Our 2011 election manifesto - Labour Party

Labour‟s vision is for healthy oceans that are wisely managed. In exercising economic
opportunities, we must ensure the marine environment is protected for generations to come.
A comprehensive oceans policy is needed.
The grounding of MV Rena off Tauranga has graphically illustrated the destructiveness of
even a relatively small oil spill. The environmental risks of any deep sea drilling for petroleum
resources – in our Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) – must be minimised.
Labour will urgently review New Zealand‟s preparedness for marine oil spills,
especially the capability of Maritime New Zealand.
Labour will ensure that liability for clean-up of oil spills and financial losses lies with
the polluters rather than with taxpayers.
Labour will accede to the international treaties which define and simplify the
compensation regime that applies in the event of future oil spills.
Labour will review the minimum technical requirements for navigation systems of
large vessels operating in New Zealand waters.
Labour will insist on high environmental standards and stringent safeguards for
exploration and development of petroleum resources in the EEZ.
Labour will not allow deep sea drilling to occur unless such standards and
safeguards are in place, as well as robust contingency plans and an effective rapid
response capability if an incident occurs.
Environmental controls in our EEZ are inadequate. We need to properly manage the
environmental effects of currently unregulated activities in the EEZ.
Labour will put a comprehensive oceans policy in place, including legislating to
safeguard New Zealand‟s ocean ecosystems and to minimise the environmental risks
of activities in our EEZ.
The legislation will set out new rules and a new consents regime for the EEZ, and will be
administered by the EPA. These controls will manage the effects of activities and their
disturbance of the sea floor. Such activities include (or could in future) petroleum exploration,
mining, marine farming, energy generation, and carbon capture and storage.
In setting up the new system, Labour will learn from international experience (e.g. the 2010
Gulf of Mexico oil spill disaster) and best international practice. Labour is attracted by the
Norwegian model for environmental protection in petroleum exploration and development.
That has provided independent and effective regulatory oversight, high environmental
standards, consultation and coordinated information sharing, and a successful industry.
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