Government Hid Its Own Evidence on LNG
Te Pāti Māori is calling on the Government to release all remaining redacted advice on the proposed Taranaki LNG import terminal and halt the contract process until full public disclosure has occurred.
This week RNZ revealed that officials redacted modelling commissioned by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment showing low need for LNG imports. In some scenarios, no need at all. That information was only made public after RNZ lodged a complaint with the Ombudsman. Parts of the document remain hidden.
Te Pāti Māori Co-Leader Debbie Ngarewa-Packer and Energy Spokesperson said the Government had no mandate to proceed while its own evidence remained suppressed.
“This is a billion-dollar project underwritten by the Crown, proposed for Taranaki land, and the Government hid the modelling that challenged its own case for it. That is not acceptable.
“Taranaki communities, including mana whenua who must be meaningfully consulted, deserve to see the full picture before this contract is signed. Not after.
“This is a Shane Jones project. NZ First wanted fossil fuel infrastructure in Taranaki, the coalition needed the vote, and the contract is nearly signed. The Minister of Energy has been left defending a decision driven by his coalition partner, while his own ministry tried to suppress the evidence that undermined it.
“Their own experts said the risk is smaller than the Government has told the public. Taranaki should not have to host this infrastructure to solve a problem that may not exist at the scale being claimed.
“We are calling for full release of all remaining redacted advice, genuine consultation with Taranaki mana whenua before any contract is signed, and a serious government investment in the real solution. Renewable energy, solar on rooftops and marae, and community-owned power that keeps energy and income in our rohe.”
Te Pāti Māori has filed written parliamentary questions demanding the Minister of Energy disclose who made the decision to redact the modelling, what grounds were used, and what Crown financial exposure exists if the project fails commercially.
