Ardern's comments won't affect current oil exploration permitsNew Zealand Oil and Gas spokesman John PaganiPotentially lucrative plans to prospect for oil and gas off the South Canterbury coast remain in play, despite concerns about a Government moratorium. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has been clear that she wants to look at the future of the country's oil and gas industry. On Monday, she said she was "actively considering" a halt to oil exploration, but has since back-tracked, saying she was considering a halt to the next block offer. SUPPLIED The Barque Prospect, sitting inside the Clipper Licence, the area New Zealand Oil and Gas has a permit to explore for oil and gas. Whatever the outcome, New Zealand Oil and Gas spokesman John Pagani told Stuff it did not appear to affect current permits.

Source: Stuff March 20, 2018 05:26 UTC