Te Pāti Māori Co-leader and Energy Spokesperson Debbie Ngarewa-Packer has written to Prime Minister Christopher Luxon urging him to convene a cross-party forum on energy security and cost-of-living relief, as escalating international conflict places increasing pressure on global fuel supply chains.

“New Zealand’s heavy reliance on imported refined fuel is a strategic vulnerability one that demands proactive national security planning, not partisan inaction” said Ngarewa-Packer.

In a letter to the Prime Minister, Ngarewa-Packer called for transparency and collective action, noting that Aotearoa has a strong precedent for cross-party cooperation in times of national crisis, including the Canterbury earthquakes and the COVID-19 pandemic.

The letter also highlights the immediate pressure on whānau, with fuel, transport, heating, and power now among the most significant costs on household budgets across Aotearoa.

“Energy security and affordability are not partisan issues. They are national challenges that affect every community in Aotearoa. New Zealanders expect their leaders to work together and right now, that means the Prime Minister showing the transparency and leadership this moment requires” she said.

Te Pāti Māori’s letter sets out five areas for cross-party consideration:

• immediate measures to ease fuel and transport costs for households
• strengthening national fuel and energy security in a volatile global environment
• accelerating renewable energy generation, including rooftop solar and community energy projects
• improving public transport and alternatives that reduce dependence on imported fuel
• supporting households and small businesses facing rising energy costs.

Te Pāti Māori stands ready to contribute constructively to any cross-party process and has invited the Prime Minister to discuss how such a forum could be established.

© Scoop Media