Fracking in New Zealand

[3] In 2012, the Taranaki Regional Council published a report that found there had been 65 hydraulic fracturing activities in 39 wells with no evidence of any related environmental problems.

Also in 2012, Christchurch became the first city in New Zealand to declare itself a "fracking-free zone"[5] after a probable link between earthquakes and hydraulic fracturing was demonstrated in England.

[6] In 2013, the Prime Minister John Key stated that hydraulic fracturing had been going on safely in Taranaki for the past 30 years without any issues.

[10][11] In 2012, community boards in Christchurch and in the South Taranaki district, where fracking is taking place, called for a ban.

Any resource consents required for fracking would be lodged with Environment Canterbury, the regional council with jurisdiction over underground discharges, so the fracking-free zone is largely symbolic.

[16] Dr Wright said she couldn't rule out the possibility fracking could cause large earthquakes, like the series of tremors that destroyed much of Christchurch over 2010 and 2011 [17] Environmental Defence Society Chairman Gary Taylor said he was pleased Dr Wright had examined the overarching issue of climate change given the Government's gutting of climate change policy and bias towards fossil fuels.