Govt issues ten new oil and gas permits

Protesters near the Anadarko drilling ship currently exploring for oil and gas off the North Island's west coast. Photo / Greenpeace

Ten new permits have been granted for oil exploration in New Zealand, including five offshore permits.

Energy Minister Simon Bridges announced the second round of block offers this morning at Parliament.

Five of the permits were for onshore exploration in Taranaki and the East Coast.

The other five permits were for offshore exploration in Reina-Northland, Taranaki and Great South-Canterbury Basins.

The block offer attracted three new international companies to prospect in New Zealand and could be worth up to $720 million.