Energy

Supplied image of an oil rig off the coast of Taranaki.

First offshore oil and gas exploration permit since ban under consideration

EnZed Energy is the first company to apply for a petroleum exploration permit since the 2018 offshore oil and gas ban, which was overturned by the Government last year.

Fri, Jan 16

Zelensky meets with leaders at the presidential palace in Nicosia, Cyprus.

Russian drone strikes cause major blackouts in two regions of Ukraine

The bombardment occurred against the backdrop of US-led diplomatic efforts to stop the fighting, nearly four years after Russia invaded its neighbour.

Fri, Jan 9

Two NZ fuel companies to merge, says it'll help drive down prices

While still subject to Commerce Commission approval, the move would combine NPD and Gull sites, teams and supply chains to form the largest independent, majority Kiwi-owned fuel company.

December 25, 2025

Wind turbines bring hope of cheaper power to the Chatham Islands

Residents of the remote community, 800km off mainland New Zealand, have long relied on diesel for electricity, meaning power prices up to four times the national average.

December 23, 2025

Neighbours fume over plans to axe trees for solar farm

Among the trees that will have to be removed is a 75-year-old phoenix palm, which has stood sentinel on the land since about 1950.

December 9, 2025

First offshore oil and gas exploration permit since ban under consideration

EnZed Energy is the first company to apply for a petroleum exploration permit since the 2018 offshore oil and gas ban, which was overturned by the Government last year.

Fri, Jan 16

Russian drone strikes cause major blackouts in two regions of Ukraine

The bombardment occurred against the backdrop of US-led diplomatic efforts to stop the fighting, nearly four years after Russia invaded its neighbour.

Fri, Jan 9

Two NZ fuel companies to merge, says it'll help drive down prices

While still subject to Commerce Commission approval, the move would combine NPD and Gull sites, teams and supply chains to form the largest independent, majority Kiwi-owned fuel company.

December 25, 2025

Wind turbines bring hope of cheaper power to the Chatham Islands

Residents of the remote community, 800km off mainland New Zealand, have long relied on diesel for electricity, meaning power prices up to four times the national average.

December 23, 2025

Neighbours fume over plans to axe trees for solar farm

Among the trees that will have to be removed is a 75-year-old phoenix palm, which has stood sentinel on the land since about 1950.

December 9, 2025

The Energy and Climate Change Minister speaks to Q+A's Jack Tame.

Minister won't say how much cheaper power will be under reforms

Multiple pulp and paper mills have closed since the coalition came to power, citing high energy costs, leading to loud calls for action on electricity prices.

October 19, 2025

Chris Penk speaks to Q+A in October 2025

Q+A: Chris Penk questioned on quake-prone building reforms, energy costs

The Construction Minister said he hadn't "seriously contemplated" recommending compensation for buildings remediated to standards that were now not required.

October 5, 2025

Government outlines moves to tackle energy sector issues

The announcement comes after a review found Genesis, Mercury, and Meridian faced constraints in their ability to invest in larger generation projects.

October 1, 2025

August 2025

Power bills could rise if plan to cut them backfires

A new rule meant to boost competition in New Zealand’s electricity market may end up making power more expensive.

August 24, 2025

The nuclear power plant Temelin, in the Czech Republic

Dissolving the nuclear taboo would benefit NZ hugely – but do we have the guts?

OPINION: The AI future will require massive amounts of power and embracing nuclear energy is an obvious, clean solution that could boost the NZ economy for generations.

August 19, 2025

A powerline pictured in Christchurch. (File image).

Warning of 'serious injury or death' amid powerline tampering

Christchurch Tactical Crime Unit Acting Detective Sergeant Steph Trengrove said incidents of this nature had been reported across suburbs in Christchurch over recent months.

August 6, 2025

July 2025

Electricity market concerns outlined in new campaign

The coalition of groups says the current system is failing to provide sufficient electricity generation.

July 13, 2025

Silver lining to rain-laden clouds over Aotearoa

Power company Meridian Energy said its hydro lakes were "in good shape as New Zealand moves into the second month of winter" thanks to the regular rain.

July 2, 2025

May 2025

Gas heating systems being stolen from building sites

Police warn the gas califont systems were simple to remove, and easy to on sell via places such as Facebook Marketplace.

May 23, 2025

A Chorus outage map pictured shortly after midday Saturday.

Suspected vandalism cuts internet to Auckland's North Shore homes

"The location of the damage presented health and safety issues, so our field teams returned early Friday morning to begin the work," a Chorus spokesperson said.

May 17, 2025

April 2025

The temperature is dropping and our power bills are rising.

Power bills will soon rise by up to $25 – and that's not due to weather

Even before it got colder, our home power bills were going to spike. But should they be?

April 16, 2025

February 2025

Stewart Island / Rakiura is a "jewel in the crown" for New Zealand, Southland District Mayor Rob Scott says.

Renewed search for alternative electricity sources on Stewart Island

For decades, Rakiura has relied heavily on diesel generators to power the township.

February 23, 2025

Power bills are too high and a new energy competition task force is exploring ways to bring them down.

Task force proposes three ways to bring down power prices

Power bills are too high and a new energy competition task force is exploring the means to bring them down.

February 12, 2025

ECan in the dark waiting for advice on large solar farms

The council has yet to receive "any feedback or direction" from the Ministry for the Environment regarding the handling of applications.

February 10, 2025

'Why here?' Canterbury residents oppose solar farm near their homes

Resource consent sought to build and operate a solar farm on an 80ha site on Upper Sefton Road, north of Rangiora.

February 6, 2025

December 2024

Business Correspondent Katie Bradford spoke to some workers who are now calling on the Government to step in.

SolarZero boss begged owners to pay employees ahead of liquidation

The company was placed into surprise liquidation two weeks ago with its owner, multinational investment firm BlackRock, blaming "unsustainable losses".

December 11, 2024

November 2024