Story: Oil and gas

Moturoa oilfield (2nd of 2)

Moturoa oilfield

This 1910 view of the Moturoa oilfield on the New Plymouth foreshore shows seven exploratory wells with their drilling derricks above them. This was New Zealand’s first successful commercial strike, and although the quantities produced were relatively small, Moturoa showed that a domestic petroleum industry was possible.

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Puke Ariki - Taranaki Museum & Library
Reference: LN30

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How to cite this page:

Roger Gregg and Carl Walrond, 'Oil and gas - Early petroleum exploration, 1865–1960', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/8920/moturoa-oilfield (accessed 29 March 2024)

Story by Roger Gregg and Carl Walrond, published 12 Jun 2006