Petroleum block offer premature - Labour

The opening of the 2012 petroleum block offer today is premature and should be put on hold until adequate environmental protections are in place, says Labour’s Energy spokesperson Moana Mackey.

"This offer, which calls for bids for petroleum exploration permits for specified blocks within New Zealand, New Zealand’s Territorial Sea, and Exclusive Economic Zone, puts the industry cart before the environmental horse,” Moana Mackey said.

“We do not currently have any legislation in place to preserve and protect our marine environment.

“The Exclusive Economic Zone and Continental Shelf (Environmental Effects) Bill currently before Parliament, is woefully inadequate and will be administered by an Environmental Protection Agency that is in reality an economic development agency.

"Labour was the only party to vote against this legislation. Its progress through select committee, which has been treated as a rubber stamping exercise by National, has reaffirmed that opposition.

“The legislation fails to provide a robust regime to protect our marine environment. Labour will be proposing a number of amendments as the Bill progresses to try to create robust, consistent legislation.

"The opening of the block offer will also accelerate the amount of oil and gas activity before the reviews of the Crown Minerals Act and Health and Safety in Petroleum Operations regulations are completed. That is also a premature step,” Moana Mackey said.

"The oil and gas isn't going anywhere so what's the rush?

“The fact is this Government is so bereft of ideas to grow our economy that they are charging ahead with this offer despite the threat to our marine environment.

"National hasn't learnt anything from the Gulf of Mexico disaster. Both this and the Rena disaster on our own shores highlighted the importance of emergency preparedness and liability, and environmental protection. These safeguards must be addressed before charging ahead with more activity,” Moana Mackey said.