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Transport Minister Simon Bridges and Energy and Resources Minister Judith Collins have announced the Government’s 2017 electric vehicle (EV) registrations target has been achieved 5 months early.

“This is great news and a reflection of the work undertaken by the Government and private sector in normalising the purchase and integration of EVs into the New Zealand vehicle fleet,” Mr Bridges says.

Transport Minister Simon Bridges and Energy and Resources Minister Judith Collins have announced new measures to support the uptake of electric vehicles and improve energy efficiency in New Zealand.

The Energy Innovation (Electric Vehicles and Other Matters) Amendment Bill, which passed its third reading today, implements parts of the Government’s Electric Vehicles Programme, makes changes to the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority’s (EECA) levy funding, and clarifies how electricity industry legislation applies to secondary networks.

Energy and Resources Minister Simon Bridges today announced that while Block Offer 2016 received a low number of bids in comparison to previous years, exploration activity is continuing.

As a result of Block Offer 2016, one onshore Taranaki permit will be granted to Todd Energy.

“The global downturn in the petroleum industry that began in late 2014 has had a profound effect on exploration expenditure worldwide”, Minister Bridges says.

Energy and Resources Minister Simon Bridges today opened public consultation on a new national renewable energy strategy.

The draft replacement of the New Zealand Energy Efficiency and Conservation Strategy proposes actions that will help New Zealand make the most of its clean, renewable energy sources.

“Energy efficiency and increased use of our renewables are critical for our environment and our economy,” Mr Bridges says.

Energy and Resources Minister Simon Bridges today announced two new appointments and a reappointment to the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) Board.

Catherine Taylor has been appointed as the new Deputy Chair of the Board and Karen Sherry has been appointed as a member. David Coull has been reappointed as a member.  The appointments are for three years, effective 1 February 2017.

Changes to petrol and diesel specifications will support the growth of lower-emission fuels, Energy and Resources Minister Simon Bridges says.

Amendments are being made to the Engine Fuel Specifications Regulations 2011, which set out minimum standards for fuel performance.

The changes include reducing the sulphur level allowed in petrol from 50 to 10 parts per million; introducing a total oxygen limit, which potentially allows a wider range of fuel blends; and raising the biodiesel blend limit in diesel from five to seven per cent.

Energy and Environment Plenary

I’d like to start by acknowledging:

Minister of Energy and Resources Simon Bridges has thanked departing EECA chief executive Mike Underhill for decades of service to New Zealand’s energy sector.

Mr Underhill retires after 10 years at the helm of the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA).

“Mr Underhill has made a huge contribution to New Zealand’s energy sector through both the private and public sector,” Minister Bridges says.

Energy and Resources and Transport Minister Simon Bridges has introduced the Energy Innovation (Electric Vehicles and Other Matters) Amendment Bill to Parliament today.

The Bill implements parts of the Government’s Electric Vehicles Programme, makes changes to the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority’s (EECA) levy funding, and clarifies how electricity industry legislation applies to secondary networks.

Energy and Resources Minister Simon Bridges leaves for Singapore today to attend International Energy Week.

The global event brings together 28,000 representatives of the energy industry, Governments and non-government organisations from across the Asia-Pacific region and from around the world.

Discussions will focus on the future of energy supply and ensuring people across the region have access to reliable energy.

The proportion of renewable energy used in New Zealand continues to reach record levels, Energy and Resources Minister Simon Bridges says.

The finding was released today in the annual Energy in New Zealand report, which highlights key trends in energy supply, demand and pricing for the 2015 calendar year.

The report shows that renewable energy provided 40.1 per cent of New Zealand’s total primary energy supply in 2015.

Energy and Resources Minister Simon Bridges today announced the start of the Block Offer 2017 process for awarding oil and gas exploration permits.

Consultation with iwi begins now and will begin with local authorities from October 17 in the areas being proposed for onshore and offshore exploration.

“This is an important first step in the Block Offer process.  Feedback from iwi and local authorities ensures that any areas of sensitivity are identified and carefully considered before the tender round is finalised,” Mr Bridges says.

Transport and Energy and Resources Minister Simon Bridges today opened the Government’s Low Emission Vehicles Contestable Fund.

The fund is one of 14 initiatives in the Government’s electric vehicles programme, which has a target of doubling the number of electric vehicles (EVs) on New Zealand roads each year to reach 64,000 by 2021.

Up to $4 million is available in 2016/17 with up to $6 million available in future years.

Transport Minister Simon Bridges has introduced the Land Transport Amendment Bill to Parliament today which will modernise regulation of small passenger services, update rules for heavy vehicles and improve road safety.

“The Land Transport Amendment Bill will overhaul key areas of transport law to modernise the sector and make travelling more efficient and safer,” Mr Bridges says.

Transport Minister Simon Bridges has launched the Government’s electric vehicles information campaign to mark the start of International Drive Electric Week.

The international event has started and runs until 18 September. 

“International Drive Electric Week will be the biggest ever celebration of electric vehicles in New Zealand, increasing from just a few events in 2015 to more than 50 events around the country this year. Our EV community is hosting the most events outside of the United States,” Mr Bridges says.

It’s a pleasure to be here at the 2016 AusIMM New Zealand Annual Conference – my fourth since becoming Energy and Resources Minister - and to share in the 50th anniversary celebrations of the formation of the New Zealand Branch.

I would like to acknowledge AusIMM President, Rex Berthelsen, CEO Michael Catchpole and New Zealand Chair Rene Sterk. Thank you for the invitation and my sincere congratulations on your five-decade long contribution to New Zealand mining.

A change to the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority’s (EECA) levy funding will enable an increased focus on improving New Zealand’s energy productivity and reducing emissions, Energy and Resources Minister Simon Bridges says.

Transport Minister Simon Bridges today announced the members of the Electric Vehicles (EVs) Leadership Group as part of the Government’s programme to accelerate the uptake of EVs in New Zealand.

In May the Government launched its Electric Vehicles Programme which aims to double the number of EVs on New Zealand roads each year to reach 64,000 by 2021.

Transport and Energy and Resources Minister Simon Bridges today released details of the first round of the Low Emission Vehicles Contestable Fund. 

The fund is part of the Government’s ambitious electric vehicles (EVs) programme announced in May to help accelerate the uptake of EVs in New Zealand.

Up to $4 million is available in 2016/17, with up to $6 million available in future years.

Ten per cent of New Zealand’s urban streets are now lit by safer, cheaper and more efficient LED lighting, Transport and Energy and Resources Minister Simon Bridges says.

The Government is investing $36 million to ensure more New Zealand families live in warmer, drier and healthier homes, Health Minister Dr Jonathan Coleman and Energy and Resources Minister Simon Bridges say.

The investment includes:

Minister of Energy and Resources Simon Bridges has switched on New Zealand’s first Tesla Energy Powerwall battery at a South Auckland primary school.

The Powerwall and solar system by lines company Vector was launched at Otara’s Rongomai School, one of thirty Auckland schools which will benefit from the state-of-the-art solar and battery package.

Transport Minister Simon Bridges today announced an ambitious and wide ranging package of measures to increase the uptake of electric vehicles in New Zealand.

Energy and Resources Minister Simon Bridges has acknowledged Genesis Energy’s continuing commitment to phasing out its two remaining coal units by 2022.

“It is clear that this transitional arrangement is a short-term security of supply solution and the removal of the coal units remain a matter of when, not if,” Mr Bridges says.

Last year Genesis proposed closing their two Rankine Units at the Huntly Power Station by 2018, but the industry has signalled it requires further time to ensure security of supply issues can be managed.