Association seeks talks in Taranaki

New Zealand’s petrol producers are urging the Government committee dealing with plans to end offshore oil and gas exploration to hold some or all of its meetings in Taranaki.

The Petroleum Exploration and Production Association of New Zealand (Pepanz) has written to Jonathan Young MP, the chairman of the economic development, science and innovation committee, ahead of expected changes to the Crown Minerals Act.

These changes are being undertaken to avoid a legal challenge following Prime Minister Jacinda Arden’s announcement in April that the Government was ending offshore exploration in New Zealand, with no onshore permits except in Taranaki, although this will be reviewed in three years.

There are 27 fields in New Zealand producing oil and gas, and in Taranaki the industry directly supports 4340 fulltime workers and 7070 jobs.

In a letter to Young, Pepanz chief executive Cameron Madgwick urges the committee to hold public hearings in New Plymouth ‘‘given that Taranaki is the home of the oil and gas industry in New Zealand and the region most directly affected by these changes’’.

‘‘The voices of Taranaki’s workers and businesses need to be heard in person.

‘‘They face and uncertain future since the Coalition Government’s announcement and deserve the chance to be heard by legislators.’’