We have just launched a petition to Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Energy Minister Simeon Brown:
- We demand the government to withdraw the LNG plan.
- We encourage the government to support the many viable alternatives to the ‘dry-year risk’ instead.
Sign the petition here.
Why is this important?
The low probability high impact fatality and injury risks and consequences of having an LNG import facility in Port Taranaki are unacceptable to local residents. [Watch 1News Whena Owen’s Q+A feature on this]
The government’s intention to enact ‘Enabling legislation’ to allow the LNG facility to be built and operational by 2027 or 2028, is also unacceptable. Such a rushed process would not allow proper safety risks and environmental impact assessment or public consultation. This is unwise and undemocratic.
The government announced on the 9th June 2026 that it has shortlisted two providers to build an LNG import facility at Port Taranaki. It aims to sign a contract with one of them this year, with the facility expected to be operational in 2028.
This decision goes against the consulting report commissioned by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE). The report, still partly redacted, shows that there is ‘no’ to ‘low’ need of LNG import. Gentailer Meridian and many other credible organisations have also concluded that there are far better alternatives to our declining ‘dry year’ problem than importing LNG.
The government has yet to figure out how to pay for the $1-$2.7 billion facility. We know clearly there will be a cost burden on us. LNG import would also expose NZ to volatile fossil fuel markets, resulting in disruptive gas and electricity costs, adding to the growing cost-of-living crisis.
Every dollar spent on prolonging our fossil fuel reliance is a dollar less for renewable energy generation, conservation and storage to ensure an energy resilient Aotearoa New Zealand.
Rather than wasting billions of dollars on an expensive and dangerous fossil gas facility, we demand the government to invest in the many viable alternatives to the ‘dry-year risk’, notably demand management, energy conservation, renewable energy generation and storage.
Climate Justice Taranaki has been working closely with Taranaki Energy Watch and Community Energy Taranaki to raise awareness about the problems of building an LNG import facility at Port Taranaki.
Sign the petition to say no to the LNG facility!
If you prefer the old fashioned, in person petition, download and print this fact sheet to give out, this map to show people and Urgent Plea form to gather signatures. Get in touch once you’ve filled up the form. Thank you.
If you live in Ngāmotu New Plymouth, especially near the port, why not get creative, make a sign and put it up on your fence!
Climate Justice Taranaki 