5. Hon JOHN BOSCAWEN (Deputy Leader—ACT) Link to this
to the Minister of Energy and Resources
Is it Government policy for New Zealand to become a “highly attractive global destination” for oil exploration, with expansion of the oil and coal sectors leading to a “step change” in the country’s economic growth as set out in the document Developing Our Energy Potential; if not, why not?
Hon Trevor Mallard Link to this
I raise a point of order, Mr Speaker. Before the Acting Minister answers the question, it is my understanding that there cannot be an Acting Minister if the actual Minister with the warranted responsibility is in the House at the time.
Mr SPEAKERIt may be that my information is not correct on this issue, but my understanding is that while Hekia Parata is the Acting Minister of Energy and Resources,the portfolio responsibilities have been handed over to her by the Government. Those responsibilities have been transferred, so she is the Minister for the time being, while she is Acting Minister. That is why I call the Hon Hekia Parata to answer the question.
Hon HEKIA PARATAHon John Boscawen Link to this
Is it Government policy to provide a step change in economic growth for the West Coast by supporting open-cast mining of Pike River if feasible, or does the Government not have a policy on the conditions under which the Pike River mine would be allowed to reopen?
Our Government in the past 2 years has been pursuing a number of opportunities to create wealth in order to build a stronger economic foundation for our country. We are continuing to explore opportunities in oil, gas, and coal throughout New Zealand where extraction is feasible and within our legal framework.
Hon John Boscawen Link to this
I raise a point of order, Mr Speaker. I specifically referred to Pike River. My question was very specific.
Hon John Boscawen Link to this
Is it Government policy to provide a step change in economic growth for the West Coast by supporting open-cast mining of Pike River if feasible, or does the Government not have a policy on the conditions under which the Pike River mine would be allowed to reopen?
Pike River Coal is in the hands of receivers. They are making decisions about its future at present.
Hon John Boscawen Link to this
Would the Government look favourably on a proposal to extract over $10 billion worth of coal through a combination of open-cast mining and the tunnelling of the Pike River mine, if such a proposal were put forward?
Charles Chauvel