The Government will allow mining exploration in marine mammal sanctuaries that protect rare dolphins, whales and seals.
Conservation Minister Kate Wilkinson defended a decision for seismic surveying and mining exploration to go ahead in marine sanctuaries, saying surveying could be restricted to minimise harm to marine mammals.
Yesterday Prime Minister John Key ruled out mining in World Heritage Sites.
Green MP Gareth Hughes said it made a sham of so-called marine mammal sanctuaries after oil companies were granted 10 permits in four of the protected areas.
"It's great that you won't be going ahead with mining in World Heritage sites but what about the marine mammal sanctuaries," he said.