Farewell Onslow, hello offshore oil and gas exploration

Farewell Onslow, hello offshore oil and gas exploration
National, Act and NZ First all want offshore oil and gas exploration to resume. (Image: NZME)
Ian Llewellyn
After National forms a government once the final election results come in, two things are almost certain in energy policy no matter the final shape of that government.The Lake Onslow pumped hydro project will be given a quick death and moves will start to repeal the ban on offshore oil and gas exploration.Putting an end to the Onslow project is a relatively simple administrative task – a minister, once sworn in, tells officials to stop work.So far $30 million was budgeted to look at the feasibility of the idea and $69m to develop a detail...

More Energy

ComCom sets out price path for gas networks
Infrastructure

ComCom sets out price path for gas networks

Auckland bills will rise about $4 per month.

Genesis sets out gas strategy
Markets

Genesis sets out gas strategy

Storage, Kupe’s long-term role and LNG flexibility anchor the plan.

Genesis backs Huntly longevity as renewables pipeline expands
Markets

Genesis backs Huntly longevity as renewables pipeline expands

Huntly is cash-positive in every scenario to FY35 as Genesis expands renewables.

Ian Llewellyn 26 Nov 2025
Contact Energy chief fires election-year warning
Markets

Contact Energy chief fires election-year warning

Fuge urges stability as Contact leans into a big build.

Ian Llewellyn 26 Nov 2025