September 21, 2011

McClutchie backs Iwi against Oil Drilling

Mana Movement supports Te Whanau a Apanui against Oil Drilling in the East Coast

Tawhai McClutchie has put his support behind Te Whanau a Apanui and Greenpeace to seek a judicial court review to quash the decision to drill for oil within Te Raukumara Basin off the East Coast.

“This is not a political issue, as the oil lobbyists claim, this is a national issue. I’ve spent 15 years working on deepsea oil rigs around the world and here. I’ve seen the tragedies of these rigs and the pollution they dump and hide in the ocean, so I know all about devastation from oil drilling, said the Mana Party candidate for Te Ikaroa Rawhiti.

“Our country should be developing more widespread, community-based sustainable energy alternatives. Not only does it behoove this country’s clean, green image, such sustainable energy alternatives help break our habit of oil dependence, puts power back into our people’s hands, and it is healthier for the environment and wildlife.”

“We’ve all seen the massive damage to the environment, the wildlife, and to the people of the Gulf of Mexico. We don’t want that to happen here in Te Ikaroa Rawhiti and New Zealand. This National Government has absolutely no idea what it’s getting us all into with drilling, say Mr. McClutchie.

“Both Te Whanau a Apanui and Ngati Porou have stated many times publically that they weren’t consulted. When this National Government won’t consult properly with Iwi, when they won’t sit down and listen to the legitimate concerns and objections of the people, legal action is the only decent logical step. And I stand 100 per cent beside them.”

ENDS

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