Tauranga Harbour prosecution statement

Mobil Oil New Zealand Limited (Mobil) has been notified that the Bay of Plenty Regional Council (BOPRC) has commenced a prosecution against Mobil in relation to the release of fuel oil to Tauranga Harbour on 27 April, 2015. The matter will be before the Tauranga District Court on 26 November.

With the matter now before the Courts, Mobil will not make any further comment with respect to the legal process underway.

Country Manager Andrew McNaught said “Mobil apologises for the incident. We deeply regret that it occurred and the impact it had on the community.

“We have worked hard since April to rectify and minimise the impacts of the leak to the local environment,” he said.

“Following the release of an estimated 1500 litres of heavy fuel oil on April 27, Mobil took immediate steps to respond.

“We worked cooperatively with the BOPRC to actively assist in the response, and have committed significant resources to clean up and restore the affected areas in Tauranga Harbour.”

Mobil has committed to reimbursements and other costs of $1.79 million, including reimbursing BOPRC for over $836,000 in clean-up costs.

“We have cooperated fully with the Council throughout clean-up operations and their investigation” he said.

Contact:

Mobil Public & Government Affairs 
+61 3 9270 3124