11 April 2011-04-10
Media Statement

Greenpeace Action against Petrobras “Economic Sabotage”

The Petroleum Exploration and Production Association said today that the protest actions of Greenpeace, which resulted in Petrobras suspending their seismic survey in the Raukumara Basin amounted to little more than economic sabotage.

Executive Officer John Pfahlert said that Petrobras were legitimately exercising their right to explore for oil and gas, a right granted them by the New Zealand Government.

“While Greenpeace have the right to express their view they don’t have the right to prevent others from exercising their rights.

“The New Zealand Government has decided through the New Zealand Energy Strategy that petroleum development is in the national economic interest. The Government has invested a considerable amount of money promoting New Zealand as an exploration destination to overseas explorers. For Greenpeace to try and prevent the development of oil and gas in this manner is economic sabotage” said Mr Pfahlert.

The industry is calling on the Government to intervene to ensure the survey could continue as planned. Mr pfahlert said the Government should use either the Police or Navy to ensure that Greenpeace activists don’t further disrupt the vessel.

“If the company is unable to continue its survey because of these protest actions, this will send a signal to potential overseas investors that New Zealand is a risky place to do business.

While that will no doubt be welcomed by the protestors, New Zealand will be the poorer as a result.” said Mr Pfahlert.

ENDS

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