Energy stunt

We need to have a solution to our current and future energy needs before we discontinue sources that we currently rely on.

Stopping offshore oil and gas exploration will make this country more reliant on importing fuels needed to meet the increasing energy needs of a growing population. This will affect our balance of trade and financial viability.

Solar technologies in New Zealand have only recently become affordable alternatives. As with all renewable options, price of generation is key to the sustainability.

There is not likely to be a silver bullet here for New Zealand in the next decade unless power prices increase significantly to make solar options viable.

Banning oil and gas exploration is nothing more than a political stunt to divert the public away from the real issues affecting our country.

We need to acknowledge this stunt for what it is and recognise that New Zealand is leading the way in renewable energy – 81 per cent of our electricity comes from renewable sources, compared to 4 per cent in Australia and 15 per cent

in the US. The global figure is expected to be 26 per cent by 2020, according to the 2015 International Energy Agency Medium-Term Renewable Energy Report.

Auckland Brian Watson,