The New Zealand government is facing criticism for quietly advancing discussions with a preferred provider for its LNG proposal, despite earlier assurances that no contract would be signed before the election. The Ministry for Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) confirmed it was progressing talks with an unnamed provider, citing commercial sensitivity for withholding its identity. Opponents, including former oil and gas project manager Rob Green, argue the move is "scurrilous and underhanded," as they believed work on the project had paused during the election campaign.
The preferred proposal involves a floating storage and regasification unit, essentially a converted tanker, to be moored at Port Taranaki. Locals have raised safety concerns, particularly about the facility's proximity to residential areas. Requests for initial safety evaluations were declined, prompting appeals to the Ombudsman. While MBIE insists safety is a "bottom line," critics like Green demand transparency, stating they do not trust the government's reassurances.
Another former oil and gas executive, Chris Beath, highlighted that no new LNG projects overseas are developed within 2km of residents. He and others argue that safety and environmental concerns must be addressed before any contract is signed. The government plans to fast-track the consenting process to have the facility operational by winter 2028, but Beath contends there is no need to rush, given the revised timeline.
Despite the lack of public consultation so far, Green vowed to continue fighting the proposal, stating, "It ain't gonna happen." MBIE noted that consultations with local councils, iwi, and other stakeholders would focus on environmental impacts, not the project's viability itself.