The Government may be open to oil and gas exploration continuing in the next parliamentary term.

Energy and Resources Minister Megan Woods said today that the Government was deferring making decisions on the future of onshore oil and gas exploration.

Megan Woods also said that she isn't committing to any further block offers and will revisit this issue in the next parliamentary term, where there will be a better evidence base for future demand.

Political editor Barry Soper says it's unlikely there will be much interest at this stage, as most companies would have shut down oil and gas exploration in New Zealand a long time ago.

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