Minister must stop oil propaganda ‘lessons’

The Education Minister must intervene to ensure school pupils are not being exploited and misled by oil and gas industry “lessons” which suggest petrol is largely made from dinosaurs, the Green Party said today.

On National Radio this morning, the Education Minister was apparently unconcerned that the Tag Oil road show What Lives down Under, was presenting a one-sided view of the oil and gas industry designed to win over the hearts and minds of Taranaki school children.

“The Minister has an obligation to ensure that what children are taught at school is accurate and balanced,” Green Party associate education spokesperson Catherine Delahunty said.

“Kids believe that what they learn at school is true. They should not be subjected to propaganda from Tag Oil masquerading as lessons.

“Not only does Tag Oil fail to mention the risks of drilling and the impact that fossil fuels have on climate change, but it also implies that its common for petrol to be made from dinosaurs, which is just not true.

“This is a cheap shot that seeks to win the hearts and minds of kids though their fascination with dinosaurs.

“Businesses, with profit on their minds, should not be allowed in to schools to influence how kids think about any issues, let alone large, controversial global issues like climate change and oil production.

“The prospect of businesses peddling their one sided views at school children in a place of learning is a serious problem which requires the Minister to use her leadership to stop,” Ms Delahunty said.

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