Cheap stunts could have expensive repercussions

21 April 2011
Media Release
Petroleum Exploration and Production Association of New Zealand
Cheap stunts could have expensive repercussions

“Any cheap stunts to disrupt the Petrobras survey off the East Cape will have expensive repercussions if they manage to frighten off mineral exploration,” says David Crawford, spokesperson for PEPANZ.

Mr Crawford said the planned disruption by this small group of protestors today to prevent seismic testing off the East Coast of the North Island could lead to the nation losing $2.5 billion in GDP, $1 billion in tax contributions (royalties and company tax) and the employment of over 7,700 people. The petroleum exploration industry has been operating offshore New Zealand for over 50 years and has a superb environmental safety record.

“This is the real risk to our nation if protestors continue to disrupt companies carrying out their legal business in a safe and environmentally responsible manner,” Mr Crawford says.

“The petroleum industry respects any person’s rights to protest in a responsible manner and to engage in informed dialogue. But that is not what is happening here. This small group’s misguided interference with other people’s lives is not the New Zealand way.

“Hopefully the police and navy are still policing to keep them at a safe distance.

“The industry welcomes informed dialogue and debate on substantive matters that ensures all New Zealanders can benefit from the economic wealth arising from responsible development of our mineral resources,” says Mr Crawford.

About 75 percent of New Zealand’s power generation comes from renewables and Mr Crawford said it was right for the Government to aim for more. In the meantime to close the gap in our energy needs, it made sense to benefit from our mineral resources.

“All of us share the desire to keep New Zealand clean and green, and most of us recognise that we can do that while making the most of our mineral wealth. It’s the sensible approach.”

Some iwi have expressed concerns at the lack of what they consider to be appropriate consultation with them prior to the permit having been awarded and that they are not anti-fossil fuels.

“The industry believes there is considerable room for improvement in how Government seeks input from iwi on the issuing of permits” says Mr Crawford.

Ends

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