A new survey reveals that New Zealanders overwhelmingly favor renewable energy over a liquefied natural gas (LNG) import terminal. The survey, conducted by Talbot Mills for Rewiring Aotearoa and 350 Aotearoa, polled 1,328 adults on energy policy priorities ahead of the election. When asked how the government should spend $1 billion on energy security, 57 percent chose renewable generation and storage, while only 12 percent supported an LNG terminal in Taranaki. Another 12 percent wanted support for transitioning from gas, and 6 percent favored business support.
The survey also found that 68 percent of respondents considered long-term energy and transport cost reduction a critical or main voting factor, though this dropped to 50 percent if relief was temporary. Additionally, 63 percent supported a binding, long-term National Energy Strategy to accelerate renewable energy, while just 21 percent preferred leaving energy development to power companies and the market.
Rewiring Aotearoa chief executive Mike Casey criticized politicians for not addressing long-term energy strategy, noting that the government is pushing ahead with an LNG import terminal despite public preference for renewables. Casey argued that the terminal is unnecessary and that household solar and batteries could solve peak demand issues. He also highlighted the high cost of gas for industrial users and suggested alternatives like electrification and bioenergy.
350 Aotearoa co-director Alva Feldmeier echoed these sentiments, stating that the government's commitment to an LNG terminal shows a failure to recognize the public's desire for a fast and just transition to renewables. The survey was conducted from October 8 to 13 and had a maximum sampling error of +/- 2.7 percent.