This week I would like to add my personal two cents' worth to the oil and gas industry debate that has so many locals up in arms about keeping Taranaki clean and green.
I find some of the opinions one sided and negative. Of course the oil and gas companies don't want to ruin our beautiful region. The NZ oil and gas industry has an excellent safety and environmental record and is meeting all the regulatory permits, so why not just let it get on with it?
Some may forget that those companies sponsor many local events, create jobs for local people and at the same time are building our local and national economy. To those that profess to be so 'green', I would like to know if you are going to STOP driving your car, STOP flying overseas for a holiday and STOP using your petroleum-based iPad and other petroleum-based goods, including beauty products?
Let's just be real for a moment ... in the current economic climate ... where would Taranaki be without the oil and gas and dairy industries?
What is your opinion on this issue? Email bernadette.vanwyk@stratfordpress. co.nz, text SP with your opinion to 021 241 4568, or Facebook us.