More can be done to avoid oil spills, say Greens

Green Party MP Eugenie Sage says better rules need to be in place to ensure New Zealand beaches are protected from oil spills. Photo / John Borren

The Green Party is calling for stronger rules and response plans to protect New Zealand beaches from oil spills.

New figures released by Maritime New Zealand show almost 4 tonnes of oil have been spilt into New Zealand waters since the Rena disaster in 2011.

In the years since the ship ran aground on Astrolabe Reef off Mt Maunganui, spilling 350 tonnes of heavy fuel oil, a further 363 spill-related incidents have been recorded.

Green Party MP Eugenie Sage said that was not good enough, and New Zealanders expected beaches to be clean and free from oil slicks.

She said the maritime industry recognised it needed to do more to prevent oil spills, but the fact there was still a significant amount of oil going into New Zealand's waters was a concern.

"Stronger rules, enforcement, and response capability are needed," Ms Sage said.

"It looks as if some regional councils respond more effectively than others when oil spills are reported, so the Ministry for the Environment needs to do its job and make sure all councils are up to scratch.

"Everyone on the water has a responsibility to take care and avoid making pollution, including recreational boaties. It's clear that the oil and commercial fishing industries in particular need to do much better."