7. Question No. 7—Energy and ResourcesGARETH HUGHES (Green) to the Minister of Energy and ResourcesQuestion No. 7—Energy and Resources7. GARETH HUGHES (Green) to the Minister of Energy and Resources: Does she stand by her reported statement that she will consider giving the oil companies more time to fulfil their commitments on the permits"; if so which permits are currently facing a "drill or drop" decision in the next two years?Hon Dr MEGAN WOODS (Minister of Energy and Resources): Yes I am in discussion with officials regarding the possibility of exercising my statutory powers as the responsible Minister to make changes to petroleum exploration permits. Any such change would be made on a case by case basis under the current law. There are 16 permits with "drill or drop" decisions in the next two years. More information about all active petroleum exploration permits including "drill or drop decision" points is publicly available on the New Zealand Petroleum and Minerals website. As the member is aware our Government is committed to a long-term transition away from reliance on fossil fuels and the introduction of legislation this week reflects exactly that commitment.Gareth Hughes: Does she stand by the Government's historic decision to halt offshore oil and gas exploration and if so does she think a long tail of up to 16 active permits undermines this decision?Hon Dr MEGAN WOODS: In answer to the first part of the question yes and in answer to the second part no. As we've been clear the Government is committed to a long-term transition away from fossil fuel exploration and a clear plan for our future. We're achieving this by issuing no further offshore exploration permits while also protecting the existing exploration permits that cover 100000 square kilometres to enable a smooth transition over the coming decades. This is a sensible approach that allows regions communities industry and the workforce a just transition to a low-carbon future and avoids sudden economic shocks like we saw in the 1980s.Gareth Hughes: Does she agree with recent comments by our climate ambassador Jo Tyndall that this Government has sent a clear signal to industry that we are phasing out oil and gas extraction and if so does relaxing the work programme deadlines on permits undermine that message?Hon Dr MEGAN WOODS: I do agree and am proud that we are ending offshore exploration and are committed to a just transition and we're not relaxing those conditions.Gareth Hughes: If the Minister grants extensions to any offshore permits will she limit their duration and if so what time frame will she use?Hon Dr MEGAN WOODS: As I indicated in my primary question each of these needs to be on a case by case basis and I will consider those applications on a case by case basis.Gareth Hughes: Will the Minister commit to passing more wide-ranging changes to the Crown Minerals Act (CMA) this term to ensure New Zealand does transition away from fossil fuel extraction?Hon Dr MEGAN WOODS: As the member knows the first tranche of the CMA reforms was introduced this week. This legislation is to give effect to the Government's decision about the future of offshore petroleum exploration. Our intention is to begin tranche two following the passage of this legislation and we've long signalled that tranche two will involve a comprehensive review of the CMA and will engage with a wide range of stakeholders to ensure the legislation is fit for purpose as we make this transition. The Government's decision about—SPEAKER: Order! Order! That's enough. That's enough."