A Greenpeace hoax website set up to criticise Tauranga MP Simon Bridges in relation to deep sea oil drilling is being ruled out as an election advertisement.

The High Court in Wellington yesterday made the ruling after Greenpeace took the matter to court in response to the Electoral Commission stating the website was an election advertisement and subject to rules under the Electoral Act.

The replica website shows black oil swirling over the page.

Last December the website www.simon-bridges.co.nzwas launched by anti-oil drilling activists after 10 new oil and gas permits were awarded by Simon, the Energy and Resources Minister, at the time.

The website is a replica of Simon's own website but shows a black cloud swirling up the screen engulfing it in 'oil'.

A message, with a Greenpeace logo, directs people to OilSpill.com's website against protesting oil drilling in NZ.

"That was just a bit of fun, but a real oil spill wouldn't be," states the website.

"Drilling rights in the very deep ocean surrounding New Zealand are being sold off to big oil companies. Exploratory drilling has already begun."

The Electoral Commission in a statement says the ruling comes because the website relates to Simon's role and could not reasonably be regarded as encouraging or persuading people not to vote for a candidate or party.

It says it will need to carefully consider the judgement and discuss the implications of the decision further with Greenpeace and others.

No further comment will be made while the judgement is under consideration.