Oil, gas exploration to end, but govt could do more - Norman

The government is pulling the plug on new offshore oil and gas exploration. It's announced there will be no new permits offered by the government in the annual Block Offer - except onshore in Taranaki for the next three-years. The decision will not affect existing permits, which cover roughly 100,000 square kilometres of ocean. The Petroleum Exploration and Production Association of New Zealand says its members are very disappointed and there was been a complete lack of consultation on the government decision. The mayor of New Plymouth Neil Holdem says its a kick in the guts for the the Taranaki economy. Greenpeace is describing it as "an historic moment and a huge win for our climate and people power". Its director Russel Norman tells Susie Ferguson the govt could go further by revoking existing permits.