There’s a belief from the Minister that reopening oil and gas exploration won't make a dent in New Zealand's climate impacts. 

The public have until tonight to submit on the Government's bill, reversing the previous Governments ban on exploration off the coast. 

MBIE figures show it will result in millions of tonnes of additional emissions. 

But Shane Jones told Heather du Plessis-Allan New Zealand needs energy. 

He says those opposed are simply "woke" in thinking it is a mortal threat, a claim he's rubbishing. 

Jones says protestors are entitled to their views, and he’s happy to engage with those who disagree with him.  

He says kiwis want to hear someone put an alternative view to these frog-loving and lizard-obsessed environmentalists. 

The Government's own advice on repealing the oil and gas exploration ban, released under the Official Information Act and obtained by RNZ, says no new gas fields are likely to be discovered and developed in the next 10 years. 

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