National's LNG Fiasco Exposes Climate Denial and Dairy Industry Favoritism

The National government's decision to proceed with an LNG terminal has been criticized for its potential impact on climate change and energy security. A recent ruling by the chief ombudsman found that officials should not have withheld a key document behind the government's decision, which concluded that access to liquefied natural gas (LNG) was unlikely to affect average electricity prices.

The document, commissioned by the Ministry for Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE), also stated that there were other ways to improve New Zealand's energy security. However, officials downplayed the consultants' conclusions, saying they disagreed with certain parts of the report.

The LNG terminal is primarily intended for Fonterra, which uses it to dry milk into powder during the 'dry season'. Critics argue that this benefits Fonterra at the expense of the environment and taxpayers.