The select committee that considers legislative changes to oil and gas exploration should meet in Taranaki, according to the Petroleum Exploration and Production Association of New Zealand (PEPANZ).

The Government has publicly said legal changes are "imminent" to give effect to the April 12 announcement there will be no new offshore permits granted for oil and gas exploration.

"In the interests of fairness, democracy and natural justice it seems only right for at least some of the select committee hearings to be held in the region most affected by this policy," says PEPANZ CEO Cameron Madgwick.

"Taranaki is the home of the oil and gas industry in New Zealand, but for many workers and their families it would be difficult and expensive to visit Wellington to make a submission.

"Given the people of Taranaki weren’t consulted before the original decision was announced in April, surely this is the least that can be done."

Attached: Letter from PEPANZ to Chair and members of the Economic Development, Science and Innovation Select Committee.

• Jonathan_Young_PEPANZ_select_committee_letter_September_2018.pdf

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