New Zealand offshore drilling rig prompts furious backlash from climate activists

Government accused of hypocrisy as company uses permit predating ban to begin operation off coast of Taranaki

The arrival of a new offshore drilling rig in New Zealand, a year after the country declared a climate emergency, has prompted a fresh wave of anger at the government's alleged hypocrisy" and cynical politics" on climate change.

Keeping fossil fuels in the ground was the most basic element of tackling climate change, Greenpeace said, while #SchoolStrike4Climate movement activist Sophie Handford said allowing more oil and gas extraction was immoral".