Should New Zealand be drilling for offshore oil and gas?

Big news for NZ last week was that permit applications are now open for oil and gas exploration, including in an area stretching all the way from the Manukau Harbour on the North Island's west coast, up to Cape Reinga. www.nzherald.co.nz/environment/news/article.cfm?c_id=39&objectid=10846220

But should we be drilling in these potentially sensitive areas?

Gaining energy independence is an appealling idea, but you've got to ask who benefits most. We certainly know who would suffer most in the case of an accident like BP's spill in the Gulf of Mexico – regular Kiwis and our country's environment (and reputation) would bear the brunt.

I think part of the problem for people who oppose offshore oil and gas drilling is it's hard to get information about potential impacts on the environment. Good science from deep water is expensive. So much of the case against ends up being based on flimsy 'what if' scenarios.

Mind you, the 'what ifs' seem much more realistic since our oil spill after the Rena grounding.

What are your thoughts?