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Greenpeace – Govt forced to admit its fossil gas story was always a fairytale

Source: Greenpeace

The NZ Government has been forced today to reinstate a scheme to support businesses transitioning off fossil gas.
“This is a major admission by the Government that the fairytale they have been telling the country, that there is more fossil gas, was always nonsense,” says Dr Russel Norman, Greenpeace Aotearoa Executive Director.
“As the OECD and Greenpeace have been saying – New Zealand’s energy future is in renewable electricity generation, storage, and demand-side management, not fossil gas. Renewables are more reliable, more affordable, and more sustainable than fossil fuels.
“The current Government’s head-in-the-sand approach to energy policy has cost the nation two years of delay, when we should have been accelerating the transition away from fossil gas.
“Industry should be angry with a Government that has delayed the transition for so long, costing New Zealanders jobs and money.
“The Government has repeated the lie that the current shortage in fossil gas is due to the decision to stop issuing new oil and gas exploration permits. In fact the delay between issuing permits and getting gas into production, if any was ever found, was more than a decade.
“It's time to stop the Government’s $200m subsidy to fossil gas exploration and the multi-billion subsidy to the LNG import facility. If fossil gas can’t compete in the market then why should taxpayers subsidise it?
“The key risk to the Government’s fiscal position now is if Nicola Willis and Shane Jones sign up to underwriting the decommissioning of old gas fields. This could cost the taxpayers billions of dollars and must be the responsibility of the oil and gas companies who took all the profits.”
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Energy and Finance – Loan Backing Scheme Timely as Under-Pressure Businesses Transition Away from Natural Gas

Source: EMA

The Government’s decision to introduce the Gas Transition Loan Guarantee Scheme, a loan backing scheme to help businesses transition away from natural gas energy, will be a welcome and timely option for under-pressure businesses, says the EMA.
Alan McDonald, EMA’s Head of Advocacy, says that in the past 12-18 months, several EMA members have been just weeks away from no longer having access to a gas supply contract and were seriously considering closing or moving their businesses offshore.
“Just recently, I was talking to a member who is one of our major gas users, and they had yet to secure supply beyond the end of June. Late last year, another was just three weeks away from the end of their supply and looking to move all manufacturing to Australia,” says McDonald.
“The Government’s plan to back 80% of a bank loan to help businesses transition away from dwindling natural gas supplies will help de-risk some of the funding decisions necessary to make a forced and rapid transition away from natural gas.
“Importantly, the scheme should also improve access to more affordable finance, with the Government guarantee expected to support lower interest rates for borrowers.”
The additional $5.9 million for ECCA will also help them to explore alternatives to gas.
The new scheme will make $1.2 billion available to back loans, up to a maximum of $48 million set aside in 2026. The scheme is fuel neutral.
“For many businesses, that may well assist their decisions to move to full electrification, but for others that require very high process heat temperatures, they may need to look at other fuel sources before electrification is a viable alternative,” says McDonald.
“It may also increase the attractiveness of geothermal as a fuel source and could encourage some businesses to relocate closer to geothermal energy sources, if that becomes a viable economic decision.
“Again, I’ve been talking to a business recently where this kind of scheme could be the difference in converting from gas to geothermal energy. They are a significant regional employer, but the decision to convert was coming down to costs and the economics behind convincing the overseas-based owner to make that investment.
“This scheme could make a real difference to a number of manufacturers and help arrest the recent trend of deindustrialisation we’ve all been witnessing.”
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BusinessNZ – Gas transition plan will aid critical sectors

Source: BusinessNZ

BusinessNZ welcomes the Government’s announced loan scheme to help commercial and industrial gas users transition, in the face of significant gas price increases and rapidly declining domestic production.
Director of Advocacy Catherine Beard says until now, successive governments have pursued a net-zero goal without a workable transition plan that keeps businesses and jobs intact.
“Whereas GIDI changed the economics of a project at a business-by-business level through government grants, this loan scheme should be more accessible to all businesses who fit the criteria. 
“As outlined in our latest BusinessNZ Energy Council report, ' The need for Government Assistance in the Gas Transition', we have advocated for sharp, policy-driven transition in a way that protects jobs, production, and New Zealand’s economic base. Today’s announcement of a conditional loan scheme, ensuring targeted investment, should help businesses to do just that.
Beard says the de-industrialisation of critical sectors has already begun, with the high cost of gas adding to the struggle to remain competitive and profitable.
“Aiding the transition to alternate fuels is a sensible step and ensures New Zealand’s intensive energy users will be around to make use of the surplus we are working so hard to secure.
“Today’s announcement should prevent avoidable closures, retain capability, and reduce long-term costs to the economy.”
The BusinessNZ Network including BusinessNZ, EMA, Business Central and Business South, represents and provides services to thousands of businesses, small and large, throughout New Zealand.
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Events – Jim Beam Homegrown answers fan demand with final early bird ticket release

Source: Brainchild PR for Jim Beam Homegrown

25 May 2026 – Jim Beam Homegrown is giving Kiwi music fans one final reason to celebrate New Zealand Music Month, announcing a limited release of Early Bird and VIP tickets for Homegrown 2027.

After Loyal Fan tickets sold out in under 10 minutes and Super Early Bird allocations disappeared shortly after, festival organisers say the overwhelming response inspired one last ticket release to close out the month dedicated to Aotearoa music.

The limited allocation of Early Bird tickets will go on sale from 8am Thursday 28 May and run until the end of New Zealand Music Month – or until sold out.

Andrew Tuck, Jim Beam Homegrown CEO, says the release is both a response to demand and a celebration of Kiwi music.

“We’ve been blown away by the response so far,” says Tuck. “The Loyal Fan and Super Early Bird releases moved much faster than we expected, and we heard from a lot of people who still wanted to be part of it.”

“As a festival built around Kiwi artists and Kiwi music fans, it felt right to finish New Zealand Music Month with one final ticket release and give people another chance to get involved.”

Returning to Claudelands Oval in Kirikiriroa Hamilton on Saturday 3 April 2027, Jim Beam Homegrown has already generated huge momentum despite not yet announcing a single act.

“There’s nowhere else in New Zealand where you can experience this much homegrown talent in one place,” says Tuck. “New Zealand Music Month is all about celebrating our artists and our music culture, and Homegrown has always been a huge part of that story.”

The upcoming release includes both Early Bird General Admission and VIP tickets and will be the final opportunity for fans to secure this pricing before General Admission tickets go on sale.

“This is the last Early Bird release before GA,” says Tuck. “If people want to lock in the best ticket price, now’s the time.”

Fans must be registered to access the release, with registrations closing at midnight Wednesday 27 May.

For ticket registrations and more information visit homegrown.net.nz

About Jim Beam Homegrown | www.homegrown.net.nz
Jim Beam Homegrown is New Zealand's largest Kiwi-only music festival, celebrating the best of Aotearoa's musical talent. Originating as X*Air in Hamilton in 1999, Homegrown music festival began in 2008 and today showcases a wide range of genres, including rock, funk, pop, reggae, hip-hop, and electronic music.

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Green bill could halt New Zealand’s infrastructure rebuild – Aggregate and Quarry Assn

Source: Aggregate and Quarry Association of NZ

The quarry industry has written to the Green Party saying a new private member’s bill to ban all new extractive activity on all conservation land could have profound implications for New Zealand.
Aggregate and Quarry Association CEO, Wayne Scott, says quarrying companies are extremely concerned that if the bill covers all minerals, it will end access to riverbank gravel deposits on land with little or no conservation value.
The Crown Minerals (Prohibition on Mining on Conservation Land) Amendment Bill from the Green Party’s environment spokesperson Lam Pham was drawn from the biscuit tin last week. It seeks to prohibit all new exploration and mining activity on conservation land and waters.
Wayne Scott says current extraction of aggregates on DoC land is essential for much construction activity, including by DoC itself. That included it taking rock and gravel from conservation land adjoining the Waiho River near Franz Josef Glacier for its walking tracks.
“This sensible decision saved DoC a four-fold dollar amount and considerable carbon emissions rather than trucking it a long way from an existing quarry. This was approved at the time by Conservation Minister Eugenie Sage, a Green MP.”
He says ending gravel extraction on DoC land could lock up as much as a third of New Zealand’s future hard rock reserves which are situated on the broader DoC estate.
“Quarries often need to cross DoC land to get to alluvial (river) deposits of gravel which account for a big percentage of New Zealand’s current supply of aggregate. If these reserves are roped off in perpetuity, it will halt the ambitions of successive governments to resolve our woeful national infrastructure deficit. We simply won’t have the aggregate needed to build homes, roads, rail corridors and cycle tracks or to fix our water infrastructure.”
Wayne Scott says the bill, if passed, could also mean an end to alluvial gold extraction which is the source of most of New Zealand’s pounamu (greenstone) production.
He says he’s happy to meet the Greens and other parties to discuss the quarry industry’s concerns.
“The Greens are very unlikely to get Government support to pass this bill and we hope the Labour Party will apply its voiced determination for sensible bipartisan policies to this issue.”
“No quarry wants to extract resources from a national park. Any access to the wider conservation estate is done under a permit. If an aggregate resource sits on DoC land, you need a concession. So, the protections are already in place.”
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Tax Reform – Public support for banking levy high ahead of cash strapped budget

Source: Better Taxes for a Better Future campaign

A majority of the public support a banking levy, according to a Talbot Mills poll commissioned by the Better Taxes for a Better Future campaign. The Minister of Finance has previously indicated she was considering a banking levy, like the ones in Australia and the UK, ahead of this year's Budget. As funds get increasingly tight, the popular banking levy looks like an obvious solution.

The poll asked:

  • The Government is considering implementing a new targeted tax or levy on the major banks, similar to ones that operate in the UK and Australia. Supporters say this would help smaller banks compete and help protect the economy in the event of a banking failure requiring a bailout. Critics say that these levies would be passed on to consumers in a range of bank charges.
  • Overall, how strongly do you agree or disagree that the government should bring in a major bank levy? 

52% of people who responded to the poll said they agreed the government should bring in a major bank levy.

“This poll shows that people are increasingly frustrated with how unbalanced our economic system is. Interestingly, 59% of National voters and 57% of ACT voters support a major bank levy – showing this is a move that has support across the political spectrum,” says Kate Stone, spokesperson for the Better Taxes Campaign.

“In the lead up to the budget we're being told there's no money, and seeing further cuts, for example to fees-free for our rangatahi, to public service jobs and social housing support. At the same time we're seeing big corporates, like banks, fuel and energy companies, and supermarkets continuing to make huge profits. And New Zealanders are asking themselves why ordinary people are constantly being asked to tighten our belts, to expect less.”

“The Finance Minister had signalled the government was considering a levy on banks, and the public have spoken loud and clear, they support this move,” says Stone.

“A banking levy would bring in more revenue – $275-300m – which we could use to fund critical public services, like maintaining social housing support for struggling whānau and building more social housing for those on the waitlist. But it could also serve to rein in excessive profits and level the playing field for smaller banks.”

“Importantly in these uncertain times, banking levies act as a sort of insurance policy in the event that tax payers are called upon to bail out a failing bank, like we saw during the Global Financial Crisis. It's about big banks making a fair contribution to our economy now and in the event of a crisis,” says Stone.

“In 2025 the “Big Four” banks – ANZ, ASB, BNZ and Westpac – declared total profits before tax of $9.53 billion and over the last 10 years have increased their NZ profits by 25% in real terms. If we asked these banks to contribute just a fraction of that to our economy we could make a start on rebalancing the books and sharing the load of supporting our communities more fairly.”

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New investor settings support growth and giving – BusinessNZ

Source: BusinessNZ

Changes to the Active Investor Plus visa settings mean charitable contributions of up to $1 million will qualify as part of an applicant's minimum $5 million growth investment in New Zealand.
BusinessNZ says the move will strengthen public confidence in foreign investment by broadening the benefits beyond economic outcomes alone.
Director of Education, Skills and Immigration Rachel Simpson says the policy gives prospective investors another meaningful way to contribute to New Zealand’s future.
“New Zealanders want to see investment delivering long-term value for the country. Supporting community organisations and social outcomes alongside economic growth helps reinforce the social licence for foreign investment.
“There are ready and practical applications for this change. There is great potential for things like purchasing essential medical equipment, donating to research, or supporting conservation efforts as part of total investment, and demonstrates that international capital can contribute not only to business activity and jobs but also to community wellbeing and resilience.”
Simpson says demand for investor visas remains strong, which shows there is genuine international appetite to commit capital and capability to New Zealand.
“We welcome the skills and experience that international investors bring to New Zealand, and it is positive that charities and communities will also be able to benefit from both the capital and capability those investors contribute.”
The BusinessNZ Network including BusinessNZ, EMA, Business Central and Business South, represents and provides services to thousands of businesses, small and large, throughout New Zealand.
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Budget 2026 – Budget must balance discipline with bold choices for growth – Business Canterbury

Source: Business Canterbury

Businesses across Canterbury are looking for a Budget on Thursday that shows the Government is responding to current conditions in the same way they are, through careful cost management and clear prioritisation, while still maintaining a strong focus on the future.

Business Canterbury Chief Executive, Leeann Watson says, “The signals from Government to date have been encouraging. Our latest Canterbury Business Survey, which closed last week, shows 35 per cent of businesses are positive about the Government’s response to conflict in the Middle East, with 47 per cent remaining neutral. This is an indication that businesses are recognising pragmatic decision-making from the Government in a challenging global environment.

However, while short-term discipline is essential, it cannot come at the expense of long-term growth.

“It’s in an environment like this that bold decisions matter most. In its Budget this week, the Government must keep its eyes firmly on lifting productivity, encouraging investment, and supporting sustainable economic growth.

“With limited room for large-scale spending or relief on core cost pressures such as fuel and other inputs, productivity-focused policies are the most practical and impactful pathway forward. There are existing tools that could be strengthened quickly to deliver meaningful gains.

Some opportunities include:

Expanding and enhancing Investment Boost, including opening eligibility to a wider range of asset classes such as second-hand assets and increasing the claimable percentage.

Raising the instant asset write-off threshold from $1,000 to $20,000 as it is in Australia (for small businesses) to improve cashflow and reduce barriers to investment.

Introducing a targeted R&D grant or tax credit for small and medium-sized businesses, bridging the gap between the ‘New to R&D’ grant and the RDTI scheme, where current compliance requirements can be a barrier.

“Businesses have navigated disruption after disruption over the past five years. They are resilient, but they need the right settings to invest, hire, and grow.”

Business Canterbury, formerly Canterbury Employers’ Chamber of Commerce, is the second largest Chamber of Commerce in New Zealand and the largest business support organisation in the South Island. It advocates on behalf of its members for an environment more favourable to innovation, productivity and sustainable growth.

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Employment Issues – Te Puni Kōkiri restructure heads to mediation – PSA

Source: PSA

Māori development agency Te Puni Kōkiri’s unlawful decision to disestablish 27 roles will be subject to a round of mediation with the PSA in Wellington today.
The proposed cuts would come on top of earlier losses of 75 FTE roles, meaning that more than 20 per cent of Te Puni Kōkiri’s workforce would be cut if the restructure goes ahead.
In late April the PSA filed legal action in response to the agency’s failure to consult the union before dumping restructure plans on workers in breach of the collective agreement.
“Gutting the capacity of the Crown’s lead agency on kaupapa Māori and Te Tiriti o Waitangi risks creating new Te Tiriti breaches and undermining decades of progress to reduce disparities for Māori communities,” said Jack McDonald, Te Kaihautū Māori at the Public Service Association Te Pukenga Here Tikanga Mahi.
“Public servants at Te Puni Kōkiri implement important economic and social programmes for Māori communities and advise ministers and other agencies on honouring their Te Tiriti obligations.
“This ministry has a proud tradition of advancing Māori aspirations in government. We are deeply concerned that this proposed restructure will undermine its ability to do that for years to come.
“This Government’s anti-Māori agenda is resulting in the disestablishment of Māori and Treaty-focused roles across the public service. These roles must be protected. It is vital that the programmes they support are able to succeed.
“Te Puni Kōkiri has a chance to back down on their proposal to sack workers and settle this issue out of court – we urge them to take up that opportunity,” said McDonald.
Previous statement
The Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi is Aotearoa New Zealand's largest trade union, representing and supporting more than 95,000 workers across central government, state-owned enterprises, local councils, health boards and community groups.
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Openings – New inclusive café expands Delta’s services, creating more ways to connect

Source: Rata Foundation

Christchurch-based Delta Community Support Trust has launched Flourish Café, an inclusive community space creating real-world hospitality experience and employment pathways for people with intellectual disabilities.
Run by members of Delta’s Friendship Link, alongside staff and volunteers, the café gives adults with intellectual disabilities supported, hands-on experience in food preparation and customer service – building confidence, connection and essential life skills. The café soft-launched to friends and family in late 2025 and has now opened its doors to the public.
Delta’s roots are firmly planted in community and it's an integral part of the Richmond and wider-Christchurch community landscape, providing a comprehensive range of wraparound support services for nearly 1000 people last year.
Delta Community Support Trust Chief Executive Grahame Burgess says Delta is a grassroots community organisation which empowers people to participate fully in community life. “Over time we try to make it as easy and as welcoming as possible for people to connect with us. That means being approachable, having an open-door feel, offering flexible support and taking time to build trust. Often people don't come looking for a service, they come looking for connection and that's where we start.”
Delta’s support includes one-on-one community advocacy, helping people navigate health, housing and social services, alongside practical support such as budgeting guidance and referrals. Other programmes held at Delta include digital coaching, migrant craft groups, wellbeing-orientated clinics, ‘cooking on a budget’ classes, MOE certified migrant playgroup and English language classes.
The Delta Community Kitchen operates throughout the week, delivering four distinctly different community cafés. All use rescue food with support from Kairos, Satisfy and the New Zealand Food Network. These cafés help address food insecurity while creating additional connection points for community members.
Flourish Café
Flourish Café operates every Wednesday, 11am-12.30pm, from the organisation’s hub at 101 North Avon Road, Richmond. Everyone is welcome.
“Flourish is a community cafe with a purpose,” says Grahame. “It grew out of a desire to create a more inclusive, welcoming space which brings people together, while at the same time developing key life skills for our disabled community. It’s about more than just food – it’s about connection, dignity and creating opportunities for people to be involved, build skills and find pathways to employment. What makes Delta special is our relational approach. We don't see people as problems to fix, we see people as part of our community.”
Jayden, a Friendship Link member working at Flourish, says his favourite part is working in the kitchen. “I’m excellent at making the stuffing. I also like serving because the customers are really nice to us.”
Carl, another budding cook says, Delta is really special to him because he gets to see all his friends and learn lots of things.
Another key programme is the Evergreen Club, a daily programme supporting older adults, with a focus on reducing loneliness and maintaining cognitive and physical health. Annette, who has been part of the Delta community for four years, says “I like it. I come for the morning tea, do exercise and then I play games. It is the people – they're friendly people. It’s great fun here. I really enjoy it.”
Delta’s services are delivered by a team of 26 mostly part-time staff and over 40 volunteers. Grahame says the focus of all activity is encouraging participation and connection. “Delta is a place where community is strong, people support one another and no one feels isolated. We know when people are empowered, they thrive.”
Delta has partnered with Rātā Foundation for over 25 years. Grahame says the partnership has been foundational to their ability to develop the organisation to better suit the changing needs of the community. “Rātā Foundation’s support continues to enable us to strengthen and grow the work we do in the community, including building stronger governance and supporting and empowering our staff and volunteers. Rātā walk alongside us, offering advice, sharing knowledge and taking a truly holistic approach to supporting us and the wider community sector.
“Every day we see the difference it makes when people feel seen, valued and connected. Delta really is a place where this happens.”
Rātā Foundation Head of Community Investment Kate Sclater says Delta exemplifies the kind of grassroots organisation which creates lasting change by addressing multiple needs within a single community. “Their holistic, wraparound services model demonstrates how effective community support can be when organisations take time to build genuine relationships with the people in their community. They are also looking to the future by strengthening capability as well as developing their services, to ensure the sustainability of the organisation for the long-term benefit of the community.”
The South Island's most significant community investment fund, Rātā Foundation manages a pūtea (fund) of around $730 million [1] , enabling an investment of around $25 million per annum into its funding regions of Canterbury, Nelson/Tasman, Marlborough and the Chatham Islands. Since its inception in 1988, Rātā has invested over $630 million through community investment programmes to empower people to thrive.
[1] Our investment balance reflects a specific point in time and may fluctuate due to market conditions and other external factors beyond our control.