New Plymouth's mayor says it's time for a cross-party energy strategy.

Neil Holdom has a background in the energy industry, and is asking the Labour Party to support oil and gas exploration - onshore and off - through to 2050.

Labour banned it while in Government.

Holdom says Labour has an opportunity to come and work on a joint policy that offers the best of both worlds.

"If we can get National and Labour to work on a joint policy that's sensible, based on science and economics - we can keep our economy going, we can reduce emissions."

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