Shane Jones looking at gas rationing for beleaguered industrial users

Shane Jones looking at gas rationing for beleaguered industrial users
Shane Jones is worried he is overseeing the hollowing out of the industrial economy. (Image: NZME)
Ian Llewellyn
Resources Minister Shane Jones is seeking advice on whether the Government has or should have the power to ration gas supplies to ensure some businesses can keep operating.Last week, Ballance said it was considering a four-month temporary closure after it failed to renew its long-term gas deal with Greymouth Petroleum for seven petajoules (PJ).Ballance had been outbid by Contact Energy, which recently secured 7PJ a year for seven years with a right of renewal for three more years.Contact’s chief executive, Mike Fuge, said the gas would be...

More Economy

Treasury says covid spending overcooked
Economy

Treasury says covid spending overcooked

A new Treasury paper has criticised the last Government for overspending during the pandemic, leaving the country with a high level of public debt that makes it vulnerable to future shocks.The paper calculated the total cost of the pandemic at about $66 billion. It put the total...

Staff reporters 07 Aug 2025
Bridges: Interest rates not enough
Economy

Bridges: Interest rates not enough

The former National Party leader says the economy needs a ‘defibrillator’.

Dileepa Fonseka 07 Aug 2025
Capital gains tax to solve house-price affordability crisis?
Finance

Capital gains tax to solve house-price affordability crisis?

ANZ's Richard Yetsenga said house-price affordability is a significant challenge. 

Staff reporters 07 Aug 2025
Cooling jobs market keeps RBNZ on course for August cut
Economy

Cooling jobs market keeps RBNZ on course for August cut

It was the highest unemployment rate since 2020.

Rebecca Howard 06 Aug 2025