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NZ First's $1B Energy Bet Under Fire | Auckland News
New Zealand First’s bold $1 billion plan to survey for oil, gas, geothermal, and CO2 storage sites promises Norway-scale energy gains and fuel security—but experts warn it’s a high-stakes gamble with shaky odds. A “90% chance of discovery” is wildly optimistic, and turning surveys into viable drilling prospects is a monumental, costly task. While some support the six-year timeline, others note New Zealand’s easier offshore past and abundant renewables make fossil fuel independence a misleading goal. Structural roadblocks—no bipartisan backing, no domestic refining, and a shifting…
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