Gas exploration permit application two hours after ban repealed: A sign of interest

Resource Minister Shane Jones is talking up interest in new permits. (Image: NZME)

Thu, 25 Sep 2025

The first application for a gas exploration permit arrived just hours after the law changed, an indication of strong interest from the sector, according to Minister for Resources Shane Jones.The application arrived at 1.24am on Thursday after the bill repealing the ban on new exploration came into effect at midnight.The permit is being sought under a new open market application pathway, which opens offshore and onshore areas outside the Taranaki region.Jones would not name the applicant or the area the permit covers, but said it was a sign of e...

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