A Hawke's Bay iwi says it's not taking a blanket 'no' position against oil and gas exploration.
Tag Oil has contracted the Apache Corporation to start drilling in what's known as the East Coast Basin early next year. The drilling will be on land, not out at sea.
Ngati Kahungunu says it's taking a considered approach to the exploration.
The tribe says it's been approached by Apache officials and will consider all the information regarding the proposed drilling before coming to a decision on how it proceeds.
Last month, Tag Oil told Te Manu Korihi workers won't be barging into the region without having many, many discussions with local people, especially Maori.
