Parliament passes repeal of 2018 oil and gas exploration ban

Thursday 31 July 2025 · 3 outlets · 3 reports · updated Thu 31 Jul 2025, 6:20pm

In this story Christopher Luxon, Labour Party, Shane Jones, Simon Watts, Megan Woods

The Government's bill to end the 2018 ban on oil and gas exploration has passed its final reading with 68 votes to 54. The legislation was delayed from Tuesday night due to a last-minute amendment regarding liability for decommissioning field clean-ups. Climate Minister Simon Watts stated the previous ban impacted energy security and power prices.

How they headlined it

5:32pm6:19pm

1. 1News via RNZThu 31 Jul 2025, 5:32pm

   Govt's repeal of 2018 oil and gas exploration ban passes final reading (opens in new tab)

2. NZ HeraldThu 31 Jul 2025, 6:19pm

   Government’s repeal of 2018 oil and gas exploration ban passes final reading (opens in new tab)

3. Otago Daily TimesThu 31 Jul 2025, 6:20pm

   Oil and gas exploration ban repeal passes final reading (opens in new tab)