Friend --
Reopening of Marsden Point Oil Refinery to be investigated
as part of fuel security study
We announced today that we are investigating the feasibility of
reopening the Marsden Point Oil Refinery as part of our coalition
commitment.
During the campaign we pledged to investigate reopening it – now
we’re delivering on that pledge.
Until its closure in 2022 by the previous Labour Government,
Marsden Point was New Zealand’s only refinery. The closure not only
robbed Northland of a major employer, but it also put New Zealand’s
fuel security at risk. It was responsible for producing the majority
of our jet fuel, all shipping fuel oil and more than half of our
diesel.
Winston Peters asked Shane Jones in the House
today: "How long without pipeline supply and in the event
of a tanker disruption, how long will
this country be in
terms of days before we reach an absolute and total crisis?"
Shane Jones replied with a shocking revelation:
"I am advised that it's between 17 and 21 days. The situation has
grossly worsened by the
closure of our refinery,
reflective of the shallow thinking behind that decision
maker."
It’s outrageous that we have surrendered our nation’s fuel
sovereignty for no logical reason.
We will establish a fuel security plan to safeguard New Zealand’s
transport, logistics and emergency services from any domestic or
international disruption.
A significant and sustained disruption to our engine fuels would
cripple our industries and put New Zealanders in hardship. That’s why
we are commissioning this study into New Zealand’s fuel security
requirements.
We cannot mistake environmental protection with climate activism
and New Zealand First will bring balance and pragmatism if we are to
improve the future of our country.
We campaigned on investigating the reopening of Marsden Point.We
included it in our coalition agreement which was released on 24
November 2023.
And now we’ve started work on that critical
piece of work.
We will continue to champion economic growth in our regions, to
ensure New Zealand is a self-reliant and prosperous nation for all New
Zealanders.
Friend, with your support, we can still do so much
more.
Please consider making a financial contribution, or sharing
the link to someone who can, so that we can continue to work in your
interests.
New Zealand First Action
https://www.nzfirst.nz/
