August 2019
New speakers for 2019 Petroleum Conference announced
A top-class line-up of speakers for the 2019 New Zealand Petroleum Conference has been announced.
The conference theme is "Responding to Change" and some of the highlights include:
- Ministerial address from Hon Dr Megan Woods, Minister of Energy and Resources
- New Zealand industry leader's address by Andrew Jefferies, CEO New Zealand Oil & Gas
- International address "The future is not what it used to be" by Chris Graham, Vice President Wood Mackenzie
- Cam Hosie, Murray Gribben and Jamie Tuuta from 8 Rivers on the proposed Allam cycle development in Taranaki
- John Kidd, Enerlytica on the role of the sector in lowering global emissions
- Paul Rangiwahia: the need for a 'mental warrant of fitness' and responding to change
- John Carnegie, BusinessNZ Energy Council on making better energy policy decisions
- Laurence Kubiak, NZIER with a case study of last year's exploration decision
- MPs Jonathan Young (National) and Fletcher Tabuteau (New Zealand First) - Energy and resources spokespeople for their respective parties
- A commercial forum for the day before the conference is almost finalised and further communication will made soon.
Resources strategy released
The Government has released a draft Minerals and Petroleum Strategy, describing it as "a first step towards transitioning our minerals and petroleum sector to a more socially and environmentally responsible sector that better supports our future.”
PEPANZ has welcomed the effort to build a shared vision but wants to see more recognition of the role of natural gas in transitioning to a lower carbon world.
We would also like to see more emphasis on the importance of energy security and producing our own energy, rather than importing it.
Public submissions close on 20 September.
Gas Vision launched
PEPANZ has publicly launched our new publication "Powering to 2050: A Vision for Natural Gas in New Zealand" at a function in Wellington.
It outlines our vision for how natural gas can play a long term role in making our energy system affordable, sustainable and reliable.
Around 50 people attended the launch event held at the Gas Industry Council, including several MPs and the Leader of the Opposition Simon Bridges.
Regulatory update
It's been a busy month for PEPANZ with submissions on some important Government issues:
- Offshore financial assurance: we have submitted in writing and in person to the Transport Select Committee on proposed changes to these requirements.
- Hector and Māui Dolphins Threat Management Plan and its potential for a ban on seismic surveys as one of the options proposed.
- Climate Change Response (Zero Carbon Bill): we are submitting in person to the Environment Select Committee on this today.
- PEPANZ presented evidence at the Taranaki Coastal Plan hearing on 1 August. Overall the plan looks well-balanced, but we have sought some minor improvements.
REMINDER: Nominations closing soon for Petroleum Conference Awards
Don't delay - nominations for the New Zealand Petroleum Conference Awards close today Friday 30 August.
These awards celebrate the success of our industry and recognise those who have made a real difference. Every year one individual is also admitted to the Hall of Fame to honour a lifetime of achievement.
There are four award categories to be presented at the Conference Gala dinner:
- Award for Exceptional Health, Safety and Environmental Leadership
- Award for Excellence in Community Partnership and Engagement
- Award for Outstanding Innovation in Oil and Gas
- Hall of Fame: recognising an individual who has made an outstanding contribution over their career to the New Zealand oil and gas sector.
Making a nomination is easy. There are no forms to fill out, just email conference@pepanz.com outlining why the initiative, project or individual deserves to be recognised.
Energy Voices update
The Energy Voices campaign is now in full swing, focusing on the importance of natural gas to the quality of life for New Zealanders.
Our educational videos and graphics are now appearing well over half a million times per week on social media and attracting a positive response. This is part of a long term effort to build public understanding and support of our industry.
Please follow, like and share our content: Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn, or visit our website.
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