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August 10, 2017
Runaka produce guide to tackling oil companies
Waatea Team
Posted On August 10, 2017
Two Otago runaka have published guidelines for how they intend to deal with petroleum exploration in their area.
Dr Katharina Ruckstuhl, the co-ordinator of the combined Kati Huirapa and Otakou oil and gas working group, says three companies have permits to explore parts of the Canterbury/Great South Basin off the Otago coast.
The document outlines how engagement with runaka should take place, identifies Treaty of Waitangi and legislative obligations that oil and gas developers must follow, and includes a review of international good practice.
Dr Ruckstuhl says while the focus is often on major threats like well blow outs or the oil released by sunken vessels like the Rena in the Bay of Plenty, kaitiaki care about the little things too.
"We're really concerned about those little drip, drip things that happen that can subtly change your coastline and hey presto, you have suddenly got an issue with your awa or your coastline. While people fixate on the big things, sometimes it is the little things you have got to be aware of," she says.
The document will help the iwi interrogate companies on their practices.
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