Petroleum Development and Environmental Conflict in Aotearoa New Zealand: Texas of the South Pacific

This book presents a detailed and compelling argument regarding the way pressures to expand natural resource development can distort political, economic and social processes. By focusing on a developed, democratic state, Loomis moves the debate beyond a tale of exploitation of institutionally weak states.... This book will be of interest to academic and general readers in New Zealand and more broadly, given the global character of the issues examined. * Environmental Politics * Terrence M. Loomis has written an informative book about oil politics in New Zealand that holds no punches as it calls out government agencies and oil companies alike for their devious tactics to develop so-called unconventional drilling despite the environmental hazards. -- Elana Shever, Colgate University; author of Resources for Reform: Oil and Neoliberalism in Argentina In this timely and critical investigation, Terrence Loomis offers a play-by-play of state and industry efforts to expedite oil and gas extraction and neutralize resistance. With analytical skill, Loomis takes readers into public meetings, national deliberations, and media depictions on whether to extract or not to extract for oil and gas. This work is an important one for those interested in how political accommodations, regulatory changes, and industry promotions open oil and gas frontiers in democracies despite public concerns and documented environmental risks. -- Patricia Widener, Florida Atlantic University