As the Government begins the tender process for new permits to drill off the west coast of the North Island and east coast of the South Island, the Greens today announced a campaign to gather support for a 'Kiwi Bid' "to protect our oceans and beaches".
The party wants supporters to sign a petition asking the Government not to allow "risky" deep-sea drilling in New Zealand waters.
"While the Government is giving oil companies the right to bid to exploit our environment, the Green Party plans to submit a competing bid to protect it," Green Party co-leader Metiria Turei said.
"We are inviting New Zealanders to become stakeholders on our bid.
"It's a bid to protect our waters for all of us, rather than allow corporations to conduct risky deep-sea drilling."
Ms Turei said the threat of a leak from deep-sea drilling was too high to risk.
"There is no guarantee of safety with deep-sea drilling so we shouldn't be doing it.
"If there is a leak from a deep-sea oil rig there is no easy way to stop it. The consequence for New Zealand's environment, economy and reputation would be catastrophic."
The party hopes its petition will attract thousands of signatures, which it plans to present to the Government in September.
