Help stop oil and gas companies from fracking near our homes

Dear Friends

Can we count on your support? We have raised another $5,000 towards the case making a total of $55,000 from our members and supporters. The entire amount goes to cover expert witness and court costs. We need to fund-raise a further $10,000.

As you may be aware, TEW submitted on oil and gas rules in the proposed South Taranaki District Council Plan. The commissioners (district councillors) found in favour of the Council and Companies removing separation distances between our homes and petroleum facilities and allowing the use of explosives for seismic surveys with misfires left behind in the ground. We appealed to the Environment Court and Stratford District Council, New Plymouth District Council and Petroleum Exploration and Production Association of New Zealand (PEPANZ) joined the appeal opposing us.

TEW are making definite progress at the hearings. Under cross-examination the risk expert for PEPANZ agreed separation distances had merit. The WorkSafe expert stated they had no jurisdiction over land use planning.

The hearings were originally set for 4 days however this has extended to 11 days. Further hearing dates are set for 27- 30 August at the New Plymouth Courthouse. Our lawyers and experts continue with their generous pro-bono services however we need to contribute to their costs particularly as the hearing has been extended.

The Ministry for the Environment has awarded TEW almost $48,000. We are applying for the remainder up to the $50,000 limit. We need to fundraise a further $10,000.

Below is a recap of what we are appealing and our progress so far:

• Oppose Councils' and PEPANZ’s assertion that WorkSafe’s role of managing risk means that the Council does not have to consider land use matters. One WorkSafe expert has testified as an independent witness for TEW; another witness has been summoned.

• Oppose seismic surveys using explosives being a permitted activity without controls because of the effects of explosives and the risks of misfires. The controls for seismic surveys using explosives determined by experts are now in front of the Court.

• Oppose the removal of separation distances to avoid unacceptable risk to people from fire, explosion and toxicity. The risk and air experts under cross- examination agreed that the use of separation distances was appropriate.

• Oppose petroleum exploration and production activities in residential and township areas.

The coalition government has announced a ban on new offshore oil and gas block offers and no onshore block offers outside of Taranaki. TEW is supportive of this move however onshore Taranaki remains the continued focus of the oil and gas industries. We continue to work hard to help stop oil and gas companies from drilling and fracking near our families and friends.

Please donate now to help us stop oil and gas companies from drilling and fracking near our families and friends now and in the future. Every little bit helps! Please share with your friends and family.