Listen: Oil ban 'a wrecking ball' for regions

National Party leader Simon Bridges. Photo / Mark Mitchell

The Government's decision to end further off-shore oil exploration, with no new onshore permits outside Taranaki, is "economic vandalism," says Simon Bridges.

The Opposition Leader spoke to The Country's Jamie Mackay today saying the move makes no environmental sense that will send "a wrecking ball into the regions."

Bridges also says the decision was made without consultation and was a shock to the oil industry.

"This isn't a transition. When you transition you consult with the sector and you do it over a period of time. We've seen the same thing in irrigation actually, but I won't even go there."

Bridges says the Government's lack of consultation "will be sending a chill through the business industry and that's not just in this sector. They'll be saying to themselves if they [the Government] don't consult - who's next?"

Also in today's interview: Simon Bridges talks about his campaign to get New Zealand to know him and to like him.

Listen below: