The deindustrialisation of New Zealand has been a major focus of media coverage following the EMA’s recently released 2026 Policy Directives.
In a recent article in The Post the issue was highlighted once again, with EMA Head of Advocacy and Strategy Alan McDonald arguing that energy policy has become one of the most significant challenges facing New Zealand manufacturers and businesses.
New Zealand has shifted from being a country that attracted investment through its reliable and affordable energy supply to one where high energy costs and uncertainty are increasingly cited as reasons for business closures and reduced investment.
Energy affordability and security are now directly linked to the country’s ability to retain key industries, support exports, and maintain supply chain resilience.
The priorities call for a long-term, bipartisan approach to energy planning that provides certainty beyond electoral cycles.
Political parties need to work together to establish a stable framework that encourages investment in generation, transmission and infrastructure.
The EMA is advocating for faster development of renewable energy sources, including wind, solar, hydro and geothermal projects, alongside upgrades to the national transmission network to connect new generation more quickly.
It also believes New Zealand needs sufficient firming capacity to maintain reliability during dry years and periods of peak demand.
Restoring confidence in New Zealand’s energy system is critical to preventing further deindustrialisation, encouraging business investment, and ensuring manufacturers have access to the competitive and dependable energy supply they need to grow.
You can read the full Press article by Rob Stock here.