Deep sea oil drilling can have catastrophic consequences on the environment, wild life, costal communities, and economy. As oil is becoming more scarce, the process in how we collect our oil is becoming riskier and more expensive. Meanwhile the cost of cleaner safer energy is dropping.  The coastlines of New Zealand are facing a very serious threat, with the chances of an oil spill becoming more likely. An oil spill off the shores of New Zealand would have a majority of devastating consequences. New Zealands ocean environment contains “immense value in supporting diverse ecosystems, sustainable fisheries, and priceless intrinsic value”. Not only is a clean ocean environment vital to New Zealands economic growth, it is also vital for the survival of indigenous species, including the Maui Dolphin which is near extinct. Another reason as to why deep sea oil drilling off the coasts of New Zealand is such an issue is because “eighty percent of all New Zealanders live on or near the coast”. Cleaning the aftermath of an oil spill in some parts of New Zealand would also be “a near impossible task”, primarily on the West Coast there is “high cliffs” which prevents access to the shorelines and a lack of road access for long stretches. Ultimately the consequences of deep sea oil drilling off New Zealands coast far out weigh the positives. Deep sea oil drilling is not vital to human survival with new eco-friendly ideas rising, therefore it is not worth the risk.

Deep sea oil drilling is currently legal in New Zealand waters if you have a permit, however we think this should change. 

This online petition was created as a part of a Year 13 Social Studies assignment for NCEA at Kāpiti College, which involves choosing a current policy and attempting to change it. 

- Chelsea, Brandon, Hannah, Herewini