The Green Party says Shell's decision to hunt for oil and gas in New Zealand waters is too risky.
The global oil giant has bought a 50 percent stake in a venture for more exploration of deepwater drilling sites in the Great South Basin.
But the area is remote, and deemed so technically difficult to drill that other companies in the past have given up.
Shell has also been battling with a spill of more than 200 tonnes of oil off the coast of Scotland, a problem the Greens don't want repeated here.
“The oil companies think there is money to be made here, and perhaps they're right, but unfortunately we will be carrying the environmental risk,” says Greens offshore drilling spokesperson, David Clendon.
Shell says if there is a problem it will cover the cost.
3D seismic surveys of the area will begin next year before Shell decides whether it's worth drilling for oil.
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