Industry Welcomes Appointment of Chief Inspector

16 February 2012

Media Statement for Immediate Use

Industry Welcomes Appointment of Chief Inspector – Petroleum and Geothermal

The Petroleum Exploration and Production Association have welcomed news that the Department of Labour has appointed a Chief Inspector – Petroleum and Geothermal.

Association CEO David Robinson said today that the appointment of Chief Inspector Petroleum and Geothermal, Wayne Vernon from NOPSEMA (see below) completes the appointment of a number of new staff to the High Hazards Unit within the Department of Labour.

“This is an area where industry and Government has recognised the need for more resources to deliver a world class regulatory environment for the petroleum industry in New Zealand”

“Although our industry has an enviable track record in terms of an absence of fatalities and very few lost time injuries over the past 14 years, there is always room to improve the way our operations are conducted. The appointment of a Chief Inspector with considerable experience in regulating the Australian offshore oil and gas industry is excellent news.

“The New Zealand oil and gas industry has the potential to make a significant difference to the economy in the years ahead. Industry looks forward to working with the Department in the development of new offshore drilling regulations.”

ENDS

(NOPSEMA is Australian National Offshore Petroleum Safety and Environmental Management Authority - the Commonwealth regulator for safety, well integrity and environmental management for offshore oil and gas operations.)

© Scoop Media