Articles tagged with Shane Jones
Showing 15 of 165 articles
Seasonal Closure Protects Orange Roughy Spawning to Aid Fishery Recovery
04 Jun 2026 | 3 months ago | 637 viewsA seasonal closure of 4,983 square kilometres in the East and South Chatham Rise fishery will protect spawning orange roughy from early June to mid-July annually to aid stock recovery. This measure, alongside reduced commercial catch limits, responds to assessments showing the fishery is under pressure and aims to ensure the species' sustainability and ongoing economic benefits. The decision followed public consultation, balancing scientific advice and stakeholder feedback, while allowing commercial fishing in other areas and times.
Tags: Shane Jones orange roughy East and South Chatham Rise ESCR fishery deepwater fishery spawning closure commercial catch limit New Zealand fisheries management stock recoveryNew Zealand’s Diesel Reserve Shipment En Route to Marsden Point for Fuel Security
01 Jun 2026 | 3 months ago | 639 viewsNew Zealand is receiving two shipments of diesel reserve, with the first arriving mid-June and the second expected in early July, providing around nine days of typical diesel consumption. The government is refurbishing tanks at Marsden Point, funded by $21.6 million from the Regional Infrastructure Fund, to store the fuel, which will be controlled by the Crown and managed by Z Energy. Finance Minister Nicola Willis emphasizes that this reserve enhances the country's fuel security and resilience against potential supply disruptions.
Tags: Nicola Willis Shane Jones New Zealand Marsden Point diesel reserve Channel Infrastructure Z Energy Regional Infrastructure Fund fuel security crude oil tanksNew Zealand’s Bottom Trawl Fishing Footprint Remains Minimal and Stable in 2024
29 May 2026 | 3 months ago | 646 viewsNew Zealand’s bottom trawl fishing footprint covers only 1.7% of its waters, concentrated in specific areas and remaining stable for decades, minimizing environmental impact. The industry is vital to the economy, contributing $1.57 billion in exports and employing around 9,000 people, with about 70% of commercial fish caught by bottom trawling. Fisheries officials monitor and work with the industry to reduce impacts through innovation, gear modifications, and alternative methods, aligning with global practices and consumer expectations.
Tags: New Zealand Shane Jones bottom trawling Ministry for Primary Industries fishing industry trawl footprint fisheries trawl gear bycatch fishing methodsBudget 2026: New Zealand’s Responsible Plan for Growth, Security, and Better Services
28 May 2026 | 3 months ago | 651 viewsThe 2026 Budget presents a responsible economic plan addressing New Zealand’s major challenges through disciplined spending, aiming for growth, higher wages, improved public services, and an earlier return to surplus in 2028/29. It invests significantly in health, education, law and order, infrastructure, and defense while providing targeted support for low-to-middle-income families and enhancing resilience against fuel crises, natural disasters, and geopolitical uncertainties. The Government emphasizes long-term solutions over quick fixes, promoting fiscal sustainability and social equity to secure a prosperous future for all New Zealanders.
Tags: Mr Speaker David Seymour Shane Jones Chris Bishop James Harriet Reuben Gloria Dame Karen Poutasi Minister JonesNew Zealand Launches $1.2B Gas Transition Loan Scheme to Support Businesses
25 May 2026 | 3 months ago | 830 viewsThe New Zealand Government is launching the Gas Transition Loan Guarantee Scheme, offering up to $1.2 billion in bank loans with an 80% Crown guarantee to help businesses reduce gas dependency, protect jobs, and conserve dwindling gas supplies. Budget 2026 allocates $48 million to cover potential losses and $5.9 million to support businesses exploring alternative energy options, aiming to reduce gas use by up to 10 PJ annually while maintaining or increasing production. Additionally, new legislation will require improved transparency in gas supply and demand data to strengthen market confidence and inform better policymaking amid declining gas reserves and rising prices.
Tags: Nicola Willis Simeon Brown Shane Jones Gas Transition Loan Guarantee Scheme Budget 2026 New Zealand gas Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority Gas Act LNG importation facility MBIEStewart Island Solar Project Begins to Cut Diesel Use and Lower Power Costs
21 May 2026 | 3 months ago | 771 viewsConstruction has begun on a government-backed solar energy project on Stewart Island/Rakiura to reduce reliance on diesel-generated electricity and lower power prices. Funded by a $15.35 million loan from the Regional Infrastructure Fund, the project includes a solar farm, battery system, network upgrades, and smart meters, aiming to cut diesel use by up to 75% and reduce electricity costs by up to 35 cents per kilowatt hour. Expected to be completed by early 2027, the initiative will create around 40 construction jobs and provide long-term economic benefits to local industries.
Tags: Shane Jones Mark Patterson Stewart Island Southland District Council Regional Infrastructure Fund Stewart Island Electricity Supply Authority solar energy diesel generators energy resilience power pricesFast-Track Approval Granted for Kaimai Hydro-Electric Power Scheme Renewal
15 May 2026 | 3 months ago | 755 viewsThe Kaimai Hydro-Electric Power Scheme in the Bay of Plenty has received Fast-track approval for re-consenting, enabling its continued operation and supporting New Zealand’s renewable energy goals by generating 169 GWh annually and avoiding 26,693 tonnes of CO2 emissions per year. This approval, the 23rd under the Fast-track process, took five and a half months following an independent expert panel review and highlights the scheme’s critical role in supplying electricity to approximately 24,600 households and contributing significantly to Tauranga's demand. The Fast-track process aims to expedite important infrastructure projects efficiently, with 46 projects currently progressing and 149 eligible under the Fast-track Approvals Act.
Tags: Chris Bishop Shane Jones Manawa Energy Limited Tauranga Bay of Plenty New Zealand Infrastructure Minister Regional Development MinisterNew Petroleum Exploration Permit Application Sparks Confidence in New Zealand Energy Sector
11 May 2026 | 4 months ago | 689 viewsThe fourth petroleum exploration permit application since the lifting of the exploration ban has entered New Zealand's open market competitive process, signaling renewed investor confidence in the sector. The application, submitted by a joint venture led by East Coast Energy Ventures Limited, aims to explore onshore and offshore areas in Waikato, with a staged work program starting with seismic data reprocessing. Resources Minister Shane Jones emphasizes that responsible new exploration is vital for maintaining energy security as existing gas fields mature and production declines, despite ongoing investments in renewables.
Tags: Shane Jones East Coast Energy Ventures Limited Monumental Energy Corp NZ Limited 3TCF Limited New Zealand Energy Corp New Zealand Petroleum & Minerals NZP&M New Zealand Kāwhia Harbour TSX Venture ExchangeNew Zealand Signs Historic Deal with Z Energy for 90 Million Litres of Diesel
11 May 2026 | 4 months ago | 771 viewsThe New Zealand Government has signed a groundbreaking contract with Z Energy to secure nearly 90 million litres of additional diesel, enhancing the country's fuel resilience by about nine days' supply. The diesel will be stored in refurbished tanks at Marsden Point, with infrastructure upgrades underway to increase fuel storage capacity and strengthen strategic resilience amid global uncertainties. This agreement, the first of its kind, limits the Crown's financial exposure while allowing Z Energy to manage the diesel, with the government maintaining control over its market release.
Tags: New Zealand Z Energy Nicola Willis Shane Jones diesel supply Marsden Point fuel security Channel Infrastructure Middle East conflict government contractNew Zealand’s Updated Fuel Response Plan Ensures Supply Amid Global Uncertainty
11 May 2026 | 4 months ago | 798 viewsThe New Zealand Government has refined its Fuel Response Plan in collaboration with business and industry to prepare for a potential prolonged global fuel shortage, focusing on maintaining sufficient supply and protecting the economy. Key measures include securing additional diesel reserves, simplifying priority user frameworks, and implementing phased responses that prioritize critical services while encouraging voluntary fuel-saving plans for other sectors. The plan is designed to be flexible and adaptable, relying on industry cooperation and ongoing international engagement to ensure fuel resilience amid global market volatility.
Tags: Nicola Willis Shane Jones Fuel Response Plan New Zealand Marsden Point Z Energy diesel supply fuel shortage government energy policyNew Zealand Updates Marine Aquaculture Rules to Boost Growth and Innovation
06 May 2026 | 4 months ago | 711 viewsThe Government has updated the National Environmental Standards for Marine Aquaculture to simplify regulations, reduce costs, and support innovation while maintaining environmental protection. These changes aim to ease consenting processes, enable research and trials, and provide clearer national direction, contributing to the sector’s growth toward a $3 billion annual revenue goal. The updates, effective from June 4, are part of broader reforms to improve resource management and support sustainable economic development in New Zealand.
Tags: Chris Bishop Shane Jones Marine Aquaculture National Environmental Standards RMA Reform Aquaculture Development Plan New Zealand Government Resource Management Act Aquaculture Regulations Environmental ProtectionHave Your Say on Protecting Auckland and Coromandel Shellfish Sustainability
05 May 2026 | 4 months ago | 749 viewsProposals to protect shellfish and marine species in Auckland and Coromandel intertidal zones are open for public consultation, aiming to address concerns about over-harvesting and ecosystem sustainability. Officials, supported by local communities and tangata whenua, seek feedback on potential area closures and restrictions to help shellfish beds recover while managing pollution and runoff. These measures follow a successful two-year ban on gathering sea life in parts of the northern Hauraki Gulf, with the goal of balancing conservation and continued public enjoyment of coastal resources.
Tags: Shane Jones Jenny Marcroft Simon Watts Auckland Coromandel shellfish intertidal zones marine species fisheries management Hauraki GulfFast-Track Approval Granted for Pound Road Industrial Land Development in Christchurch
01 May 2026 | 4 months ago | 824 viewsThe Pound Road industrial land development in Christchurch, covering 60.4 hectares and providing up to 84 industrial lots, has received Fast-track approval, marking the 20th project approved under this process and the seventh in the South Island. This project is expected to contribute $451 million to the economy during construction and support long-term economic growth by accommodating light manufacturing, warehousing, and logistics, while providing infrastructure such as roads and three-waters services. The Fast-track process continues to facilitate significant regional developments, with 45 projects currently progressing and approvals granted under various acts to streamline growth and job creation.
Tags: Chris Bishop Shane Jones Ngāi Tahu Property Development Holdings Pound Road Christchurch Infrastructure Minister Regional Development Minister Resource Management Act Wildlife ActParihaka Infrastructure Upgrades Complete to Preserve Historic Māori Site
30 Apr 2026 | 4 months ago | 929 viewsMajor infrastructure upgrades at Parihaka in Taranaki, supported by $19.8 million in government funding and $8.5 million in community investment, have been completed to strengthen and protect this historically significant Māori site. The improvements to roads, water, lighting, and public amenities enhance flood resilience, reduce environmental risks, and enable future housing while honoring Parihaka’s legacy of non-violent resistance and Māori self-determination. These upgrades fulfill commitments under the Parihaka Deed of Reconciliation Agreement and support the community’s ongoing role as a symbol of peace, justice, and learning for future generations.
Tags: Parihaka Taranaki Shane Jones Tohu Kākahi Te Whiti o Rongomai Māori Crown Parihaka Papakāinga Trust Te Kawenata o Rongo Regional Development MinisterNew Zealand Secures Extra Diesel Supply to Boost Fuel Reserves and Security
28 Apr 2026 | 4 months ago | 799 viewsThe New Zealand Government has secured an additional nine days' supply of 90 million litres of diesel through a letter of intent with Z Energy to enhance fuel reserves amid global market uncertainties. This fuel will be stored at Marsden Point in refurbished tanks funded by a $21.6 million investment, with the Crown controlling its release to strengthen economic and fuel supply resilience. The agreement, resulting from a competitive procurement process, provides strategic insurance to ensure reliable diesel supply crucial for the economy while not counting towards fuel companies' minimum stockholding obligations.
Tags: Nicola Willis Shane Jones Z Energy New Zealand Marsden Point diesel supply Government fuel reserves Channel Infrastructure Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment