Please talk to us and work with us
Iwonder if our Government is moving from the ‘‘me too’’ age to the ‘‘me first’’ age.
As a result some major decisions are being made for which there has not been the rigorous thinking, and consideration of consequences, that the people of New Zealand should be able to expect.
There are many ‘‘me first’’ examples one could think of, but for the people of Taranaki, the decision to halt the offering of new offshore oil and gas permits is a stand out. Yes – a first of sorts and lots of headlines; but what was the message to national and international investors?
What is the message to other New Zealand regions where the Government is waving billions of dollars to encourage new high paying jobs into new sectors, and ironically with the other hand and the stroke of a pen, they can deplete jobs, negate skills, reduce investment and destroy economies and communities?
That is certainly the message we are hearing in Taranaki and why all of us should let the Government hear our voice.
The hydrocarbon sector has been aligning itself with renewable fuels for several years, knowing that over time it has to change with the world.
The Impact Statement issued by the Government says ‘‘The upstream sector, major consumers of natural gas such as Methanex, Ballance Agri-Nutrients, electricity generators, the Port of Taranaki, engineering and service firms in Taranaki, and Taranaki local government are stakeholders directly affected by the proposed changes. MBIE has not been directed to take consultation with these groups on the Government’s final policy decision.’’
This Government repeatedly says that it will listen to what the people have to say in formulating policy. It is very strange then, that the major stakeholders have not been consulted.
The economic impact of this bill coming into effect is not easy to quantify.
What can be said though is that it has potential to destroy livelihoods of families and reduce a bustling and thriving regional province into relative oblivion.
The Taranaki Chamber embraces sustainability and renewable energy. It’s a no-brainer. Fossil fuels and renewables can work side by side including in a transition environment. It’s been happening in Norway for a long time and in Scotland. If it can work there, we must consider it as a part of our future plan here.
There should be a thought through plan for us to transition smoothly. This bill is having the impact of a shock jock.
This transition needs evidencebased preparation, proper consultation and a thorough economic and social impact study. We are more than prepared to work with the Government through this process.
So, as we move to the next stages of this bill, the least the Government can do is have the select committee from Economic Development meet in Taranaki, so that the people who stand to lose the most can at least have their voices heard.
Our invitation is, ‘‘Come talk to us and work with us’’.
There should be a thought through plan for us to transition smoothly. This bill is having the impact of a shock jock.