That Large South Basin is an area of roughly 250 to 400 km, south west of the Southland (and a bit on it as well). It is about 500-1000m deep and is one of the roughest spots on earth.
Since the eighties it has been known that oil had been found in that particular area. Natural oil leaks have occurred at certain spots since then. Seismic research revealed a considerable supply of oil and gas. Soon it was established that this possible oil supply was difficult to develop and far too expensive for that time. Most of the oil and gas is under water, sometimes more than one kilometre deep and is particularly inhospitable. It is the kingdom of undisturbed around-the-world-raging storms. The generally severe, almost Antarctic circumstances, dominate in the middle of these 'Screaming Fifties'. No wonder that large companies didn't show much interest.

After this last discovery of spontaneously leaking oil it seems that oil could be drilled from places that are easier to access. Now the government hopes to attract oil-hungry candidates in no time. In August last year the 100,000 square kilometres were already subdivided in forty parts. In July or August we will know if companies really start drilling - and if yes, which company.

Immediately the speculations of oil fortunes increase sky-high - the Kiwi-way. Already serious New Zealanders have been spotted believing this will become the Norway of the Southern hemisphere. Although they are seriously interested, for the time being the established oil companies are not jumping on it.

Unfortunately all future drill spots are in the middle of superb, almost unspoilt areas, just like the 'Wadden'. And not just at sea but also on the islands such as the almost unspoilt Steward Island.
It seems that possible oil drillings will not just move nodding donkeys but also a lot of obstructive donkeys.

The Dutch version of this article is published in the May/June 2007 edition of Holland Focus.
Ask your News Agent or take out a subscription.