Large gas discovery gauged in Taranaki basin

Fletcher Challenge Energy Taranaki Ltd. is testing what could be a large gas discovery in the Taranaki basin. The company's Mangahewa 2, just west of its McKee oil and gas field, could spur more drilling in the general area. Mangahewa 2 has been undergoing extended production tests from Mangahewa (Eocene Kapuni) below 12,000 ft. TD is 14,440 ft. The well is on Petroleum Exploration Permit 38705.

Oct. 27, 1997

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Fletcher Challenge Energy Taranaki Ltd. is testing what could be a large gas discovery in the Taranaki basin.

The company's Mangahewa 2, just west of its McKee oil and gas field, could spur more drilling in the general area.

Mangahewa 2 has been undergoing extended production tests from Mangahewa (Eocene Kapuni) below 12,000 ft. TD is 14,440 ft. The well is on Petroleum Exploration Permit 38705.

Fletcher Challenge reported an early September flow rate from commingled middle and upper zones of 11.4 MMcfd of gas at 4,736 psi flowing pressure through an 18/64 in. choke. The flow included 150 b/d of 42° gravity condensate and 24 b/d of water.

The well achieved 17.5 MMcfd of gas, 223 b/d of condensate, and 48 b/d of water on a later test.

Fletcher Challenge is considering conducting a seismic survey over the structure, where it plans to drill two more wells next year, reports New Zealand Exploration News.

Indo-Pacific Energy Ltd., Vancouver, B.C., which operates PEP 38720 to the southwest, called Mangahewa a "potentially major natural gas discovery."

Indo-Pacific said its Waitoriki structure covers about 2,000 acres vs. Mangahewa's 10,000 acres. Recent seismic showed the two structures separated only by a small saddle.

Indo-Pacific, subject to obtaining a suitable rig, plans to drill a 13,000 ft test next year at Waitoriki, which it said also contains good potential for shallower oil targets in the Mt. Messenger formation, productive at its Ngatoro oil field about 5 miles southwest of Waitoriki.