New Zealand faces a stark choice on its path to prosperity. Do we protect our 100% Pure brand and ride the wave of a global clean-tech revolution? Or do we back a growing energy industry that will create jobs, raise wages and keep some of our best and brightest from seeking a better life across the Tasman? Is it clean, green or black gold?
On November 6, The Vote asks whether New Zealand needs to ‘drill baby drill!’ Two teams led by Duncan Garner and Guyon Espiner will argue the moot ‘New Zealand needs more mining’ – in TV3’s national debate programme, screening at 8.30pm Wednesday, November. 8.
Broadcaster and lawyer, Linda Clark is referee, charged with keeping the debaters in line and on topic.
The National-led Government has championed the oil, gas and minerals sector, arguing New Zealand is blessed with mineral resources and on the cusp of a boom. Petroleum exploration and development has been worth a phenomenal $8.3 billion in the past six years alone. Already our fourth biggest export earner, the potential for growth is huge; this summer is due to be one of the busiest ever with 13 exploratory wells to be drilled offshore, 27 onshore and new mines close to being approved. And each operation promises more jobs, more wealth to the regions.
But critics say that’s not 21st century thinking and we can’t gamble our environment and economy on coal mines and deep-sea drilling that see profits flood offshore and local communities left to carry the can of pollution and inequality. A summer of protest is being planned. Though millions could be made, just one catastrophic spill could cost billions to clean up. And what about the damage fossil fuels are doing to the planet? Better to leave it in the ground and grow a green economy, rather than risk our agriculture and tourism for the boom and bust of a gold rush.
The Vote will put these arguments to the test. Who pockets the profits? Is the return worth the risk? And is the risk to our land and sea as bad as some claim? Are we missing out on the chance to become the Norway of the South Pacific – a country known for its pristine environment but still rolling in petrodollars?
The coin toss has determined Duncan Garner will lead the affirmative team arguing in favour of more mining. He will be joined by: Hamish Bohannan, CEO of Bathurst Resources which is planning to mine on the Denniston plateau; Grey District Mayor Tony Kokshoorn; and lobbyist David Robinson, CEO of the Petroleum Exploration and Production Association of New Zealand.
Guyon Espiner will lead the negative team making the case against more mining, with Green Party co-leader Russel Norman; Greenpeace New Zealand’s Managing Director Bunny McDiarmid and Gisborne District councillor Manu Caddie.
