Ending Offshore Oil and Gas Exploration

Sheralee from Te Atatu Peninsula

The Government is ending offshore oil and gas exploration and has put a stop to onshore permits, with the exception of Taranaki.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern made the announcement today, saying "transitions have to start somewhere". But it's not over yet. There are 27 fields in New Zealand currently producing oil and gas.

The last of the permits ends in 2030, but if a discovery is made, production could continue for decades. Ardern said the decision was about "striking a balance" and "unless we make the decision today that will essentially take place in 30 years time, we risk abrupt shocks".

The decision is a massive win for Labour's coalition partner, the Green Party - possibly its biggest policy win, ever. It was one of the party's campaign promises. On the other hand, Labour's other coalition partner, New Zealand First, is having to suck it up.

Regional Economic Development Minister Shane Jones says it's the "only scenario" and NZ First voters will have to accept that. However, he was visibly struggling with the decision.

Over in the opposition camp, National leader Simon Bridges says it's a "wrecking ball through the regional economy". If National won the 2020 election, Bridges would reverse the decision, he said.

The oil and gas industry is crying foul, but Stuff reporter Hamish Rutherford writes that it seems like a moderate decision.

Meanwhile, environmentalists around the country are celebrating a win.