1982
Act 
From: Finn Stichbury 
Sent: Monday, 29 September 2025 5:04 PM
To: s9(2)(a)
@nzme.co.nz>
Subject: Letter
Information 
Finn Stichbury
Chief Press Secretary
Office of Rt Hon Chris Luxon
s9(2)(a)
Official 
the 
under 
Released 

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29 September 2025 
 
 
Rt Hon Chris Hipkins 
Leader of the Opposition 
Parliament Buildings 
Wellington 
1982
 
 
Dear Chris 
Act 
 
For decades, New Zealanders have prospered thanks to an economic backdrop of abundant, 
affordable energy. 
 
But with existing gas reserves falling, New Zealand is in the unenviable position of importing vast 
quantities of coal to keep the lights on. And with prices rising, manufacturers in regional New 
Zealand are being forced to contemplate their future, putting jobs and livelihoods at risk. 
 
I remain hopeful that, with the ban on offshore exploration now lifted, additional reser
Information ves of gas 
will be found in the years to come, ensuring a secure supply of fuel to support our energy transition.  
 
But the possibility of a future Labour Government choosing to reinstate a ban on offshore gas 
exploration may pose an insurmountable barrier for some investors.  
 
Official 
You have said previously that, if elected, Labour will not spend its time “pausing, cancelling, and 
reviewing everything”.  
 
the 
But bipartisanship must be more than a political slogan.  
 
Hence, I am writing to seek a commitment from the Labour Party to support offshore exploration 
for natural gas for at least the next ten years. 
 
under 
Under even the most ambitious plans for New Zealand’s renewable transition, a secure supply of 
fuel remains a cornerstone of our energy landscape – underpinning stability and affordability for 
families and businesses alike. 
 
Securing that supply is a significant issue that deserves a credible, bipartisan approach – ensuring 
the political certainty necessary to achieve the investment New Zealand needs. 
 
Yours sincerely 
Released 
 
 
 
 
Rt Hon Christopher Luxon 
Prime Minister 
 

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