Articles tagged with Shane Jones
New Zealand Boosts Diesel Storage by 90 Million Litres at Marsden Point
2 days ago | 93 viewsThe New Zealand Government will invest up to $21.6 million from the Regional Infrastructure Fund to support Channel Infrastructure NZ Ltd in increasing diesel storage capacity by 90 million litres at Marsden Point, enhancing fuel resilience amid global supply disruptions. The project aims to recommission storage tanks within two months to secure diesel supplies beyond the current secure period until the end of May. This initiative addresses the critical need for large-scale fuel storage, particularly for diesel, which is vital to the economy, and work is set to begin imminently with close government oversight.
Tags: Shane Jones Channel Infrastructure Marsden Point Regional Infrastructure Fund New Zealand Government diesel storage fuel resilience Regional Development Minister Middle East conflict New Zealand fuel supplies$1.35M Upgrade Boosts Water Infrastructure at Mystery Creek for Fieldays
4 days ago | 82 viewsMystery Creek near Hamilton is upgrading its over-50-year-old water infrastructure with a $1.35 million Regional Infrastructure Fund loan to increase water storage and support growing visitor numbers. The site hosts National Fieldays, attracting over 110,000 visitors and generating significant economic impact, as well as more than 100 other events annually, and serves as a critical Civil Defence logistics hub. The project includes replacing the water network, installing a 600,000-litre tank, creating up to seven jobs, and aims to enhance safety, accessibility, and resilience ahead of this year’s Fieldays.
Tags: Mystery Creek Hamilton Shane Jones Mark Patterson Regional Infrastructure Fund National Fieldays Waikato New Zealand water infrastructure Civil DefenceUpdated National Fuel Plan Ensures NZ Fuel Security Amid Middle East Conflict
1 week ago | 333 viewsThe Government has updated the National Fuel Plan to address potential fuel supply risks stemming from the Middle East conflict, outlining four phased responses tailored to petrol, diesel, and jet fuel. These phases range from monitoring and voluntary conservation measures to stronger interventions prioritizing critical services, with decisions guided by six specific assessment criteria and overseen by the Fuel Security Ministerial Oversight Group. The plan emphasizes early action, industry cooperation, and stakeholder engagement to ensure fuel security and economic stability while preparing for various disruption scenarios.
Tags: Nicola Willis Shane Jones National Fuel Plan New Zealand fuel security fuel supply Middle East conflict fuel disruption government response fuel restrictionsNew Spiny Rock Lobster Ban and Bag Limits to Protect Northland Fishery by 2026
1 week ago | 222 viewsA ban on harvesting spiny rock lobster from the east coast of Northland to Hauraki Gulf, effective April 1, 2026, will create a network of closures to help rebuild the fishery. Recreational daily bag limits for spiny rock lobster and packhorse rock lobster are also reduced to prevent shifting fishing pressure, with strict enforcement and penalties for violations. These measures aim to restore ecological balance, address kina barrens, and ensure the fishery’s long-term sustainability.
Tags: spiny rock lobster Hauraki Gulf Northland Shane Jones fishery closure recreational fishing commercial fishing kina barrens packhorse rock lobster MPISpiny Rock Lobster Catch Limits Updated for Gisborne and Otago from April 2026
1 week ago | 237 viewsCatch limits for spiny rock lobster have been reduced in Gisborne (CRA 3) due to ongoing pressure and cyclone impacts, with a 49-tonne reduction in commercial catch and efforts to spread fishing activity for stock recovery. Conversely, the Otago fishery (CRA 7) shows positive signs, prompting a 21.9-tonne increase in commercial catch limits to support the local economy. The review also confirmed current catch settings for Southern blue whiting remain appropriate, with changes effective from April 1, 2026, following consultation with stakeholders.
Tags: spiny rock lobster Gisborne Otago Shane Jones CRA 3 CRA 7 catch limits sustainability commercial fishers Southern blue whitingHamilton Airport Runway Extension Boosted by $6.5M Loan for Growth and Resilience
1 week ago | 521 viewsHamilton Airport will receive a $6.5 million loan from the Regional Infrastructure Fund to extend its runway by 255 meters, enhancing its capacity and resilience as a key hub for domestic and international freight and passenger transport. The upgrade, including apron expansion and lighting improvements, supports Waikato’s major manufacturers and exporters and provides an alternative airport option during disruptions at other North Island airports. The project, led by Waikato Regional Airport Ltd with a $3.3 million contribution, is expected to create up to 39 local jobs and strengthen New Zealand’s national aviation network.
Tags: Hamilton Airport runway extension Regional Infrastructure Fund Shane Jones Waikato national aviation network Regional Development Minister Waikato Regional Airport Ltd Coalition Government airport construction jobsRenewed Oil and Gas Prospecting in Canterbury Basin Boosts NZ Energy Outlook
1 week ago | 308 viewsA new prospecting permit application by CBX Energy Limited in the offshore Canterbury Basin reflects renewed confidence in New Zealand’s oil and gas sector, aiming to conduct technical and economic studies for basin development. The Canterbury Basin is a promising but underexplored area with potential hydrocarbons, offering opportunities to enhance domestic energy resources and economic growth. New Zealand Petroleum & Minerals is accepting competing applications until June 24, prioritizing them under the Minerals Programme for Petroleum 2025, with decisions expected later this year.
Tags: Canterbury Basin New Zealand Shane Jones CBX Energy Limited NZP&M petroleum prospecting permit offshore exploration oil and gas Crown Minerals Act 1991 Minerals Programme for Petroleum 2025New Zealand Temporarily Allows Australian-Spec Fuel to Boost Supply Resilience
1 week ago | 202 viewsThe New Zealand Government is temporarily allowing fuel meeting Australian specifications to be supplied domestically to enhance fuel supply resilience amid tight global markets. This alignment removes technical barriers, enabling importers to access a broader range of shipments without compromising vehicle compatibility or safety standards. While New Zealand will not relax sulfur limits like Australia, the measure may remain for up to 12 months and will be reviewed as market conditions evolve.
Tags: Shane Jones New Zealand Australia fuel resilience fuel specifications fuel supply energy minister fuel importers sulphur fuel TasmanNew Zealand Maintains Ban on Retaining North Island Reef Fish Bycatch
2 weeks ago | 159 viewsThe proposal to allow commercial fishers in northern North Island to retain and sell certain reef fish caught as bycatch will not proceed, according to Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones. After considering over 22,000 public submissions and sustainability concerns, the historic ban protecting these species since 1993 will remain. The decision is part of a broader consultation on commercial fishing regulations, with further announcements forthcoming.
Tags: Shane Jones Oceans and Fisheries Minister North Island reef fish bycatch commercial fishers fishing regulations sustainability public consultation Quota Management speciesNew Zealand Releases Oil Tickets to Support Global Supply Amid Strait of Hormuz Closure
2 weeks ago | 333 viewsNew Zealand will release 1.577 million barrels of crude oil purchase options, known as oil tickets, to support the International Energy Agency’s collective response to oil supply disruptions caused by the Strait of Hormuz closure. This contribution, part of a larger IEA release of 400 million barrels, aims to ease global refinery pressure and stabilize markets without affecting New Zealand’s domestic fuel security. The released tickets pertain to crude oil and fuels incompatible with New Zealand’s system, meaning no physical oil supply will be directly released.
Tags: New Zealand International Energy Agency Shane Jones Strait of Hormuz oil tickets crude oil fuel security Middle East Ministry of Business Innovation and EmploymentNew Zealand Maintains Strong Fuel Stocks with 49 Days Supply Amid Global Uncertainty
2 weeks ago | 298 viewsNew Zealand currently maintains healthy fuel stocks, with about 49 days of petrol, diesel, and jet fuel supply available, including fuel in storage and shipments en route. The government is enhancing fuel data reporting and working closely with industry to monitor supply risks, ensuring readiness amid global uncertainties like the Strait of Hormuz closure. Authorities emphasize there is no need for fuel restrictions at this time, assuring the public that any changes will be communicated promptly with mitigation plans in place.
Tags: Nicola Willis Shane Jones New Zealand fuel stocks petrol diesel jet fuel Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment fuel security Strait of HormuzGovernment Allocates $50M for New Geothermal Projects to Boost Regional Growth
2 weeks ago | 138 viewsThe New Zealand Government has ringfenced $50 million from the Regional Infrastructure Fund to support early-stage geothermal projects, aiming to de-risk exploration and boost regional productivity and resilience. So far, three projects have received funding, including two $10 million loans for the Taumanu and Kopura geothermal projects and a $3 million grant for the Whakatāne Geothermal Temperature Gradient Well Programme. These initiatives are expected to create jobs, promote Māori economic development, and enhance renewable energy capacity through exploration and potential new geothermal power stations.
Tags: Shane Jones Taumanu Kopura Eastland Generation Māori University of Auckland Geothermal Institute Whakatāne Regional Infrastructure Fund Bay of PlentyNew Zealand’s Geothermal Strategy Aims to Double Energy Use by 2040
2 weeks ago | 165 viewsThe Government has launched the "From the Ground Up" strategy to double geothermal energy use by 2040, aiming to boost investment, modernize regulations, and support both traditional and next-generation geothermal technologies. The plan emphasizes regional economic growth, Māori partnerships, and unlocking the cultural and economic value of geothermal resources. By improving development conditions and fostering innovation, the strategy seeks to enhance New Zealand's energy resilience and position it as a global leader in geothermal power.
Tags: Shane Jones New Zealand Geothermal Rotorua Ngāwhā Kawerau Taupō Māori Resources Minister From the Ground UpHauraki Gulf Rockpool Ban Enforced to Protect Marine Life and Ecosystems
3 weeks ago | 185 viewsA ban on gathering marine life from rockpools and coastal waters in the Hauraki Gulf north of Auckland has come into effect to preserve ecological areas and ensure fishery sustainability. Fishery Officers will patrol key locations to enforce the closure, with fines up to $100,000 for violations, and educational efforts are underway in partnership with local iwi and communities. Fisheries New Zealand, working with Ngāti Manuhiri, has implemented this temporary closure alongside educational materials to raise awareness about the cultural and environmental importance of protecting intertidal ecosystems.
Tags: Shane Jones Jenny Marcroft Ngāti Manuhiri Fishery Officers Fisheries New Zealand Hauraki Gulf Auckland Oceans and Fisheries Minister Ngāti Manuhiri Settlement Trust MPINew Zealand Secures Sustainable Orange Roughy Catch Limits in South Pacific Until 2028
3 weeks ago | 139 viewsNew Zealand and Australia successfully secured a two-year extension of orange roughy catch limits in the South Pacific through the SPRFMO, supporting sustainable fisheries and local jobs. While a proposal to increase bycatch thresholds was rejected, New Zealand’s measures to protect seabirds and progress on binding labor standards for fishing vessel crews were adopted or advanced. Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones emphasized ongoing efforts to balance environmental protection with economic benefits and to maintain access to viable fisheries in the region.
Tags: Shane Jones New Zealand South Pacific SPRFMO orange roughy fisheries management seabirds albatross fishing vessels labour standards