seeking information relating to any proposed or contemplated subsurface energy extraction activities,

FORMAL DOCUMENT PACK

Date: 17 April 2026

1. Targeted Official Information Act Request

This request is made pursuant to the Official Information Act 1982.

Scope: This request seeks information relating to any proposed or contemplated subsurface energy extraction activities, including but not limited to hydraulic fracturing (fracking) and Underground Coal Gasification (UCG), within or adjacent to the Southland region.

Please provide:

1. Statutory Authority
– Identify all statutory provisions relied upon to permit or consider such activities.
– Provide copies of any legal opinions or internal guidance confirming lawful authority.

2. Risk Assessment and Modelling
– All environmental, geological, and hydrogeological risk assessments undertaken.
– Any modelling of groundwater contamination pathways, subsidence, or uncontrolled reactions.
– Worst-case scenario assessments and mitigation strategies.

3. Expert Input
– Names and qualifications of all independent experts consulted.
– Copies of peer reviews or technical evaluations relied upon.

4. Consent and Approval Pathways
– Details of any resource consent applications lodged, approved, or under consideration.
– Whether public notification has occurred or is intended.

5. Liability and Financial Assurance
– Identification of parties liable for environmental or property damage.
– Details of any bonds, insurance, or financial assurance mechanisms in place.
– Long-term monitoring and remediation funding arrangements.

6. Monitoring and Enforcement
– Proposed monitoring frameworks.
– Enforcement mechanisms in the event of non-compliance or environmental harm.

This request is directed to documented evidence rather than general policy descriptions.