Kea Petroleum announced that additional flow-test and downhole pressure gauge data have confirmed that the oil and gas reservoir accessed during the initial test of Puka 1 in New Zealand is of commercial quantity. The initial build-up data established by downhole pressure gauges have confirmed that no confining boundaries have been observed.
The maximum flow rate of oil achieved was 310 bo/d and of gas was 1.8 MMcf/d.

The testing program is continuing with choke sizes being varied to determine the optimum production parameters for future field performance.

Drilling of Puka 2 to commence as soon as possible.

Following the encouraging test results from Puka 1, the company has decided to proceed to drill a follow up well, Puka 2, as soon as possible. Planning for Puka 2 is well advanced.