This
is the first we have heard about this through mainstream media. What
is a 'responsible company'? - how about 'responsible government'?
Minister
hopes 'responsible' firms take oil tenders
A
Government Minister hopes the 23 blocks of sea and land being
advertised to global investors for oil exploration will attract
responsible companies.
TVNZ,
9
June, 2012
The
Government has put up the land up for tender, and in return is
expecting economic growth in the billions, as well as the creation of
thousands of jobs.
It
wishes to replicate the success of the Taranaki coastline, where oil
and gas has been a bonanza, across the country.
Energy
and Resources Minister Phil Heatley said the blocks have been
released in the hope "responsible oil companies will respond".
Heatley
said in the last decade over 500,000 square kilometres were released
for exploration.
The
Government is now proposing to release an extra 40,000 square
kilometres by offering 23 blocks across the country for investors to
drill.
"We
think if there is a significant find you can get up around $10-12
billion dollar mark for all of New Zealand," Heatley said.
The
oil and gas industry is backing the potential economic boost.
David
Robinson of the Petroleum Exploration and Production Association said
the blocks will take between three and five years to develop.
"It
will start with one or two years of seismic survey and desktop
analysis before any drilling begins," Robinson said.
However,
Labour's Energy Spokesman Grant Robertson says the offer is
premature.
"At
the moment we dont have laws that provide sufficient environmental
protection in our exclusive economic zone where this kind of activity
will be taking place," Robertson said.
The
Green Party is also opposing the idea, saying the Government is
risking New Zealand's clean green image and our pristine shores by
selling the right to conduct risky deep sea drilling.
Bids
close in October, with permits expected to be awarded by the end of
the year.
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