Residents’ Views Sought on Oil and Gas Exploration

Dunedin, 11 October 2013 – Do you have a view on exploration for oil and gas off the Otago coast?

The Petroleum Block Offer is the way the Government enables petroleum companies to bid for exploration rights to New Zealand’s oil and gas resources. This is the second year of the Block Offer process, which is run by New Zealand Petroleum and Minerals (NZP&M), a department within the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment.

The Dunedin City Council is seeking community input as it prepares a response to the 2014 Petroleum Block Offer. The Government has brought forward its consultation, which now closes on 14 November.

The decision by NZP&M to run its consultation on the Block Offer over the local body elections period was unexpected and Dunedin, along with several other local authorities, has pointed out this makes it difficult for councils to make a democratic submission on an issue of significance.

Mayor of Dunedin Dave Cull says the DCC is aware this is a topic that has generated significant community discussion. There a wide range of views, from how many jobs might be created to the impact of fossil fuels on climate change.

“We are keen to hear from our community and invite residents to tell us what they think.”

The DCC made a submission last year and intends to use this as the starting point for this year’s submission. Community views will be considered and all submissions received will be attached as an appendix to the formal DCC submission to NZP&M.

Residents’ submissions need to be with the DCC by Friday, 1 November. Submissions can be emailed to policy@dcc.govt.nz (please put Block Offer in the subject line), posted to PO Box 5045, Moray Place, Dunedin 9058, or dropped off at the Civic Centre.

For more information on the Block Offer and last year’s DCC submission, or to make an online submission, visit www.dunedin.govt.nz/petroleum-block-offer.

ENDS

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