In New Zealand, fracking is already taking place in Taranaki. Exploration wells in Manawatu, Gisborne and Hawke's Bay are likely to require fracking for full-scale commercial extraction.
The East Coast is relatively dry and "very reliant" on certain key aquifers, Dr Wright said. The region is also home to known earthquake faults that could damage wells, causing leaks into groundwater.
She added that the region's promotion of itself as a producer of premium food would conflict with a mushrooming oil and gas industry.
Her report makes six recommendations for change:
• The government should develop a consistent national policy statement paying particular attention to 'unconventional' oil and gas.
• Regional council plans should be revised to give more control over oil and gas wells. Most don't distinguish between drilling for water and drilling for oil.
• Wells need to be designed to minimise the risk of leaking into aquifers.
• Better processes are needed to govern who pays if something goes wrong. Abandoned wells need to be monitored - the older a well is, the more likely it is to leak.
• Regulations on hazardous substances at well sites need to be better enforced.
• The disposal of waste from wells by spreading it on farmland needs review. There have been instances of farm animals grazing these areas before the breakdown of hydrocarbons is complete.
The Green Party, Forest and Bird and Greenpeace today renewed calls for a moratorium on fracking.
Dr Wright said that a ban isn't justified, as New Zealand's laws can be used to manage the risks, but she doesn't want the report to be taken as a "big tick".
"I would much rather see a focus on 'green growth' because my major concern is the impact of the burning of fossil fuels on the global climate."
Environment Minister Amy Adams and Energy and Resources Minister Simon Bridges described the report as a "useful contribution".
Like what you see? For weekly Element news sign up to our newsletter. We're also on Facebook and Twitter.
