Climate resilience noted; focus on energy sovereignty over emissions targets
NZ First does not set out specific emissions targets or a climate action plan. They mention working with other countries on 'climate change resilience' through foreign affairs. Their energy focus is on lowering power prices, keeping the Tiwai Point smelter open, reopening the Marsden Point oil refinery, and restoring the ability to explore for oil and gas by repealing the 2018 law that banned new offshore permits.
What they say they'll do
- Repeal the 2018 law banning new offshore oil and gas exploration permits
- Establish a Ministry of Energy focused on powering economic growth
- Keep the Tiwai Point aluminium smelter open
- Investigate reopening the Marsden Point oil refinery
- Work with other countries on climate change resilience through foreign policy
- Make cheap renewable energy a competitive advantage for New Zealand's economy
Who this affects
Electricity consumers / households
NZ First proposes restructuring the electricity sector — requiring generators to sell off their retail arms — with the stated aim of lowering power prices for households and businesses.
Workers in oil, gas and mining industries
Repealing the 2018 ban on new oil and gas exploration permits would reopen the possibility of new upstream energy projects, which the party says relates to fuel security and sovereign energy supply.
Southland workers and businesses
NZ First says it will keep the Tiwai Point aluminium smelter open, which it says supports around 2,200 direct and associated jobs in the region.
In their own words
“cooperation on pressing issues such as climate change resilience”
“Establish a Ministry of Energy to focus on powering and fuelling New Zealand economic growth where cheap renewable energy should be a core competitive advantage.”
“the Crown Minerals (Petroleum) Amendment Act 2018 will be repealed with the Ministry of Energy to actively investigate the potential of former coal mines, rather than the importation of inferior coal from other countries, and white hydrogen.”
Summarised neutrally from NZ First’s own official policy (as at 2026-06-23) and checked by an editor — never paraphrased without the source linked, and never an endorsement. Read the original ↗ Arapono is non-partisan. Compare all parties on Climate →
Coverage at a glance
Which party holds a published position on which topic.
| Party | Economy | Housing | Health | Education | Climate | Environment | Crime & Justice | Treaty & Māori Affairs | Immigration | Foreign Policy |
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Published position∅ No stated position (verified) Not captured yet