NZ Opens Door for Offshore Exploration

New Zealand will offer several blocks for exploration during 2008, the government says.

North Island's offshore Raukumara basin will be offered later this year, following positive seismic data research.

Other blocks will include offshore Northland, offshore Taranaki, Canterbury and the East Coast, according to Associate Energy Minister Harry Duynhoven.

New Zealand is looking for sites to replace the ageing Maui field, which meets 80 percent of the country's needs and is due to run out around 2010, write The Times of India.

By staff writer