Government tenders for disaster

The Government's decision to open up 25 new blocks for oil and gas exploration is an old fashion economic strategy that ignores New Zealand's potential to lead the world in renewable energy generation, the Green Party said today.

Green Party Energy spokesperson Gareth Hughes said the country received hardly any royalties, hardly any taxes and hardly any jobs for the considerable environmental risk posed by the exploration.

"The decision is premature given the Exclusive Economic Zone Bill only started hearing submissions today," he said.

"Instead, we can create a smart green economy by moving away from mining and drilling, and towards renewable energy.

"If we were to secure just 1 percent of the global renewable energy market in the next five years, we'd create a $5.8 billion industry with 60,000 more green jobs."

Mr Hughes said the National Government's economic strategy of large-scale oil and gas would contribute to run-away climate change and, potentially, devastating oil spills.

"This Government is deeply in denial about climate change. They are happy to get their hands on the short-term profits and leave the costly mess for future generations to deal with.

"This Government is promoting deep sea oil drilling despite the huge risks. Even the petroleum industry admits there is no easy way to stop a leak from a deep sea oil rig," said Mr Hughes.

"There is no guarantee of safety with deep water oil drilling, so we shouldn't be doing it.

"We have seen the damage done by the Rena oil spill - a deep sea oil disaster would be hundreds of times worse.

"A deep water oil spill would have catastrophic consequences for our environment, economy and reputation.

"We don't need to risk our climate and our shores for the sake of a quick buck that will mostly benefit overseas oil companies.

"Our future prosperity depends on investment in clean, green technology, and sustainable jobs."