The Green Party is calling for a halt to offshore oil exploration following a Government review of health, safety and environmental protections for New Zealand waters.
The review found there are rigorous standards for New Zealand's 12-mile territorial waters, where the Resource Management Act applies, but virtually no regulation of the 200-mile exclusive economic zone.
Green MP Kennedy Graham says the review shows there is nothing to prevent an oil spill.
Dr Graham says all drilling should stop until appropriate safeguards are in place.
