The Government says a law change to extend a tax break for foreign oil companies is a pragmatic decision.
A bill before the House extends a tax emeption for oil rigs and vessels gathering data on potential oil and gas sources in New Zealand waters.
In 2004 the law was changed so that oil companies could operate as long as they needed to without paying tax and the Government is now looking to roll that over for another five years.
The Green Party says the Government should not be giving tax breaks to foreign companies, while ordinary New Zealand businesses have to pay tax on all of their profits.
