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National | Oil

New proposed oil and gas exploration areas announced

The Govt today announced the new proposed areas for its oil and gas exploration block offer in 2014.  More than 400,000km2 is being consulted on.

The images of Te Whānau-a-Apanui protesting over the exploration of oil in the Raukūmara Basin is etched in the minds of those living on the East Coast.

Northland is amongst the eight areas proposed by the Govt for oil and gas exploration.  The plan includes five offshore areas, as well as three inshore areas.

Minister Simon Bridges says there are many benefits to oil and gas drilling, including jobs.

Other concerns include newly enforced laws; the first strengthens legal restraints on protesters, the second means exploration bids are non-notifiable.

The two-month consultation period begins tomorrow.