The New Zealand Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment, Dr Jan Wright, has announced a broad investigation into hydraulic fracturing, or fracking.

 

Dr Wright announced that the initial scoping work would be stepped up into an official investigation, saying that preliminary work indicated a need for close examination of the issue.

 

“The work that has been done by my office thus far shows a substantive case for an official investigation under the Environment Act,” Dr Wright said.

 

“Over the next few months my staff and I will conduct this investigation and produce a report to Parliament.

 

“I realise this is a hugely contentious issue and I would hope to have a report tabled in the House before the end of this year.”