Thu Jul 31 10:40:47 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary and a news article based on the provided text, suitable for “The Hindu”:

**Summary:**

New Zealand’s parliament, under the leadership of Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, has overturned a ban on offshore oil and gas exploration put in place by former Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern. The legislation allows companies to apply for exploration permits starting in September, excluding onshore Taranaki. This decision has been met with criticism from environmental groups, who argue it hinders the transition to renewable energy. The government defends its decision by citing the need for energy security and the importance of natural gas in the energy mix, and the negative effects of the ban on investment in domestic fuel production.

**News Article:**

**New Zealand Reopens Offshore Oil and Gas Exploration, Reversing Ardern-Era Ban**

**Wellington, July 31, 2025:** New Zealand’s parliament today voted to lift the ban on offshore oil and gas exploration, a policy enacted by the previous Labour government under Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern. The move signals a significant shift in the country’s energy policy under the current conservative government led by Prime Minister Christopher Luxon.

The legislation, passed by a vote of 68 to 54, will allow companies to apply for petroleum exploration permits beginning in September. The permits will be granted for areas beyond onshore Taranaki, a region on the North Island known for its energy resources.

The decision has sparked immediate backlash from environmental groups, who say it undermines New Zealand’s commitment to renewable energy and its climate goals. “This government keeps choosing to undermine our resilience rather than transition to clean, green energy,” stated Green Party Climate spokesperson Chloe Swarbrick.

Former Prime Minister Ardern’s 2018 ban on new offshore oil and gas exploration permits aimed to tackle climate change and reduce New Zealand’s reliance on fossil fuels. However, the current government argues that the ban has negatively impacted investment in the domestic oil and gas sector and contributed to energy shortages.

Resources Minister Shane Jones defended the decision, stating, “This government is pragmatic about the vital role natural gas will play in our energy mix in the decades ahead and we have set a course for greater energy security backed by our own indigenous reserves.”

Since taking office in late 2023, Prime Minister Luxon’s government has been actively rolling back several of Labour’s policies, including rebates for green cars and fast-tracking mining projects. The reversal of the oil and gas exploration ban is the latest in a series of measures reflecting a change in direction for New Zealand’s environmental and economic policies.

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