CBX Energy has applied to drill in the Canterbury Basin. Photo: New Zealand Petroleum and MineralsA newly-formed company is launching a fresh bid to find oil and gas off the coast of Otago. CBX Energy's prospecting plans follow a number of numerous failed searches for oil and gas in the Canterbury Basin and neighbouring Great South Basin. Oil Free Otago protesters outside a hearing on OMV's plans to drill in the Great South basin in 2019. The proposal outlines a programme of technical and economic studies, including work on a Canterbury Basin development strategy.

Source: Otago Daily Times March 23, 2026 22:33 UTC