MNZ seeks conclusive spill results

DATE
2 NOVEMBER 2007

MNZ seeks conclusive spill results

Maritime New Zealand (MNZ) has requested an Australian laboratory undertake additional testing of oil collected from the Taranaki coastline, with samples provided by Australian Worldwide Exploration (AWE) Ltd.

Oil was discovered along a 10km stretch of coastline on 23 October north and south of Okato. Taranaki Regional Council managed the response effort, assisted by AWE employees and Maritime New Zealand (MNZ).

MNZ General Manager Marine Pollution Response service, Nick Quinn said preliminary analysis had come back from the lab but more testing was needed to provide MNZ with conclusive results.

“The lab found some similarities between the samples and the oil washed ashore, so MNZ is now waiting for additional analysis which will provide us with conclusive results one way or the other,” he said.

Mr Quinn said MNZ had begun a formal investigation into the spill incident because the spill was likely to have occurred outside the limits governed by regional councils, which is 12 nautical miles.

He could not indicate how long the investigation may take.

“Every investigation is different and a lot of evidence needs to be gathered,” he said.

“As with any investigation process, MNZ will not be providing any further information until the investigation is complete,” he said.

-ENDS-

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