7. JONATHAN YOUNG (National—New Plymouth) Link to this
to the Minister of Energy and Resources
What is Petrobras able to do under the permit granted to it in the Raukūmara basin?
Hon HEKIA PARATA (Acting Minister of Energy and Resources) Link to this
Under the 5-year permit Petrobras can acquire and interpret 2-D and 3-D seismic data, and is consented to drill one exploratory well. At the end of the 5-year period, if Petrobras wishes to move on to extraction and production, a petroleum-mining permit will need to be applied for.
What activities have previously been undertaken in petroleum exploration and production in New Zealand?
New Zealand has a long history of petroleum exploration and production, dating back to 1864. In 2010, 18 seismic surveys were undertaken in New Zealand, and 59 exploration and development wells were also drilled. This demonstrates that petroleum activity is currently carried out regularly in New Zealand in a responsible manner. Petroleum is New Zealand’s fourth-largest export earner. Last year it brought in $2.1 billion in revenue, and directly and indirectly employed over 7,000 people. The Government is committed to wealth-creating opportunities, including the potential in New Zealand’s petroleum and mineral resources.
David ClendonI seek leave to table the exploration permit issued to Petrobras, which clearly states that the company is obliged to drill, rather than consented to drill, within a 60-month period of commencing.
Mr SPEAKER