WEEKLY GROSS-OUT: Government

Yes, government. There can be some serious bellends in there. For instance, our Parliament has passed a controversial law outlawing protests that interfere with or damage oil exploration vessels, leaving protesters liable for a fine of up to NZ$100,000 for groups or NZ$50,000 for an individual. The new law also makes it an offence for people to get closer than 500 metres to a ship that is declared to have a "non-interference zone". Entering the zone could result in a NZ$10,000 fine. The Crown Minerals (Permitting and Crown Land) Bill governs the permitting systems for mining and mineral exploration, and had been relatively non-controversial until Energy Minister Simon Bridges introduced a late amendment establishing the new offences after it had been considered by the commerce committee. Mr Bridges said protests could impose significant costs on companies carrying out legitimate activities under permits and create very serious health and safety risks. I say too bad. Big Oil puts our health and safety at risk every day with their ghastly fossil fuels. And the new law is a PR stunt that sends a message to the oil companies that New Zealand's Government is prepared to do anything to get them here - it is prepared to sacrifice any democratic right or environmental standard in order to see this activity go ahead. It is nothing short of a tilting of the playing field constantly in favour of industry over the environment.