Concerned Aucklanders will not be silenced
Local group Oil Free Auckland rejects Environment Minister Amy Adams’ announcement today that exploratory offshore
drilling be a ‘non-notified discretionary’ activity.
Group spokesperson Robin Wilson-Whiting said, “this really shows how much this Government is willing to bend over
backwards to pave the way for some of the richest corporations in the world. It makes a mockery of the democratic
process.”
Oil Free Auckland and supporters will hold an urgent demonstration outside National MP for Auckland Central, Nikki
Kaye’s office this afternoon to show that they will not be silenced.
“Exploratory drilling is the riskiest phase of deep sea oil and gas projects. It defies belief that New Zealanders
should be shut out from this process.”
Minister Adams’ announcement follows two rounds of public consultation which have been “wholeheartedly ignored by the
government” says Miss Wilson-Whiting.
“Regardless of what people think about these risky projects, this sets a dangerous precedent for public involvement in
projects of national significance,” said Miss Wilson-Whiting.
ENDS