Geochemical review of the Great South Basin, New Zealand.(Incorporating previously unreported data for Kawau-1 and Toroa-1).

Fresh analyses of samples from Kawau-1 and Toroa-1 and a review of previously available geochemical data for the Great South Basin, have led to conclusions similar to those reached by Haw and Gover (1979). These conclusions are:- 1) Palaeocene sediments contain the greatest concentration of oil-prone kerogen but insignificant amounts of oil have been generated because of their general immaturity; 2) Mature coaly sediments of Cretaceous age are generating gas and associated light oil/condensate but probably in insufficient quantities to form economic accumulations; and 3) the poor reservoir quality of the Cretaceous sandstones, deep water, extreme weather, remoteness, and the consequent high cost of drilling, discourage further exploration.