Possibility of test drilling off the Otago coast in 2014

I just came across an online article from our local newspaper about the prospect of a test drill for oil and gas off the Otago coast, and that it could happen sometime in January next year.  The article could be found here.


If the drill tests prove successful, and by the looks of things Anadarko is taking it seriously by investing over US$100 million into the project and ensuring that it filed the correct forms with the New Zealand Environmental Projection Authority (even though they don't have to), it would be an economic boost for the region.
I know that there is a certain amount of opposition to the idea of drilling so close to our shores, considering the oil spills in the Gulf of Mexico back two years ago. Then again, oil spills tend to get bad press anyway. But surely we need the tests to be successful, and for Anadarko setting up offices here in Dunedin, because we need a return of industry. We have lost so much recently due to the Recession and globalisation, where production is moved off shore because cheaper labour and the like.

To me that alone is sad.

Dunedin had been at the heart of New Zealand's gold rush, and mentioned by the Dunedin Public Libraries. Going from that to where we are today is disheartening to say the least, considering how much potential there is here. Anandarko is offering the region a possible boom and seem to be on the right track by ensuring the test is done without endangering our environment. I personally think that we ought to give Anandarko a chance, and if they stuff up than we can go all up in arms and give them grief.