Tag Oil has won approval to drill oil 220 metres from the Egmont National Park despite opposition from local iwi.

The consent will allow the company, one of the key players in the energy industry in the province, to establish and test up to eight oil and gas exploration wells, and to establish oil and gas production facilities at Mahoe.

An independent hearing was held last month involving representatives from Tag Oil and Ngati Haua Whanui Inc, a subsidiary of Ngaruahine.

Nga Hapu o Ngaruahine Iwi Inc executive chair Daisy Noble said she only learned of the commissioner's decision when the Taranaki Daily News contacted her for a comment yesterday.

Mrs Noble said she would first have to read the approved consent before commenting further.

Tag Oil New Zealand country manager Randy Toone told the hearing last month the company was determined its activities would operate in a way that "minimises potential effects" on the environment and neighbouring landowners.

"We're committed to being good neighbours and envisage our operations continuing long term in Taranaki," he said.

But the proximity of the site to the national park upset Omahuru Robinson, of Ngaruahine, who said the mere thought that the proposal would allow the desecration of whenua, or land, to take place "at the back door" was an "absolute disgrace".

In a decision report dated November 13 , commissioner Mick Lester said the application for consent was "consistent with the purpose and principles" of the Resource Management Act 1991.

The consent was granted subjected to conditions which include Tag Oil giving Stratford District Council no less than five days notice of the start date for both wellsite construction and drilling of each well.

Noise levels are to be 55dba between 7am to 10pm, and 45dba between 10pm to 7am, daily.

Flaring is only permitted at the site in response to an emergency situation or as required to prepare the gas flow for flaring.

Land disturbed by earthworks, trenching, or where dust is created from traffic use are subjected to dust suppression measures.

The secretary of Ngaruahine Iwi Authority shall be immediately notified should any artefact, taonga, koiwi or other archaeological or cultural evidence is unearthed. Construction work shall cease immediately around the affected area.