Surprised, confused, but not afraid

A Norwegian oil executive was surprised and confused when a protester began overturning tables at a hui in Kaitaia last week, but did not fear for his safety.

Representatives of the Norwegian government-owned firm Statoil were to have spoken at the public meeting at Te Ahu Centre, but were denied that opportunity when exploration opponent Selwyn Clarke pushed their tables over.

Pal Haremo, Statoil's vice-president exploration, said the meeting had been organised by Te Rarawa chairman Haami Piripi to discuss the firm's plans in the Reinga Basin, off Northland's west coast. He had hoped to listen to opinions, answer questions, find out about any sacred places in the exploration area, and discuss risks to marine mammals and beaches. He had also wanted to learn about Mr Piripi's request for iwi-led moderation of seismic testing, for example by having an iwi observer on the testing vessel.

He didn't have the chance to do any of that, however. He had listened to opinions from iwi and hapu, then the table-turning protest cut the meeting short.

As a foreigner Mr Haremo said he found it hard to fully understand what had happened and why. He knew New Zealanders cared deeply about their environment - that had been clear from the June 9 hui in Kaitaia - but was surprised by the "physical part, the turning of the tables."

However, he was pleased he had been at the meeting rather than hearing about it from Oslo, given that he had learned that he would have to talk to all iwi, at hapu level, and was more convinced than before that communicating with local people would be the key to the company's success.

The strength of opposition to seismic testing had also come as a surprise, because oil drilling had previously been the main concern of iwi. In 40 years of exploring Statoil had not recorded any permanent damage to marine mammals caused by seismic testing.

The hui had also taught him that the company had not communicated as well as it could have about the potential benefits of oil exploration. However, at this early stage the company could not promise thousands of jobs.

"It's a long-term thing. We don't want to go in with big words and big promises," Mr Haremo said.

"As long as we feel we can have constructive meetings, and we are safe, we will continue to try to consult," he added.

"I think we have a very good case to explain that it's sustainable. I come from a county that has beautiful nature, beaches and marine mammals as well, so I can understand (public concerns), but I'm a little confused about not letting information flow."

Claims that seismic testing does no lasting damage are disputed by Greenpeace and Otago University associate zoology professor Liz Slooten, who said it could lead to more whale strandings and leave some species of whales and dolphins effectively deaf and blind.