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Origin Energy has won a large petroleum exploration permit in the offshore Canterbury Basin.
The permit allows Australian-based Origin to explore 38,260 sq km of the outer basin, next to one of its two other permits in the basin.
Origin holds 51 per cent of Contact Energy. It also holds a half share in the Kupe project and interests in four other exploration permits in the Taranaki basin.
The Government said Origin's programme involved drilling a well within four years.
Associate Energy Minister Harry Duynhoven said it was a further illustration of the interest in oil and gas exploration outside the Taranaki Basin.
