MP Govt Floats Nuclear Jones Must Front Up

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April 29, 2026

Te Pāti Māori is demanding answers after Shane Jones casually floated nuclear fission in the House today.

Co-leader Debbie Ngarewa-Packer said, “Aotearoa is not neutral on nuclear. We are proudly anti-nuclear. That position was fought for, defended, and embedded in who we are as a nation.”

“Is this Government marching us away from our nuclear-free legacy? Because Aotearoa deserves to know,” said Debbie Ngarewa-Packer.

“Nuclear fission is not a quick fix. It is one of the most expensive, high-risk energy systems in the world requiring decades of investment, foreign expertise, and long-term waste management we are not equipped for.”

“In a country abundant in wind, solar, and geothermal, the real question is: why would we even go there?”

Te Pāti Māori is calling on the Government to immediately release:

• Any Cabinet papers or briefings referencing nuclear energy

• All modelling and advice provided to Ministers

• Whether nuclear is actively on the table

“Our nuclear-free status is not up for quiet negotiation. If this Government is testing the waters, they need to front up fully and publicly.“

See all pānui

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10 Feb 2026

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