Reserve Estimates and National Energy Security

Matahio estimates recoverable reserves from the Puka field discovery at approximately 170,000 barrels of oil and 1.3 billion cubic feet of gas. Additionally, an independent evaluation of the Oru prospect projects potential prospective resources of 1.8 million barrels of oil and 1.2 billion cubic feet of gas. New Zealand Resources Minister Shane Jones stated that securing a new petroleum mining permit is intended to bring additional natural gas supply to domestic consumers while generating export revenue through crude production.

“At a time when New Zealand faces ongoing energy security challenges due to our declining gas reserves, every new source helps,” Minister Jones noted in an official statement. He emphasized that natural gas remains vital to the national energy structure, supporting industrial processes as well as backup electricity generation during periods of diminished hydro reserves and intermittent renewable supply.

Domestic Fuel Market and Exploration Policy Shift

Currently, all natural gas produced within New Zealand is utilized domestically by industrial consumers and electric power generators. In contrast, high-quality light crude oil extracted from the onshore Taranaki region is exported to international markets for refining into petroleum products.

This mining authorization follows the issuance of the country’s first offshore oil and gas exploration license earlier this year. That license came after the current government repealed a previous drilling prohibition put in place by the prior administration, which had focused on transitioning away from hydrocarbons. Maintaining steady local production remains central to strengthening national energy security.