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Brian Cox
OPINION: New conflict overseas comes with rising fuel costs, disrupted supply chains, and growing uncertainty across New Zealand, raising the question - why are we looking to expand our reliance on global energy markets, when we have the resourced to build our own?
Currently grappling with vulnerability in its energy insecurity, gas shortages, dry hydro years and reliance on imported fuels, have exposed weaknesses in the system.
The Bioenergy Association of New Zealand (BANZ) has put forward to government a co-investment proposal called the New Zealand Integrated Bioenergy Programme, a coordinated plan to turn forestry residues, wood waste and organic material into renewable energy. Instead of being left to rot or wash downstream in the next weather event, waste materials could be used to produce renewable electricity, heat and gas, or to free up electricity and natural gas for its highest value applications.
Forestry slash has become a lightning rod in public debate, that during heavy rainfall, can be swept into waterways, damaging farms, bridges and coastal communities. With the right commercial incentives, much of this material can be recovered before becoming a problem and providing real energy value.
Bioenergy Association's proposal aims to coordinate the collection of forestry residues and organic waste and build regional supply chains, so biomass becomes a dependable part of the national energy mix. Biomass boilers already operate across New Zealand, with more than 400 megawatts of biomass heat capacity, or around 8% of total energy demand, are already installed. Industry leaders say the challenge isn't technical, it's one of coordination.
While bioenergy may not capture headlines like wind turbines or solar farms, its key advantage is that it can be stored, transported and delivered on demand. Wood can be stockpiled Biomethane can flow through existing pipelines. Operationally, heat and power can be generated when needed, not just when the wind blows or the sun shines.
Bioenergy is complementary to these energy sources, with the IBP presenting itself as a practical step, linking land use, waste management, renewable heat and renewable gas in one coordinated plan. It won't stop storms or solve every energy challenge overnight, but it could help turn what is currently seen as debris and waste into something more valuable and secure and a more resilient homegrown energy future.
Brian Cox is chief executive, Bioenergy Association.
OPINION: As the fuel crisis hits the country and rural New Zealand in particular, perhaps it's time to turn to one of the kaumatua of the rural sector, Pita Alexander - farm accountant, advisor and a source of knowledge and insightfulness.
Respected farm accountant Pita Alexander says with the present fuel crisis there are many ways farmers can reduce their consumption of petrol and diesel.
Farmers want more direct, accurate information about both fuel and fertiliser supply.
OPINION: Governments all over the world are dealing with the fuel crisis.
OPINION: For some of us the threat of a fuel crisis is something we have dealt with before and are still here to tell the tale.
The 2026 Holstein Friesian NZ Young Breeders Development Programme is off to a strong start, with this year's intake coming together for their first event on March 18 and 19.
State farmer Pāmu (Landcorp) has announced it will pay a $10 million special dividend to the Crown off the back of a strong outlook for the business and a capital repayment of $9.5 million following Fonterra's consumer business sale.
OPINION: As the fuel crisis hits the country and rural New Zealand in particular, perhaps it's time to turn to one of the kaumatua of the rural sector, Pita Alexander - farm accountant, advisor and a source of knowledge and insightfulness.
Katie Milne, former Federated Farmers president, has been announced as the National Party’s candidate for the West Coast-Tasman electorate.
Alliance has announced two key appointments within its senior leadership team.
A Rangitikei farmer has been indefinitely banned from owning animals and sentenced to serve 9 months and 3 weeks’ home detention following animal welfare failures that caused the death of more than 140 animals.
OPINION: The global crusade against fossil fuel is gaining momentum in some regions.
OPINION: A costly out-of-court settlement has hit dual-listed processor a2 Milk Company.
