05 Aug 2025
1 year ago
2643 views
The address at Marsden Point highlighted plans for a new rail link, development of a dry dock, and potential for 'special economic zones' to boost Northland's economic relevance to New Zealand. The focus was on the importance of trade for New Zealand's economy, with discussions on the need for a second major port due to capacity constraints at existing ports like Tauranga and Auckland. The address also emphasized the significance of energy security, job creation, and export growth through initiatives like the Marsden Point Rail Link and the proposed Special Economic Zones legislation.
04 Aug 2025
1 year ago
2070 views
Energy Ministers Simon Watts and Shane Jones welcome the establishment of a strategic energy reserve by major power companies in New Zealand to enhance energy security and maintain affordable prices. The initiative aims to address vulnerabilities in the energy system highlighted by last year's dry winter, which led to high prices and pressure on industries and households. The government is taking steps to strengthen the energy system by ensuring fuel supply security, supporting investment, and enhancing market competition to reduce costs and promote economic growth.
31 Jul 2025
1 year ago
2067 views
The Crown Minerals Amendment Bill, following its third reading, will allow operators to apply for new petroleum exploration permits starting in September. The Bill removes the ban on oil and gas exploration beyond onshore Taranaki, introduces a new tier of permit for small-scale non-commercial gold mining, and aims to boost investment in Crown-owned minerals. Changes in liability for decommissioning costs and the need for clarity in regulatory burden and risk are also addressed in the Bill to enhance investor confidence and energy security.
30 Jul 2025
1 year ago
3306 views
New Zealand aims to double geothermal energy production by 2040 to tap into its rich resources, positioning the country as a global leader in sustainable geothermal development. The draft strategy, "From the Ground Up," seeks to drive innovation, resilience, and economic growth through geothermal utilization. The plan includes expanding geothermal applications beyond electricity generation, fostering innovation, and strengthening regional economies and the Māori economy.
23 Jul 2025
1 year ago
3096 views
The Fast-track Approvals system, established six months ago, aims to streamline project approvals in New Zealand for economic growth. The system allows for expedited processing of project applications through expert panels, with over 50 projects applying so far. Additional projects can be referred into the process, with decisions expected on key projects by the end of the year.
16 Jul 2025
1 year ago
2169 views
The Electricity Authority announced changes aimed at reducing electricity bills for Kiwi households and businesses, with a focus on fair pricing for rooftop solar and battery exports and introducing time of use plans. The government is also working on a review of the electricity sector to ensure fair prices and address energy shortages. These changes are expected to incentivize uptake of solar and battery systems, reduce power prices over the long term, and enable small-scale systems to meet peak demand.
15 Jul 2025
1 year ago
2273 views
The Coalition Government is seeking feedback on a draft Fuel Security Plan to ensure reliable fuel access for New Zealanders during disruptions, focusing on improving resilience, infrastructure, low-carbon alternatives, and managing the transition to new energy technologies. Associate Energy Minister Shane Jones emphasizes the importance of fuel security for economic and national resilience, highlighting recent measures to boost reserves and improve storage locations. Public submissions on the plan are open from July 15 to August 25, with feedback accepted through the MBIE website.
03 Jul 2025
1 year ago
2648 views
The Government is investing more than $56 million into water resilience projects in rural Canterbury to help protect against changing weather patterns and increase productivity through higher value land use, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones and Associate Regional Development Minister Mark Patterson say. “Ease of access to water is a top priority for Canterbury’s rural communities,” Mr Jones says. “Canterbury has so far avoided the extreme drought experienced in previous years, thanks in part to high rainfall over December and January.
25 Jun 2025
1 year ago
2385 views
A reservoir to be built near Carterton will be a game-changer for the town and wider Wairarapa region, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones says. The 20ha reservoir, which will hold up to 1 million m3, will provide water for industry at Waingawa Industrial Park and irrigation for land. “Water resilience has been identified as a regional priority for Wairarapa.
24 Jun 2025
1 year ago
3544 views
A United Nations report ranking New Zealand’s fisheries among the world’s most sustainable is strong recognition of the sector’s hard work, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. “The report compared fisheries around the world and found the region including New Zealand’s waters have the second highest levels of sustainable stocks in the world. “New Zealand has a reputation around the world for high quality, sustainable kaimoana and, as this report shows, the reputation is richly deserved,” Mr Jones says.
23 Jun 2025
1 year ago
2726 views
Three solar projects in regional New Zealand will receive loans of up to $28. 1 million combined from the Regional Infrastructure Fund to ensure security of local energy supply and community resilience, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones and Energy Minister Simon Watts say. “The loans for these projects in Bay of Plenty, Hawke’s Bay and Rakiura/Stewart Island will allow them to get under way this year, helping them to improve economic prosperity and resilience.