Melbana Energy Limited provided update with respect to the drilling of the Pukatea-1 exploration well in New Zealand onshore permit PEP 51153. The Pukatea-1 Exploration well was spudded at 14:00 hrs (NZDT) on January 24, 2018 and a 444mm hole was drilled through Matemateaonga Formation shales and sandstones to the planned casing point at 603 mMDRT. A string of 340 mm casing was then run to 601.7 mMDRT as per program. Current operations at the wellsite is cementing the casing in place. Over the upcoming week, the forward plan is to drill out of the 340 mm casing and drill ahead while building angle in 311 mm hole towards the Mount Messenger secondary target. A string of 244 mm casing will then be run and set below the target.