Whether I agree with oil and gas lobbyists such as Stratford's Sarah Roberts' viewpoints and tactics, or not, their tenacious efforts have certainly raised awareness in Taranaki on issues surrounding the mining of the valuable resources in our province.
Some issues impact too deep to not handle it very, very carefully; our environment being one of them.
The industry is complex and it is disturbing when lawyers, representing a large number of local landowners, are concerned about the contracts their clients are asked to sign, and about companies' structure and compensation should something go wrong.
The message to landowners to read the documents thoroughly and seek professional advice before signing on the dotted line is prudent. It not only affects them but also their employees, other users of their land and generations to come.
Unless people are willing to give up their current way of life plus the thousands of job opportunities provided through the industry, we need the oil and gas companies here. But, make sure what you agree to before signing.