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East Coast iwi have long known
that their lands are rich with mineral wealth,
and a new government report says
if a decent amount of the 'black gold' is found,
it could earn the region billions and deliver thousands of jobs.
Political correspondent Tina Wickliffe
went to the East Coast. Here's her report.
More than $2 billion is generated by the oil industry in Taranaki.
And a new government study shows
that if significant amounts of black gold are discovered
in the East Coast, it could be a huge life changer for the region.
The district's mayor says get on with it.
The big companies, Tag or Apache,
will need to meet and hash it out,
plan it and then work together.
We need to think about what they're saying, because I know
that there are huge concerns
from Maori land holders in the East Coast.
The difference is that for our land,
it's not as big as, say, Australia.
But our lands, as our ancestors said,
are hereditary treasures.
This councillor thinks otherwise.
But given unemployment is rife in the region,
the government wants the East Coast to carefully consider
the employment opportunities, but at what cost?
Because people who are talking about it aren't the landowners,
but if they find oil on our lands,
we'll be ousted from our own lands.
There are four oil companies
that have permits in the East Coast,
and Tag Oil is one of them.
But local iwi aren't impressed with their lack of engagement.
Nga Ariki Kaiputahi's land is rich in oil;
they have proverbs and oral histories about oil.
This descendant is full of concern.
The important thing to me
is taking care of the land and the environment.
So the East Coast
is being encouraged to follow the West Coast's example.
Oil companies like Apache and Petrobras know
a fiery debate is about to begin.
Tina Wickliffe, Te Karere.