since the ban.
• Ministers argue that renewed exploration is vital to ease domestic energy shortages and curb price volatility.
• Green Party MPs and environmental organisations warn the reversal undermines New Zealand’s climate commitments and global standing.
• The government has overhauled decommissioning rules and established a NZ$200 million gas exploration fund to attract investment in fossil fuel projects.