Oil spill reminder of environmental risks at sea

The oil spill off Stewart Island overnight should be a reminder to the government of the risks of environmental damage at sea, says Labour's Environment spokesperson, Maryan Street.

"In the wake of the Rena disaster in the Bay of Plenty, the rupturing of the fuel tanks of the Sureste 700 near Paterson Inlet should be a warning to the government not to be so gung ho about deep sea drilling.

"It is fortunate that there are no concerns for the safety of the Sureste crew at present, but the loss of 23,000 litres of diesel at sea will cause environmental damage even if it is dispersed naturally by rough seas.

“New Zealanders have seen too much damage done to our precious environment in recent years. It is no wonder so many oppose deep sea drilling.

"The government's headlong rush at deep sea drilling without proper environmental regulations or protections in place is irresponsible. Their recent legislation aimed at protecting deep sea oil rigs from protest action shows exactly where their priorities lie - and they are not with environmental protections," said Maryan Street.

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