PEPANZ acknowledges release of South Taranaki District Plan

The Petroleum Exploration and Production Association of New Zealand (PEPANZ) today acknowledged the release of the proposed South Taranaki District Plan.

Chief Executive Cameron Madgwick says the South Taranaki District Council has undertaken a thorough and consultative process in its development of the new Plan.

“We will now be taking the time to closely review the detail of the Plan and consult with our Members to better understand exactly what implications, if any, might exist for the oil and gas sector from the proposed changes,” says Mr Madgwick.

Mr Madgwick says that the industry understands that there are a wide range of views in the community about the oil and gas sector and these were expressed during the submission process.

“Councils need to balance continued economic development with the need to ensure industrial activities have minimal negative impacts on both residents and the environment. The proposed South Taranaki District Plan appears to have struck that balance. 

“The oil and gas industry has played a vital role in the South Taranaki economy since the discovery of the Kapuni gas field in 1959.

“In addition, gas from the District also supports the ongoing operation of a number of other important industries operating in Taranaki, including milk processing, fertiliser and methanol production.

“Exploration activities are continuing in the Region and it is pleasing to see the District Plan acknowledges both the importance of the oil and gas sector in South Taranaki and the need to support its continued exploration and production activities.”