New Zealand wants to change its law and revive oil and gas exploration
The project immediately generated 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 of Energy and Natural Resources, Shane Jones, explained in a press release on Sunday, June 9.
In addition to gas exploration, the minister also plans to ease tender procedures for oil exploration applications. He explained that the oil and mining sector contributed more than 1.1 billion euros to the gross domestic product in 2020-2021.
” When the previous government (Labour, editor's note) banned exploration in 2018 (…) this also led to a decline in investment in further development of our known gas fields Shane Jones, a member of the center-right government that has been in power since November, added.
The Environment Party was outraged
For her part, Green Party MP Chloe Swarbrick responded by declaring that the government “ The fires of climate change are fueled by gas and oil “.” We can achieve a more sustainable and efficient economy by prioritizing clean energy “, She said.
The announcement by the center-right government comes a day after protests were held in several major cities in New Zealand, opposing another government initiative that wants to stimulate the economy. This other project would speed up the pace of permits for large infrastructure projects and circumvent many existing environmental regulations.
The Chinese Prime Minister visits to strengthen economic and diplomatic relations
His New Zealand counterpart, Chris Luxon, announced on Monday, June 10, that Chinese Prime Minister Li Qiang will visit New Zealand this week. ” I look forward to Premier Lee's warm welcome to New Zealand » the New Zealand leader said in a statement. “ The Prime Minister's visit provides a valuable opportunity to discuss 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 between the two countries as China has sought to expand its military and diplomatic power in the Pacific. This visit may be an opportunity for rapprochement between the two countries.
(With AFP)