9 Jun 2014

Statoil accused of failing to consult

7:02 pm on 9 June 2014

Norwegian oil and gas company Statoil has been accused of failing to answer questions put to it by members of the Far North community.

Statoil has begun oil exploration research off Northland, in the Reinga Basin, and about 60 people attended a hui in Kaitaia on Monday with Statoil senior executive Pal Haremo.

Hui organiser Reuben Taipari said it was the first time those most affected by the exploration had been consulted.

More than 50 questions were asked, with many people concerned about potential oil spills and environmental impacts, Mr Taipari said.

But Mr Haremo failed to deliver answers the people were satisfied with, so they had asked him to come back them, he said.