MP demands prosecution over harbour oil spill

Tauranga-based list MP Clayton Mitchell. Photo / George Novak

Tauranga-based list MP Clayton Mitchell is calling for fuel giant Mobil to be prosecuted for the harbour oil spill.

Mr Mitchell, of New Zealand First, also wants the Port of Tauranga to take action, "as it is clear Mobil's pipelines and measuring equipment are not up to standard".

"New Zealand First wants an answer from Transport Minister Simon Bridges about what he is doing to make sure no more spills occur," said Mr Mitchell.

Mr Bridges said the Government implemented a robust regime when it came to dealing with oil spills.

"I'm very satisfied the regime is a good one and doesn't need changing. That being said, lessons can be learned in the investigations that come after the clean-up."

Mr Bridges said the council would decide whether to prosecute and it was "irresponsible" for a politician to be calling for a prosecution at this time.

Image 1 of 15: Regional council workers Nathan Capper left and Reece Irving tying up bags. Photo/George Novak

Bay of Plenty Regional Council deputy chief executive and general manager regulatory services Eddie Grogan said the council was investigating and would "consider all evidence" before deciding whether any enforcement action was needed.

Local iwi are also concerned about the safety of consuming shellfish from Tauranga shores.

Ngati Ranginui iwi liaison Carlton Bidois said: "There's definitely a threat and a possibility of impact on kaimoana."

Mr Bidois said he was not at a stage to comment further until local hapu had received the results of tests into shellfish contamination.

Chief medical officer Phil Shoemack said if people were looking for two reasons not to eat shellfish, especially from the Tauranga Harbour, they now had them.