Government Policy Statement on Gas Governance 2008

Introduction

The New Zealand Energy Strategy sets out the Government's vision of a sustainable, low emissions energy system.  Within this Strategy, the gas sector has a critical role to play in achieving the government's objective of maintaining security of energy supply at competitive prices as the country makes the transition to a sustainable energy future.

This statement sets out the objectives and outcomes the government wants the Gas Industry Company (GIC), as the approved industry body, to pursue.  It is made pursuant to s43ZO of the Gas Act 1992 as amended by the Gas Amendment Act 2004.  GIC is required to have regard to the objectives and outcomes in this statement when making recommendations for rules or regulations.  Specific objectives and outcomes in this statement relate to consumer outcomes and retail arrangements, the wholesaling of gas, infrastructure access, contingency management and other gas governance matters.

The legislation and policy concerning the allocation of rights in respect of gas exploration and production are set out in the Crown Minerals Act 1991 and the Minerals Programme for Petroleum 2005 respectively.  The legislation concerning gas safety is contained in the:

Health and Safety in Employment Act 1992

Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act 1996

Gas Act 1992

Plumbers, Gasfitters, and Drainlayers Act 2006.

This statement replaces the Government Policy Statement on Gas Governance dated October 2004.

Read the Government Policy Statement on Gas Governance 2008 [34 kB PDF]