Memo to the energy minister from ex-Genesis CEO

Memo to the energy minister from ex-Genesis CEO
Old, ugly and burning coal – but we need the Huntly power station for now. (Image: Getty)
Pattrick Smellie
Early on the morning of Friday, Oct 7, the Cook Strait cable failed and, for the best part of an hour, we in the news media briefly lost our minds.While some may argue this is a daily occurrence, old hands learn to distinguish between full-blown mania and a mere florid outburst.Memories were still fresh of botched communications from the national grid operator Transpower that helped cause random blackouts around the North Island on the coldest night of last year.Another potential grid failure so soon after that one looked like grounds for open...

More Policy

Treasury strategist: NZ needs to tax capital income
Policy

Treasury strategist: NZ needs to tax capital income

Struan Little says it’s not a question of whether we should tax capital, but how.

The back-to-front ferry deal
Opinion

Pattrick Smellie: The back-to-front ferry deal

Will the wharves be ready when the new ferries arrive?

Pattrick Smellie 20 Nov 2025
KiwiSaver providers want more out of retirement reform
Policy

KiwiSaver providers want more out of retirement reform

The Retirement Commissioner says KiwiSaver does not work equally well for everyone.

Digital Investment Plan expected this month
Policy

Digital Investment Plan expected this month

Health NZ to release its 10-year Digital Investment Plan in Christchurch.

Cécile Meier 14 Nov 2025