The criticism follows the Government’s approval of a 12-year offshore petroleum exploration permit to Australian-owned EnZed Energy in the South Taranaki Basin, marking the first permit issued since the Coalition repealed the 2018 ban on new offshore oil and gas exploration. The organisations argue the permit raises questions about New Zealand’s ability to meet its international climate obligations. Conservation groups say any future exploration activity must carefully consider potential impacts on sensitive marine ecosystems and protected species. While the current permit authorises exploration rather than drilling, any future drilling proposals would still require separate environmental approvals. WWF-New Zealand and Lawyers for Climate Action argue that expanding renewable electricity generation offers a faster and more cost-effective pathway to improving New Zealand’s energy security.