7 May 2015

Oil Spill Prosecution Should Be under Way

Mobil appears likely to escape any prosecution for its recent oil spill in Tauranga Harbour, says New Zealand First.

In Parliament today Minister of Transport Simon Bridges had little to say on penalties and did not rule out ratepayers and taxpayers having to foot the bill for the consequences of the spill 10 days ago, says Spokersperson for Conservation Clayton Mitchell.

“Mr Bridges felt Mobil would face consequences for the spills because its reputation would be damaged around the world. The government should not be concerned about an oil giant’s reputation overseas, it should, however, be holding it to account. That means in New Zealand and under New Zealand law. We should not accept any less.

“Mr Bridges claimed the spill was ‘regrettable’ but not a disaster despite the clean-up yielding 21 tonnes of materials so far.

“The Minister was slow to react to the spill, he has refused to push for penalties and now hides behind the words ‘wait and see’ what the investigation says. Meanwhile, Mobil continues to operate with pipelines and equipment that are not up to standard.

“There has been no action taken by the government to ensure spills of this nature do not occur again.

“At the very least the government should require oil companies to have regular and rigorous maintenance and service programmes similar to those required around airports,” says Mr Mitchell.

ENDS

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