Fracking cause for local concern: MP

Green MP Gareth Hughes warned of the potential dangers of fracking in Wairarapa when he spoke in Carterton last week.

Mr Hughes was in town for a screening of American film Gasland, based around fracking, and to talk with people about the controversial mining technique.

Fracking extracts natural gas from rocks by pumping water, sand and chemicals into them.

Mr Hughes said fracking brings with it a wide range of concerns including chemical contamination.

"It's a real issue of local concern," he said.

He said New Zealand Energy Corp had permits to dig wells off Castlepoint since 2007, to geographically survey the area.

He said because of the type of rock the company is looking at, it strongly indicates fracking may take place in future.

Although the company would need to apply for consent to specifically start fracking through Greater Wellington Regional Council, the current permit comes up for renewal in September.

Because the government has not made any moves on banning fracking, Mr Hughes said it was highly likely this would be granted.

"I would be urging Wairarapa, before it's too late, not to go down the fracking path," he said.

He said the presentation in Carterton was an opportunity for people to talk about the issue.

"I'll be encouraging the local councils to follow the lead of other councils in New Zealand," he said, referring to a decision by Christchurch City Council earlier this year to become a fracking-free city.

Mr Hughes is also pushing for a temporary hold on all fracking until the Government can assure it's safe.

"What I'm saying is this is the responsible approach," he said. "We shouldn't rush into it, given there are so many unanswered questions."