The announcement by the Government to end offshore oil and gas exploration has left Stratford mayor Neil Volzke in disbelief.
"This was a huge call that comes as a real body blow to the oil and gas industry and all those associated with it throughout New Zealand. By flicking the switch and ruling out any future offshore exploration permits, the Government has officially labelled oil and gas production in this country a sunset industry."
Neil says with no clear transition plan from the Government on what the future of power generation and other energy alternatives will look like, it is hard to fully understand this ideologically driven decision, that has been rushed through without consultation or discussion.
A real concern, he says, is that the potential impact of the decision goes beyond just stopping exploration.
"It sends a negative message to investors, both international and local, that may affect other non-related industries. It also suggests that other carbon emitting industries, like dairying, could also be future targets of a government imposed, major changes of direction."