Shell’s planned exit from a natural gas field in New Zealand doesn’t indicate negativity in the country’s natural reserves, a national petroleum manager said. Royal Dutch Shell announced Thursday it was transferring its assets in the Kapuni gas field to Todd Energy, its joint venture partner. The Dutch supermajor said the sale would “simplify” its operational structure in preparation for more potential changes to its remaining assets in the region. National Petroleum Manager Josh Adams told UPI the transaction still needs to move through the regulatory process, though Shell signaled its divestment plans several months ago. “Acquisitions, divestments and company entries and exits are part of the exploration and development lifecycle,” he said. […]