The Southland Conservation Board members have questioned why Austrian oil company OMV is chasing deep sea exploration ahead of alternative fuels. OMV has consulted with regional councils, Iwi and the Department of Conservation since 2018 about its proposal for deep sea oil exploration of the basin. During OMV's briefing to the Southland Conservation Board meeting on Thursday, a board member queried why the company was investing millions into exploration for oil instead of investing in alternative fuels. Board member Peter McDonald said New Zealand was focusing on de-carbonising and deep sea oil exploration did not make sense with this progression. OMV exploration biophysicist Tim Allan said gas was still important in New Zealand's for its short-term future.

Source: Stuff June 06, 2019 05:26 UTC