The Hon Shane Jones, New Zealand’s Minister responsible for fuel security and a senior member of the Government’s Fuel Security Ministerial Oversight Group, was a guest at an EMA member-only event this week, which included a wide-ranging discussion on New Zealand’s energy resilience.
The conversation underscored the need for greater fuel storage capacity, particularly for diesel, which remains a critical input across logistics, heavy transport, agriculture, and construction. Minister Jones highlighted the risks created by New Zealand’s reliance on a just-in-time fuel import model and the country’s exposure to international supply disruptions.
There was a shared view that New Zealand must reduce its reliance on offshore supply chains over time and rebuild domestic resilience. The development of indigenous energy alternatives, including hydrogen and geothermal resources, was identified as a potential pathway to help de-risk the economy and support long-term growth.
Discussion also touched on proposals for LNG storage infrastructure in Taranaki, which could provide additional security during periods of low hydro inflows and support industrial energy needs.
It was a full house and a valuable opportunity for EMA members to engage directly with a key Government decision-maker on issues that go to the heart of energy security, business confidence, and economic growth.