Eco-groups oppose further Maari field drilling

Maari oilfield off the coast of Taranaki , West Coast , North Island New Zealand Oil platform and exploration ship. PHOTO/FILE

Environmental groups are opposing further drilling in the Maari field, 80km off the coast of Opunake.

OMV New Zealand Ltd has applied to the Environmental Protection Agency for a marine consent to continue developmental drilling.

OMV is currently drilling in the Maari field in accordance with its petroleum mining permit and under the transitional provisions of the Exclusive Economic Zone Act. The provisions ended on June 28 but drilling can continue until a decision on the application is made. The project involves drilling up to seven developmental wells from within existing conductor slots at the Maari wellhead platform.

No new surface drilling will occur during this programme but some drilling cuttings and drilling mud will be deposited on the seabed.

It is the third marine consent application to be considered by the EPA under the new Exclusive Economic Zone legislation.

Climate Justice Taranaki (CJT) said the development would threaten the survival of endangered marine mammals.

CRT's submission also said fossil fuels needed to be kept in the ground to avoid "catastrophic climate change" and that the projected economic benefits ignored the potential costs and opportunity loss.

Deep Sea Oil Free NZ reiterated the concerns around marine mammals including Maui's dolphin. It points to the EEZ Act's requirement that the EPA consider "the importance of protecting rare and vulnerable ecosystems and habitats of protected species".

Support for OMV's application came from Trans-Tasman Resources who are about to challenge the EPA's decision to decline their own marine consent in the High Court. It said the application was consistent with the purpose of the Exclusive Economic Zone and Continental Shelf Act 2012.

Meanwhile the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment submitted a neutral application but highlighted the government's intention to increase New Zealand's overall exports and utilise the country's natural resources.

It said Maari had contributed $77 million in royalties between 2011 and 2013 and projected the Maari Growth Project will generate $377 million in royalties and $449 million in corporate tax.

The majority of submissions from individuals asked for the application to be declined.

Submissions closed last week and the hearing will open on September 23 with EPA's decision being released soon after.