News that an oil exploration company is pulling out of the East Coast is being positively received by one Gisborne councillor.
Apache Corporation has withdrawn from its partnership with Tag Oil.
On the Tag Oil website an announcement's been posted saying Apache won't be committing past the initial exploration phase.
Manu Caddie says it follows on the heels of the withdrawal of Petrobras.
"Well there's been a lot of concern from horticulturists, from farmers, from wine growers about what impact this kind of industry would have on their business, tourist operators and so on."
He says although the region needs jobs, they want jobs which won't wreck the environment.
Mr Caddie hopes the Ministry of Business, Innovation and employment will look at other means for economic growth in the region.
