'Prepare for battle, bro'

Activist Mike Smith questioning Statoil's Pal Haremo in Kaitaia yesterday. Standing at left is hui organiser Rueben Taipari Porter. PICTURE/PETRINA HODGSON

Dr Pal Haremo made the case for his company's planned exploration for oil of the Far North's west coast in Kaitaia yesterday. But while the reception was less volatile than at Ahipara in November, he did not appear to change the minds of the 80-odd people who heard him.

One Kaitaia man, Reti Boynton, warned Dr Haremo that the Norwegian company should prepare for battle, while the Ahipara resolution, that deep-sea oil drilling in Te Reinga Basin and all waters surrounding Te Tai Tokerau be opposed, and that Statoil re-enter a consultation process with iwi and the public, was unanimously reaffirmed.

A qualified geologist, Dr Haremo spoke of Norway being very similar to New Zealand - "Full of fish and beautiful nature" - while he was there primarily to inform the gathering about Statoil's activities, to listen and answer questions.

"We realise that Statoil is a newcomer to New Zealand, so we don't have all the answers today," he added, but the company had more than 40 years' experience in oil and gas exploration, had 24,000 employees in 34 countries, and was firmly committed to health, safety and the environment.

A marine mammal observer would be on board the exploration vessel, and there had been no recorded environmental impact that the company knew of from the company's marine seismic operations.

"Our goal is to operate without any risk to people and the environment. If there is a risk we will stop operating," he said.

He conceded that "small leaks" had occurred in Statoil oil drill areas.

"This is public information," he said.

"We are aware that there are risks. We are very proud of mitigating the risks, and there has been no permanent damage to nature anywhere. We realise a big blow-out here would have a catastrophic effect, so that is not an option. We will not take any risks to cause oil pollution.

"If there is an accident we will take responsibility. We will be here to clean up if there is a spill.

"The reason we are here is honestly because your government has invited us to do this. We haven't taken any decision to drill yet. That will come in six years' time, if at all.

"For us this is early days. I will remember all you say today and take it with us into the future. We are very committed to an open discussion with iwi, without conditions. I can promise that we will try and be a partner in the future."

The only remotely positive response, however, was that "If we are going to dine with the devil, we may as well choose the best devil there is."