Find Oil and Gas expertise in New Zealand

New Zealand has produced oil since its first well was drilled in Taranaki in 1966 – oil is still extracted exclusively from the Taranaki basin. As local production does not satisfy domestic demand, the country imports a significant quantity of crude oil and refined petroleum products to meet its needs. The biggest oil companies operating in New Zealand are BP, Shell, ExxonMobil, Chevron, and Gull.

Natural gas makes a substantial contribution to the country’s energy supplies, helping to provide energy security and support New Zealand’s economy. There are 16 fields and wells that produce gas in New Zealand, all in the Taranaki region. The majority of production is controlled by Shell and Todd Energy-owned subsidiaries. Gas is primarily used in the production of electricity although the petrochemical and industrial sectors also consume a substantial amount of natural gas.