Government Misinformation: New Zealand's Fossil Fuel Communications Exposed

A new report by WWF-New Zealand has found that government communications on fossil fuels are perpetuating climate misinformation.

The report, 'Keeping the Lights On?', analyzed government statements and media releases between April 2024 and June 2026, and found 88% of the examined communications contained high or very high levels of alignment with climate obstruction narratives.

Nearly all (22 out of 25) pieces of government communication on the reversal of the offshore oil and gas exploration ban and the proposed liquefied natural gas import facility were assessed as containing material omissions and unsupported claims.

WWF-New Zealand's Interim Chief Executive Abbie Reynolds says New Zealanders are being 'gaslit' by half-truths about fossil fuels. She calls for the Climate Change Commission to be given new powers to monitor government climate and energy communications, saying stronger safeguards are needed to protect information integrity.