April 2018
Offshore ban: update on Government decision
It has been a tumultuous few weeks since the Government's surprise announcement of an end to offshore exploration for oil and gas.
As the industry representative PEPANZ has provided a strong voice in response, criticising both the decision and the way it was handled.
Beyond just the impact to our industry, the decision is likely to affect New Zealand’s energy security and international reputation.
Ironically it will do nothing to help lower greenhouse gas emissions and probably make them worse. When natural gas runs out New Zealand will have to import fuel or use coal with much higher emissions.
PEPANZ and our members are now carefully considering the ramifications of the decision and our options going forward. As part of this we have been talking with the Government and a wide range of stakeholders.
Public comment on exploration ban
The Government's decision has caused a wide range of public debate and discussion with most of it strongly opposed. Here are links to some key reactions:
*Brian Fallow (New Zealand Herald): "Exploration ban a pointless, self-righteous policy"
*Kate Hawkesby (Newstalk ZB): "Oil, gas exploration ban proves this Government isn't interested in listening"
*Jenee Tibshraeny (Interest.co.nz): "Where’s the evidence that the government has thought through the exploration ban?"
*Mike Hosking (Herald and ZB): "Government's gas, oil exploration ban a pig of an idea."
*A lone dissenting view from Rod Oram (Newsroom): "Countries prosper when they play to their comparative advantages. In our case, natural gas is absolutely not one of them."
Also of interest - an online poll by Stuff found 66% opposed to the move from a total of 33,000 votes.
Petroleum Conference a success
Around 500 attendees helped make the 2018 New Zealand Petroleum Conference a major success in Wellington last month.
Held from March 26 to 28, the conference attracted senior government officials, regulators, industry leaders, international experts and service providers. Protest action caused little disruption and was well handled by police and security.
Guest speakers included Brian Sullivan from IPIECA, Rob Gardner from Exxon Mobil and Liv Esterhazy from the World Wildlife Fund.
The full range of presentations and discussions are now available online:
Rob Jager elected to PEPANZ Hall of Fame
Former PEPANZ Chair Rob Jager has been elected as the newest member of the PEPANZ Hall of Fame.
This is fitting recognition for someone who has given nearly 40 years of great service to the industry. His focus on health and safety was also recognised this year by being named an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (OMNZ).
Announced at the same time were the 2018 Petroleum Conference Award winners:
- Excellence in Community Partnership and Engagement: Beach Energy for their support of Taranaki rugby.
- Exceptional Health, Safety and Environmental Leadership: Kinetic for their new electronic reporting system.
- Outstanding Innovation in Oil and Gas: Petromac for developing a number of devices that help the conveyance of electric logging tools in deviated oil and gas wells.
OMV acquires Shell NZ assets
Big news for the local industry last month with Shell New Zealand announcing the sale of their assets to OMV, marking the end of an era.
Shell will pass on a proud legacy after operating in New Zealand for over 100 years. They have been an important part of the community and sponsored a wide range of community programmes.
The sale represents a vote of confidence in New Zealand by OMV who are a highly regarded and well-established operator. They have also made a strong commitment to New Zealand since beginning operations here in 1999.
LEVEL 6, 5 Willeston Street, Dell EMC Building, Wellington
PO Box 25259, Wellington 6146
