New Zealand wants to change its law and revive oil and gas exploration
The project has immediately sparked controversy. New Zealand's centre-right government wants to resume oil and gas exploration in the country, after banning new drilling in 2018. Natural gas is critical to lighting and running our economy, especially during peak consumption. New Zealand's Minister for Energy and Natural Resources, Shane Jones, explained in a press statement on Sunday, June 9.
In addition to gas exploration, the minister also plans to ease the tendering process for oil exploration applications. He explained that the oil and mining sector contributed more than 1.1 billion euros to GDP in 2020-2021.
” When the previous government (Labour, editor's note) banned exploration in 2018 (…) it also led to a decline in investment in further development of our known gas fields. “It's a very good idea,” said Shane Jones, a member of the centre-right government that has been in power since November.
Green Party Anger
For her part, Green Party MP Chloe Swarbrick responded by declaring that the government “ Fueling climate change with gas and oil “. ” We can achieve a more sustainable and efficient economy by prioritizing clean energy. “She said,”
The announcement by the centre-right government comes a day after protests were held in several major New Zealand cities against another government initiative aimed at stimulating the economy. This other project would speed up the approval process for large infrastructure projects and circumvent many environmental regulations.
Chinese PM visits to boost economic, diplomatic ties
His New Zealand counterpart Chris Luxon announced on Monday, June 10, that Chinese Premier Li Keqiang will visit New Zealand this week. I look forward to a warm welcome to Premier Li in New Zealand. “The New Zealand leader said in a statement,” The Prime Minister's visit provides a valuable opportunity to explore areas of cooperation between New Zealand and China. He continued.
China is New Zealand’s largest trading partner. Chinese consumers are particularly fond of New Zealand meat, wine and milk. But while Wellington has long been one of Beijing’s closest partners among Western democracies, relations have soured in recent years as China has sought to expand its military and diplomatic power in the Pacific. The visit could be an opportunity for rapprochement.
(With AFP)
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