Scientists say the huge deep water basins surrounding New Zealand have the potential to drive the country's economy in the future.
Crown Minerals chief petroleum geologist says most of New Zealand's ocean territory has not been explored yet.
Dr Richard Cook says the Government has already been wooing international companies with expertise in deep sea drilling.
He said we need to understand what resources are in the economic zone and "back the farm" in effect.
Dr Cook says New Zealand's oil and gas exports totalled $2.8 billion in the last financial year, surpassed only by dairy and meat exports.
