Minister of Energy and Resources, Simon Bridges has announced the Government’s block offer tender for petroleum exploration today.
The tender covers 429,298 square kilometres, including three onshore areas and four offshore areas. The areas are based in and around, Taranaki, Northland, the West Coast and Great South Canterbury.
Simon Bridges told those at the summit, "We are a world-leader in geothermal energy, we have world-class wind generation, our hydroelectricity is extensive, and our abundant forestry resources have incredible potential as a resource for bioenergy. But the role of non-renewables, including oil and gas, should not be understated. As I have said before, oil is our nation’s fourth largest export, produces significant incomes for many thousands of workers, not to mention the hundreds of millions that go to the Crown each year to pay for essential infrastructure and services New Zealanders expect and deserve. All of this comes from one petroleum basin, Taranaki, but we have 17 others that are underexplored – and I want to see that change."
Despite the positives highlighted by the Minister this morning, Greenpeace protestors gathered outside the New Zealand Petroleum Summit at Sky City Convention Centre where petroleum company delegates are in attendance.
Greenpeace climate and energy spokesperson Steve Abel says the aim of today’s protest is to show the 400 or so delegates at the summit that they and their industry must assume some responsibility for the terrible impacts of climate change.
“The reality is the delegates and politicians inside the convention centre are helping sustain an industry that is globally recognised for causing irreparable damage to the earth and human lives,” he says.
Yesterday over 400 people gathered at Victoria Park in Auckland to march and demonstrate their opposition against deep sea oil drilling in New Zealand.
The beat of the drums was the theme to voice the concerns of protesters toward the government and Stat Oil, while others went further, displaying the damage to the wild life from deep sea oil drilling.
Wepiha Te Kanawa is at the summit and will have more details tonight at 5:30.