As the main source of gas in New Zealand is being depleted, the oil and gas industries have been hunting for new ones. A clash between the Maori and the New Zealand government could slow their plans down. The Maori are arguing that oil and gas are considered treasures and are therefore protected under the 1840 Treaty of Waitangi. They claim that the government attempt to sell its shares of oil fields is a breach of the treaty, and that Maori deserve compensation in the form of shares of oil and gas royalties. Prime Minister Helen Clark has stated that the policy does not breach the treaty, but the company purchasing the 11 percent stake in the Kupe gas field has said the deal cannot be completed until the dispute with the Maori is resolved.
