Story: Geological exploration

Drilling for oil

Four years of geological work by BP Shell Todd led to the drilling of deep holes between Wairoa and Gisborne in 1960. The first hole was Mangaone-1. In this video clip politicians and officials watch as the drill bit is guided into the ground – known as ‘spudding in’. Unfortunately all holes failed to find oil or gas, and the exploration leases were later abandoned.

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Archives New Zealand - Te Rua Mahara o te Kāwanatanga
Reference: Pictorial Parade 102, 1960

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How to cite this page:

Simon Nathan, 'Geological exploration - Studying the sea floor and earthquakes', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/video/8063/drilling-for-oil (accessed 29 March 2024)

Story by Simon Nathan, published 12 Jun 2006