“Mining companies with existing licenses for drilling have a time limit on when they can explore. If they reach the time limit, their permits are handed back to the Crown”, Green Party energy spokesperson Gareth Hughes said today.“They shouldn’t be offered special treatment to extend or waive that time limit.“I struggle to see the point in banning offshore exploration for oil and gas if existing companies with huge blocks can hold off from exploring until way later down the track. “New Zealand took an incredibly exciting and brave step for people and planet when we decided to ban future offshore oil and gas exploration.“It has been congratulated world-wide and New Zealanders are proud of the decision, let’s not water it down.“I am urging her to reconsider this proposal”.