Energy Exploration within Sanctuaries is Not OK

National’s decision to award an oil and gas exploration permit in an area that overlaps with a North Island West Coast Marine Mammal Sanctuary contradicts the clean green image that our Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism is extolling, says New Zealand First.

“The Minister of Energy Simon Bridges’ decision this week allowing energy exploration to cross over into an existing designated marine reserve compromises the brand of ‘100% Pure New Zealand’ within Tourism 2025,” says Spokesperson for Tourism Fletcher Tabuteau.

“Let’s think this through Minister,” says Mr Tabuteau.

“The Prime Minister and Tourism Minister recently stated that ‘we believe one of the real strengths of the tourism experience in New Zealand is that it lives up to the hype’.

“We value our marine reserves, not just for conservation reasons but because it’s obvious that they contribute to Brand New Zealand - they epitomise 100% Pure New Zealand.

“Mr Bridges is putting New Zealand in the world headlines for all the wrong reasons.

“New Zealand First strongly encourages him to check with his boss because his decision is clearly diluting our tourism brand,” says Mr Fletcher.

ENDS

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