Time running out for submissions

Public interest is growing rapidly in a campaign against ending new offshore oil and gas exploration permits, an oil and gas industry group says.

The industry-led Energy Voices campaign launch video has been viewed nearly 50,000 times since it was released last week, a Petroleum Exploration and Production New Zealand (PEPANZ) spokesman said.

PEPANZ represents the oil and gas industry in New Zealand.

In addition the campaign had collected more than 1050 supporters on its Facebook page in the first week, he said

PEPANZ chief executive Cameron Madgwick said the group has been ‘‘really buoyed by the strong support from around the country, and especially in Taranaki’’.

‘‘The original decision (in April) was made with no consultation, and we’re hearing that people just don’t feel like they have been listened to or taken seriously,’’ he said.

Public submissions on the Crown Minerals (Petroleum) Amendment Bill to halt offshore exploration close tomorrow.

‘‘At this stage our focus is on getting as many people as possible to have their say,’’ Madgwick said.

‘‘We’ve created the website Energyvoices.nz to make it as easy as possible for people to submit, and we’re also gathering stories from real-life people impacted by this policy.’’

PEPANZ is also calling on the Coalition Government to hold any select committee hearings in Taranaki so the people most affected can have their say, but so far this has been refused, he said.

Meanwhile, a protest was organised for outside the Todd Energy offices in New Plymouth on Tuesday.

Climate Justice Taranaki has begun holding weekly protests in the city targeting the various oil companies operating in Taranaki including OMV, AWE, Beach Energy, Tamarind Resources, Tag Oil, Todd Energy and Greymouth Petroleum.