A group of law students is taking the government to court for approving two new onshore oil and gas exploration.
Students for Climate Solutions argue the permits in Taranaki goes against the Zero Carbon Act, the Paris Agreement, and fails to protect the rights of tangata whenua.
The Energy Minister Megan Woods declined an interview, saying the matter is before the courts.
Instead, she issued a statement, saying those decisions "should come as no surprise" as Cabinet set out three onshore blocks back in 2018 for the Taranaki region.
That came amid an announcement to end offshore exploration, but onshore permits have continued.
Students for Climate Solutions co-founder Ri Comer spoke to Corin Dann.
