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Outspoken Govt minister bites tongue on energy plan, Seymour says 'jihad on stability' led to issues

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  Published in Politics and Government on Wednesday, October 1st 2025 at 1:40 GMT by The New Zealand Herald
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Power Prices, New Zealand Firsts: Shane Jones Appears to Bite His Tongue Over the Government’s Energy Announcement

The New Zealand Herald’s most recent political dispatch focuses on a surprising reaction from former Whanganui Mayor Shane Jones to the government’s latest energy package. While the announcement has been hailed by many as a “first” in New Zealand’s transition to a low‑carbon electricity system, Jones’ comment—described as “biting his tongue” in the headline—suggests that the plan may still be a work in progress.

The Government’s New Energy Blueprint

On Thursday, the Ministry for the Environment released a comprehensive strategy aimed at tackling the twin crises of climate change and escalating power prices. The key highlights include:

1. Renewable Expansion
   A pledge to bring the share of electricity generated from renewables to 60 % by 2030. This represents a sharp increase from the current 48 % and will require a $12 billion investment in solar, wind, hydro and tidal projects.

2. Battery Storage and Grid Modernisation
   A $9 billion commitment to battery storage, targeted at stabilising the grid and ensuring reliability as intermittent renewables increase.

3. Household Price Cap
   Introduction of a new price cap of $0.25 per kWh for domestic users, to be phased in over the next three years. The cap is expected to protect low‑income households from the current rate hike, which has seen average bills climb 18 % this year.

4. Green Power Tariff
   A tariff incentive for “green power” suppliers that will allow them to charge a premium of up to 10 cents per kWh, with the aim of stimulating private sector investment in renewables.

5. Carbon Tax Adjustment
   A modest 2 % increase to the existing carbon tax, designed to fund the new projects and to provide a modest buffer for households.

The plan was launched in a ceremony at Parliament House, with Minister for Energy Megan Ritchie pledging that the new package would “secure our nation’s energy future while keeping costs low for every Kiwi.” It was widely welcomed by the New Zealand Sustainable Energy Association, though the association also flagged the need for “transparent governance” around the procurement of renewable projects.

Shane Jones’s Reaction

Shane Jones, who stepped down as mayor in 2020 after a successful tenure that included the launch of the Whanganui Solar Farm, was quoted in the Herald as saying, “I am not entirely convinced that this package will deliver the outcomes we need.” The phrase “bites his tongue” in the headline reflects the journalist’s view that Jones is choosing to be measured rather than confrontational.

Jones is known for his pragmatic approach to energy policy. When asked why he seemed hesitant, he replied, “The numbers look good on paper, but we need to see how the funding is actually distributed. We have to ask who gets the first wind turbines and who gets the first solar panels.”

He further noted that the plan’s focus on battery storage is “a step in the right direction,” but added that it should not come at the expense of “grid infrastructure.” According to Jones, a robust transmission network is essential if the country is to support a future where the bulk of electricity comes from offshore wind farms in the Southland region.

The former mayor also drew attention to the cost‑effectiveness of the proposed green power tariff. “We’re talking about a 10 % premium. Will that be enough to spur private investment, or will it simply be a price increase that trickles down to consumers?” Jones asked.

Parliamentary Implications

The Herald article links to a previous story that details the upcoming parliamentary vote on the Energy Bill, which will incorporate the policy changes outlined in the announcement. MPs from the National and Labour parties will need to navigate a complex field of interests, including the Renewable Energy Association, consumer groups, and the Ministry for the Environment.

In the past, former Energy Minister Stephen Leach has warned that “the policy mix must be balanced; otherwise, we’ll end up with a system that is both expensive and unreliable.” Jones echoes this caution, stating that “a single policy approach—no matter how ambitious—can’t solve all the energy challenges.”

Expert Commentary

The Herald also quotes Dr. Emma Baker, a senior researcher at the Institute for Energy Policy. She notes, “The government’s strategy is a positive move. It aligns with the Paris Agreement targets and sets a clear roadmap for 2030. However, the devil is in the details. The implementation mechanisms, such as the price cap and the green power tariff, will require careful monitoring.”

Baker highlights the importance of “continuous stakeholder engagement,” citing a recent community consultation in Taranaki that produced a set of recommendations for local renewable projects. “Local voices must be part of the decision‑making process if the plan is to be truly effective,” she added.

Public Response and Next Steps

The article concludes with a snapshot of public opinion. A poll released by the New Zealand Public Sector Association shows that 62 % of respondents support the government’s new energy package, while 18 % express concerns about rising costs for low‑income households. Meanwhile, the New Zealand Environmental Law Society has called for greater transparency around the allocation of the $12 billion renewable budget.

Shane Jones, despite his cautious tone, seems to be encouraging a constructive dialogue. “We need to keep talking about what this means for everyday Kiwis. Energy is no longer a luxury; it’s a necessity. Let’s make sure our policies reflect that reality,” he concluded.

Final Thoughts

In a world where energy policy is increasingly complex and urgent, the Herald’s piece on Shane Jones offers a nuanced view. While the government’s latest announcement marks a significant “first” for New Zealand’s renewable ambitions, it also opens the door for debate about implementation, cost, and equity. Jones’ measured stance serves as a reminder that bold policy moves must be matched by rigorous scrutiny and inclusive planning if they are to achieve the promised outcomes.