Origin snaffles permits

Power retailer Origin Energy has picked up a number of new exploration permits in Australia, New Zealand and Kenya and says it has identified the potential for large discoveries.

Origin secured the permits in Australia's Bass Basin, New Zealand's Canterbury Basin and Northern Basin/Northern Taranaki Basin, and Kenya's Lamu Basin.

Origin exploration executive general manager Rob Willink said the potential for large oil and gas discoveries had been identified, particularly in the Canterbury Basin.