February 2020
PEPANZ lodges submission on Crown Minerals reform
PEPANZ has lodged our submission on proposed changes to the Crown Minerals Act which affect nearly every area of our industry. In our submission we support:
- Retaining the purpose statement to 'promote' the development of Crown owned minerals for the benefit of New Zealand;
- Retaining the non-interference zones for offshore protests;
- Greater flexibility for existing exploration permit holders.
Thank you to PEPANZ members who took part in workshops and helped craft our response to this important piece of work.
Drilling underway in Great South Basin
OMV has begun exploratory drilling off the Otago coast, searching for commercially viable amounts of hydrocarbons.
The COSL Prospector is currently operating at the Tawhaki-1 drill site, 146km southeast of Balclutha.
PEPANZ Chief Executive John Carnegie has publicly welcomed the programme, saying "...a discovery of natural gas or oil would have major economic benefits for New Zealand."
“All credible forecasts show the world will still need new reserves of natural gas and oil as we transition to a lower emissions world. Given that, it makes sense to develop our own energy here in New Zealand rather than import it."
Energy Voices update
Educational videos and graphics on New Zealand's oil and gas industry appeared over 11 million times on social media last year as part of PEPANZ's Energy Voices campaign.
The campaign focused on educating New Zealanders on the importance of natural gas to their lives, especially for the cost of living and quality of life.
Energy Voices will soon be refreshed and updated to continue in 2020.
In related news, our most recent survey into public perceptions of our industry shows encouraging trends. We will soon be publicly releasing these results.
Concerns over rushed ETS reforms
PEPANZ has publicly raised concerns over the rushed process for changes to the ETS, saying it "undermines democracy and our climate change efforts."
Only a handful of days were made available for public submissions on proposed changes to the Climate Change Response (Emissions Trading Reform) Amendment Bill. For much of the time sub-committees of just two MPs held the hearings.
“This is important and complex work that will have a big impact on the costs imposed on New Zealand households and businesses," says PEPANZ CE John Carnegie.
“It’s disappointing because up until the Zero Carbon Act there was a largely sound process run with climate change and ETS issues which were carefully considered and widely consulted on. A fair and transparent process helps to build support amongst businesses, the wider community and the political spectrum.”
Out and about in 2020
PEPANZ CE John Carnegie has been travelling widely in recent months meeting members and stakeholders, and telling the story of our industry. Some highlights so far include:
- Presenting to the Christchurch Business Club and meeting with the Canterbury Employers' Chamber of Commerce;
- Attending the Prime Minister's 'State of the Nation' business address in Auckland;
- Several visits to Taranaki meeting a wide range of stakeholders.
Every month we'll be profiling different PEPANZ members, highlighting the range of skills and services in our local industry.
Member profile: Atlas Professionals
Atlas Professionals are a well-known global recruitment and HR services provider for the energy, marine and renewable industries.
They support the offshore oil and gas sector with a full range of recruitment, manning and support services. In recent times this has included providing staff for the COSL Prospector during its New Zealand operations.
Its office in New Plymouth has strong ties with the local community. Formerly known as Programmed Marine, the company has been a major sponsor of the Taranaki Bulls rugby team for several years.
Climate Change Commission members appointed
Six new Climate Change Commission members have been appointed to join Chair Dr Rod Carr. They are:
- Ms Lisa Tumahai, Deputy Chair
- Dr Harry Clark
- Dr Judith Lawrence
- Ms Catherine Leining
- Professor James Renwick
- Professor Nicola Shadbolt
The Commission will provide non-binding advice to the Government on how to transition to net-zero emissions by 2050.
PEPANZ has publicly welcomed the new appointments. "The new Commissioners have an important role ahead in making evidence-based decisions on the best ways to transition to a lower emissions world,” says PEPANZ Chief Executive John Carnegie.
“The potential costs to New Zealanders are enormous so it’s important decisions are made openly and transparently, based on evidence and clearly weighing trade-offs."
PO Box 25259, Wellington 6146
