Concerned Aucklanders will not be silenced

Local group Oil Free Auckland rejects Environment Minister Amy Adams’ announcement today that exploratory offshore drilling be a ‘non-notified discretionary’ activity.

Group spokesperson Robin Wilson-Whiting said, “this really shows how much this Government is willing to bend over backwards to pave the way for some of the richest corporations in the world. It makes a mockery of the democratic process.”

Oil Free Auckland and supporters will hold an urgent demonstration outside National MP for Auckland Central, Nikki Kaye’s office this afternoon to show that they will not be silenced.

“Exploratory drilling is the riskiest phase of deep sea oil and gas projects. It defies belief that New Zealanders should be shut out from this process.”

Minister Adams’ announcement follows two rounds of public consultation which have been “wholeheartedly ignored by the government” says Miss Wilson-Whiting.

“Regardless of what people think about these risky projects, this sets a dangerous precedent for public involvement in projects of national significance,” said Miss Wilson-Whiting.

ENDS

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