Firth Of Thames Site For Oil Refinery Likely

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29232, 16 June 1960, Page 12

Firth Of Thames Site For Oil Refinery Likely

(Neu> Zealand Press Association)

AUCKLAND. June 15. Matingarahi, a coastal farming area 30 miles southeast of Auckland on the west side of the Firth of Thames, . is the favoured location for the proposed oil refinery. Well-informed circles in Auckland have placed this interpretation on a statement by the Minister of Works, (Mr Watt) that investigations would begin soon into the suitability of a Firth of Thames site. If Matingarahi is chosen. It is likely that the foothills would be removed to ensure the required 350 acres of suitable building land. Another 150 acres would be required for a town of 1500 to 2000 people where the refinery workers would live. This would probably be established about three miles from the refinery. The Ministry of Works has installed a wave and tide recorder at Matingarahi. It has been operating near the mouth of the Waimangu stream for several weeks and will provide information on wave conditions before the building of a deepwater wharf.

Sheep now grazing on a 3000acre property belonging to Mrs N. Adams and on the adjoining smaller farm of Mr Royal will have to find fresh pastures if the refinery is built at Matingarahi.

An examination of a site at Whangarei may later be made, but with deep water offshore and favourable onshore features, the Firth of Thames site has advantages for the handling of large ocean-going tankers. The Government, having resolved that the establishment of an oil refinery is in the national interest, will act under section 30 of the Finance Act, 1945, which gives it power to investigate the potential of land for better utilisation and development. Adequate land is also required for other works and Industries which may become associated with the refinery. Request for Report Mr Watt, said onshore investigation work around the Firth of Thames would involve borings to test soil composition and a thorough examination of the suitability of the country as a site for the refinery and for the township. “To carry the proposal a stage further,” he said, “my department has been requested to submit a report on which the Government could assess the cost of acquiring land and the development of a township complete with roading, water services, sewerage and other necessities and amenities the residents would require. “Provided all site factors are found favourable, the Government will consider the extent to which it may engage in the overall development of the area and later open negotiations with the interested oil firms for the leasing to them of the land for the oil refinery.”

Mr Watt said the Ministry of Works would enlist the specialist assistance of overseas consultants engaged by the oil group. The work would be carried out with the greatest possible speed to enable a decision to be reached on the suitability of sites to be investigated in the Firth of Thames and in the Whangarei area.

In the event of neither proving satisfactory, investigations would proceed on still further alternative sites.