New Zealand's newly appointed Energy and Resources Minister,

New Zealand's newly appointed Energy and Resources Minister, Megan Woods, has announced that the country will allow new oil and gas exploration permits in the next offshore bidding round, reversing the previous government's ban that was implemented by Jacinda Ardern's administration.

This decision has been met with criticism from environmentalists and the Green Party, who argue it undermines the country's commitments to combat climate change and move towards renewable energy.

The change in policy comes as New Zealand faces energy supply issues and aims to reduce its reliance on imported fuels. The government is looking to boost energy security and lower emissions by focusing on the exploration of offshore gas, which is considered a transitional fuel compared to oil and coal. This move is also expected to create jobs and contribute to the economy.

The decision has been framed as a pragmatic step to ensure the country's energy needs are met, with officials acknowledging that the previous policy was problematic. It remains to be seen how this shift will affect New Zealand's overall climate goals and its international reputation for environmental stewardship.

This reversal underscores the tension between energy security, economic growth, and climate commitments that many countries are grappling with as they navigate the transition to renewable energy sources.