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11. The government's objectives are to create an energy system that is reliable and resilient, environmentally responsible and is priced as fairly and efficiently as possible.² These represent the vital role of energy in a modern society for underpinning welfare and economic transformation. Over the past six years the government has implemented a wide range of energy policy initiatives to support the foundations for open and competitive energy markets, manage security of supply and to promote energy efficiency and renewable sources of energy.

12. In 2004 the Minister of Energy released the report Sustainable Energy setting out the longer-term challenges for the secure, affordable and sustainable delivery of energy services.³ Officials convened several workshops to discuss the direction and ideas in the document with stakeholders. There was general agreement that it will be an ongoing challenge to balance the high level objectives given New Zealand's current energy demand and supply patterns, likely future energy requirements and environmental constraints. The key issues included:

1. Security of supply issues including:
   1. Energy supply availability (e.g. post-Maui gas, imported vs domestic sources, peak production in conventional oil resources and energy resource discoveries);
   2. Investment in capacity to deliver energy services;
2. Impacts of higher energy prices on industry and consequences for New Zealand's international competitiveness; and
3. Impacts of energy production, distribution and use on both climate change and local environments.
4. In addition, stakeholders and agencies outside of government have voiced concerns about specific issues such as electricity security of supply, security of distribution and the importation of LNG.

13. There have been various opinions about New Zealand's strategic priorities for achieving a sustainable energy future. Nonetheless there was general agreement on the need for the government to articulate a clearer strategy for achieving sustainable energy objectives over both the short and long term. There was also general consensus that any strategy should:

1. Emphasise the supply of renewable energy sources and improvements in energy efficiency;
2. Encourage more sustainable transport use;
3. Encourage research and technology;
4. Increase public awareness of the energy challenges; and
5. Develop a more informed and inclusive decision-making process.