An Austrian oil and gas company has been given permission to continue drilling in the South Taranaki Bight.

OMV has received marine consent to keep drilling up to seven development wells in the Maari oil field.

The Environmental Protection Authority Decision-making Committee says the effects of the operation on the environment are minimal and temporary.

Earlier this month OMV announced it found its "first oil" in the field, and expected to produce 4500 barrels of oil a day.