At the climate talks in Glasgow, countries have committed to an end date to all oil and gas exploration and extraction. Aotearoa has joined, but only as an associate member.
Ongoing provision of on-shore oil drilling permits, especially in Taranaki, means New Zealand can't have core status. Activists say pledges issued so far, which don't commit to phasing out fossil fuels, shows the summit is meaningless.
It's the penultimate day for talks - but negotiations may drag out for further days.
BBC world news correspondent Darin Graham spoke to Corin Dann.