Should oil drilling be allowed in the Raukumara Basin?

Several hundred people took to eastern Bay of Plenty beaches to protest against oil exploration off East Cape. Photo / supplied

Strong environmental standards will be in place before any oil drilling takes place in the Raukumara Basin, Prime Minister John Key says.

He says the Government isn't going to change its mind about the permit it has granted Brazilian company Petrobras to explore 12,330sq km of the basin off East Cape.

Mr Key says mineral reserves, including oil and gas, have been nationalised for the benefit of all New Zealanders.

Should oil drilling be allowed in the Raukumara Basin? Here is the latest selection of Your Views: