Associate Energy Minister Shane Jones. Photo: RNZ / Samuel Rillstone
The government has set a deadline of November 2026 for fuel companies being able to store at least 10 days of jet fuel near Auckland airport.
In 2019, a government inquiry recommended fuel companies invest in storing cover for operations at 80 percent of peak operations.
Inaction has prompted Associate Energy Minister Shane Jones to give a deadline that will ensure engineering works be finished ahead of the busy summer travel season starting in December 2026.
"For more than seven years fuel companies have held jet fuel supplies at lower than recommended levels, risking New Zealand's regional and international connections in times of tight supply," Jones said.
"In 2017 New Zealand experienced the severe impacts of fuel disruption when a digger ruptured the Ruakākā to Auckland fuel pipeline, impacting more than 270 flights and creating delays as planes were required to pick up fuel at other airports."
Jones said ever since then New Zealand has been vulnerable to the impacts from disruptions to jet fuel supply.
"New Zealand is a trading nation that is a long way from anywhere else and we must safeguard our economy against such disruptions."
Fuel companies will be expected under the new regulations to provide assurances the country is protected and its supply secure through regular reporting to the government.
Consultation with industry shows this new requirement may be met by an existing option to convert a tank at the Wiri Terminal to hold jet fuel, Jones said.
"Fuel security is a top priority for this government and this action shows we will always put New Zealand's interests first, to keep us flying and connected to the world."
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