Sunda Energy plc has applied for a new petroleum exploration permit for the Taranaki Basin’s offshore area, containing the Awakino gas condensate field, on the west coast of New Zealand’s North Island.
AWAKINO
The permit, covering 645 km2, marks the start of the company’s “wider growth strategy” in the country, focusing on gas exploration, development and production opportunities.
Sunda noted that the nearshore Awakino field originally underwent drilling in 1985.
“If successful, the firm commitment programme offered under the application consists of technical studies of the existing well and field data and, within 36 months, reprocessing of 450 km2 of 3D seismic data,” said the company.
“The programme is designed to delineate the gas field for possible future appraisal and development, along with the evaluation of the area’s exploration potential.”
The application process is expected to take three months’ competitive tendering before the regulator makes a final decision.
Chief executive officer Dr Andy Butler added: “Sunda’s application for an exploration permit covering the existing nearshore Awakino gas discovery further demonstrates our intent to grow a meaningful business in New Zealand in tandem with the previously announced conditional acquisition of the Matahio NZ production business.
“This application is consistent with the current New Zealand Government’s policy direction to support domestic gas supply and energy security.”
In April 2026, the company signed a share sale and purchase agreement for four onshore properties, with owner-operator Matahio Energy NZ Ltd.