Protests against the Govt’s award of an exploration permit to Brazilian oil giant Petrobras in the Raukumara Basin, backed by Ngati Porou’s influential leader Dr Api Mahuika, had all the appearance of an audacious bid to stake out a claim for the fruits of any successful exploration. Energy Minister Gerry Brownlee was quick to stamp on claims iwi had not been consulted or had any status under the customary rights to the foreshore and seabed. Oil and gas have been nationalised since 1937, and the Govt’s proposed foreshore and seabed legislation will not extend any rights to iwi who manage to gain customary title to the foreshore and seabed under it.

Brownlee points out from 2003 to 2008 33 petroleum exploration permits have been awarded under 9 separate blocks offers, including the 21,460 sq km PEP 38444, which extends out from the tip of East Cape down to Cape Kidnappers. He says oil was NZ’s 4th largest export earner in 2009, and 3rd largest in 2008. He also noted the Govt has “live” block offers, including 6 covering 50,000 sq km in the offshore Northland Basin, 3 of which lie on the immediate shelf, and 3 in deep water of up to 2km. Bids for these close on August 10. Crown Minerals is also offering 6 large exploration blocks covering 105,000 sq km in the offshore Reinga Basin northwest and contiguous with the Northland Basin, bids for which also close August 10.

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