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Important Updates

On this page we will be publishing important updates on the work we are doing moving forward.
We endeavour to bring about solutions and keep New Zealand informed as to what is really going on with and in relation to the Marsden Point Oil Refinery and our continued efforts towards energy stability for New Zealand.
​

April 2026

⚖️ CHANNEL INFRASTRUCTURE – SHAREHOLDER ENGAGEMENT

​Following our recent enquiry regarding director nominations and shareholder representation, we received a response from Channel Infrastructure (attached for your reference). In summary, the company has confirmed:
  • Director nominations for the 2026 Annual Shareholders Meeting have closed
  • The AGM agenda has been finalised
  • Previous shareholder votes have strongly supported the current Board
While this reflects past voting outcomes, it does not address the current position of shareholders or the mechanisms available under the Companies Act 1993. In response, we have formally written back to Channel Infrastructure to clarify:
  • The process for shareholders to requisition a meeting (5% threshold)
  • Any procedural requirements or limitations the Board intends to apply
  • Whether there is scope for shareholder engagement on director representation outside of the AGM cycle

Our position is clear: This is not about revisiting past votes - it is about ensuring that shareholder rights remain active, accessible, and responsive to current conditions.

🧭 FINAL COMMENT
The current environment highlights the intersection between:
  • Fuel system structure
  • Supply chain costs
  • Shareholder governance
  • Public policy direction

Both shareholder engagement and public participation are essential to ensuring that these issues are addressed transparently and effectively.
⛽ FUEL COSTS AND REAL-TIME IMPACT

​We are now seeing diesel prices exceed $3 per litre in parts of New Zealand. At the same time, freight operators have indicated they cannot absorb these increases, meaning costs are being passed through supply chains.
👉 The result is already visible:
  • Increased freight costs
  • Rising food prices
  • Ongoing pressure on the cost of living
​
🛣 DOWNSTREAM EFFECTS

Since the transition:
  • Bitumen supply has shifted to 100% imports
  • Supply constraints and cost increases have been recorded
  • Government response has included significant infrastructure funding allocations

​These developments illustrate how fuel system changes flow through into wider economic impacts.
​
⚠️ STRUCTURAL CONTEXT
Cabinet documentation confirms that:
  • New Zealand transitioned to 100% imported refined fuel
  • Closure of Marsden Point could reduce resilience in a low likelihood, high consequence disruption scenario

Prior to closure:
  • Marsden Point supplied approximately 70% of New Zealand’s fuel demand.

​The current system now depends on offshore refining, shipping, and global market conditions.


📢 PETITION COORDINATION – PUBLIC ACTION

Alongside shareholder engagement, we are advancing a coordinated public response. We are currently supporting three aligned petitions:
  1. Fuel Tax Relief / Interim Fuel Relief for New Zealand’s Essential Economy: https://c.org/4xdRM2WzW9
  2. Scrap or Reduce RUCs: https://c.org/QLgNjp6fwK
  3. Stop New Zealand’s electronic Road User Charges (eRUC) surveillance system: https://c.org/FtTNzNssP7 
  4. Stop eRUC and Scrap RUCs petitions have now been formally filed with the Parliamentary Petitions Committee and are currently under review.

Following engagement with members of the Transport and Infrastructure Committee, an opposition Member of Parliament has indicated a willingness to present our petition to Parliament, subject to sufficient public backing.
​
👉 The current benchmark is 35,000+ signatures re: Stop eRUC implementation.
📊 NEXT STEPS – MEMBER ACTION

We ask all members to:
  • Sign all three petitions
  • Share them across your networks
  • Support building momentum toward the required threshold

​This is an important opportunity to ensure that public perspectives are formally represented.

⚖️ SHAREHOLDER NEXT STEPS

We are continuing to assess the pathway toward a potential shareholder resolution. To support this, please reply privately with:
  • Confirmation of your shareholding
  • Approximate number of shares held
  • Whether you support progressing a formal resolution

May 2025

Latest Equity Deal and Storage Terminal Partnership
Recently, Channel Infrastructure announced a $50 million equity raise to fund expanded storage facilities at Marsden Point, including a new bitumen import terminal. Notably, this 15-year terminal contract was awarded to Higgins Contractors-a Fletcher Building subsidiary-without a public tender or opportunity for wider shareholder scrutiny to consider whether a more suitable partner could have been found. This raises questions about transparency and best practice in selecting strategic partners for such a significant asset.

Board Appointments and Governance Concerns
Shortly after this deal, James Miller (Chair of Channel Infrastructure) was appointed to the Fletcher Building board. The timing of this appointment, following the awarding of a major contract to a Fletcher subsidiary, deserves attention from all shareholders concerned about governance standards and potential conflicts of interest.

Share Allocation Issues Affecting Retail Investors
During the equity raise, there was an overallocation of shares, which affected retail investors-particularly those using platforms like Sharesies. Many of you have reported issues with receiving your correct share allocations or timely refunds. When we raised these concerns with the authorities, we were told that Forsyth Barr was responsible for administering the deal and that any mistakes should be directed to Sharesies. If you have not yet received your shares or refunds, please contact us. If you are unsure, please contact Sharesies.

Timing and Process Transparency
We also questioned the timing of the equity raise, as it did not appear that third-party platforms like Sharesies were given adequate time to set up internal processes. While we were told the process met NZX requirements for material information disclosure, the handling of this offer has left many retail investors dissatisfied and raises broader questions about fairness and access for public shareholders.

Next Steps & Upcoming Meeting
We will discuss these issues in more detail at our meeting on 22 May 2025. This is a crucial opportunity for all shareholders and concerned members of the public to come together, share evidence, and strategise on how to ensure our voices are heard-particularly as the general public now holds a significant 67.4% shareholding in Channel Infrastructure, giving us real influence over the company’s future direction.
Zoom Meeting Details:
Zoom Link to register (if unable to physically make it): https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/DfR4jzDwQ2-7H_yrwsNDwA
Public Event Details:
FB Event details here: https://www.facebook.com/share/1HKGQqEDSw/
​

December 2024 Updates

Channel Infrastructure's Equity Raise
Important update regarding Channel Infrastructure's (CHI) recent equity raise announcement and the actions we can take as part of the 58% General Public Shareholding Collective.

Key Information
1. Channel Infrastructure is raising approximately $50 million through a 1 for 12.12 pro rata accelerated renounceable entitlement offer.
2. The offer price is $1.60 per share, which is a 10.1% discount to the closing price on November 22, 2024.
3. The Retail Entitlement Offer opened on November 28, 2024, at 10:00 AM (NZ time) for eligible retail shareholders.
​
Important Dates
- Retail Entitlement Offer closes: 5:00 PM (NZ time), Monday, December 9, 2024
- Retail Bookbuild: Wednesday, December 11, 2024, 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM (NZ time)
If you can assist with the FMA investigation, please download and sign the document via the link below and forward it to: [email protected].
Please bcc C.A.F.E.S Admin <[email protected]> in for confirmation. ​
Download PDF here
Action Required
1. Check if you've received notification about the equity raise from your share broker or platform.
2. To maintain your current ownership percentage, you must purchase all of your reserved rights (1 new share for every 12.12 shares you own).
3. If you choose not to participate or only partially participate, your ownership percentage will be diluted.
4. The deadline to respond is December 9, 2024, at 5:00 PM (NZ time). For Sharesies Shareholders, it is tomorrow. Just FYI.

Concerns
1. Some shareholders, particularly those using Sharesies, may not have been promptly informed about the equity raise.
2. The accelerated nature of the offer may not provide sufficient time for all shareholders to make informed decisions.
3. There are questions about the necessity of this equity raise given CHI's recent performance and existing contracts.

Takeovers Panel Contact
The Takeovers Panel has been contacted regarding a potential shift in control. Our main concerns are:
1. Prior to this equity raise, general public shareholding in CHI was at 58%. There is concern that this transaction may have been designed to divert control back to institutional investors at the expense of retail shareholders.
2. The accelerated nature of the offer and the short timeframe between announcement and implementation may not provide all shareholders, especially retail investors, sufficient time to make informed decisions, potentially leading to an unintended shift in control.

They have responded & said that they can assist POST equity raise if any institutional investor's share percentage reaches 20 percent or more as their hands are tied otherwise.

Next Steps
1. If you haven't received notification about the equity raise, contact your share broker or platform immediately.
2. Consider your options carefully and decide whether to participate fully, partially, or not at all in the offer.
3. If you decide to participate, ensure you complete the process before the December 9 deadline. (December 7th for Sharsesies Shareholders)
4. Keep C.A.F.E.S informed of your decision and any issues you encounter during the process.

Remember, as part of the 58% General Public Shareholding Collective, our actions can have a significant impact.

​Gabrielle Thompson
C.A.F.E.S Admin

November 2024 Updates

Channel Infrastructure's Equity Raise
Download PDF here
Concerns
We have formally expressed significant concerns to the Financial Markets Authority (FMA) regarding Channel Infrastructure's recent equity raise, including:
  1. Lack of transparency in shareholder communication
  2. Questionable rationale behind the equity raise
  3. Potential non-compliance with disclosure obligations under the Fair-Trading Act
  4. Issues with the tender process for the new bitumen import terminal

Key Issues
  • Equity Raise Details: Channel Infrastructure announced a $50 million capital raise through an accelerated renounceable entitlement offer on November 25, 2024.
  • Lack of Competitive Tender: The contract for the import terminal was awarded to Fletcher Building's subsidiary, Higgins Contractors, without a competitive bidding process.
  • Quality and Cost Concerns: The transition to 100% imported bitumen raises questions about product quality and cost.
  • Inadequate Shareholder Communication: There are concerns about the timing and method of informing retail shareholders about the equity raise.
  • Potential Control Shift: The transaction may disproportionately benefit institutional investors at the expense of retail shareholders.

Regulatory Action 
Based on what appears to be unethical business practices, including:
  • The timing and necessity of the equity raise
  • Automatic share dilution for non-participating shareholders

We intend to contact regulatory authorities to highlight these matters, particularly focusing on potential violations of the Fair-Trading Act and shareholder rights.

Our Mission
We remain committed to:
  1. Pushing for the reinstatement of Marsden Point as an oil refinery
  2. Challenging aspects of the United Nations Agenda 2030 and Paris Agreement
  3. Advocating for continued local oil and gas exploration and refining
  4. Promoting energy stability and independence for New Zealand

Leadership Team Information 
For your reference, information about Channel Infrastructure's leadership team can be found at: https://channelnz.com/who-we-are/leadership-team/
 
Key Information 
All relevant information about the equity raise and our concerns has been posted on our Facebook platforms:
  • https://www.facebook.com/groups/750408896834336
  • https://www.facebook.com/groups/506653867806719
Please review and share these posts to raise awareness among our members and the wider community.

October 2024 Updates

URGENT Call for Submissions on Proposed Oil and Gas Exploration Legislation
The New Zealand government has opened a brief four-day window for public submissions on the Crown Minerals (Gas Transition) Amendment Bill, which proposes to reinstate offshore oil and gas exploration.

Our submission points:
  • Keep contracts and jobs local: Ensure contracts and employment opportunities are prioritised for New Zealand businesses and workers.
  • Prioritise NZ businesses over foreign investors: Give precedence to local industries when allocating contracts and permits.
  • Consult with local communities: Follow thorough consultation guidelines with communities, in areas where exploration may take place.
  • Reinstatement of Marsden Point Oil Refinery: Support the reinstatement, rebuilding, and reopening of Marsden Point Oil Refinery to refine New Zealand crude oil locally.
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The reopening of Marsden Point Oil Refinery is crucial for enhancing New Zealand's energy independence and economic resilience.

We strongly encourage all to write in. Please see direct link to online submission form here:
Crown Minerals Amendment Bill - New Zealand Parliament (www.parliament.nz)
 
The closing date for submissions is 11.59pm on Tuesday, 01 October 2024.
We have launched a petition to reinstate the Marsden Point Oil Refinery as a national strategic asset. We would greatly appreciate your support in signing and sharing it across all platforms. Here is the link to the petition.
Please also read a recent article about the refinery here.

September 2024 Updates

In April this year, we attended the CHI Annual Shareholders meeting in Wellington. Here is some critical information shared directly by Jack Stewart, General Manager of Operations, and Rob Buchanan, CEO of Channel Infrastructure:
  1. Decision to Decommission: According to Jack Stewart, the decision to permanently decommission the refinery was made because mothballing it would have been costly in the long run, with no guarantee of restarting it. This decision came after the government chose not to intervene and stop the closure. Energy Minister at the time, Megan Woods, stated that the government had not been asked for financial support to keep the refinery operational. She also briefed the Cabinet on the implications of the refinery's closure, and both she and the government agreed with Channel Infrastructure’s proposal for an import-only terminal. 
(This decision overlooked the fact that the refinery also produced high-quality bitumen, medical and food-grade CO2, and sulfur etc. as by-products)
  1. Decommissioned Asset Sale (Hydrocracker): Rob Buchanan discussed the sale of the decommissioned hydrocracker asset between Channel Infrastructure (CHI) and Seadra Energy, which is now on its second extension. If the sale contract is finalised, it will be Seadra’s responsibility to dismantle the hydrocracker. This piece of equipment remains at the site.
  2. Cost of a Replacement Refinery: Stewart mentioned that a replacement refinery would cost between $5-10 billion. This is an estimated cost based on the decommissioning work already done and not a full feasibility study.
(They were basing their figures on an up-to-date facility so it could cost a lot less).

A possible remedy:
Redirection of the Pothole Prevention Fund: The $4 billion pothole prevention fund could be re-routed to rebuild the refinery, especially since the refinery produced high-quality bitumen as a by-product. Our current reliance on fully imported, low-quality bitumen is the primary reason our roading infrastructure is deteriorating, leading to the pothole problem.  Thus, the pothole prevention fund is merely a band-aid approach and a waste of taxpayer dollars. We remain committed to fighting for the reinstatement of the Marsden Point Oil Refinery. Against all odds, we continue to advocate for what is right for our Nation.
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We are excited to announce that we will be sponsoring meetings around New Zealand to advance our mission and engage with local communities. To make this initiative as impactful as possible, we are reaching out to any members who may be able to coordinate efforts in their respective areas.
 
Karl Barkley will be attending these meetings in person, alongside two other representatives who are supporting our related initiatives.
 
Our first meeting will take place in Whangarei on the 15th of September. If you have contacts in this area, please spread the word and invite them to attend.
​
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August 2024 Updates

Air New Zealand Update
Air New Zealand has recently decided to withdraw from its 2030 science-based carbon intensity reduction target. The airline has cited significant challenges in achieving this goal, particularly due to factors beyond its control, such as the availability of new aircraft and the affordability and accessibility of alternative jet fuels. 
 
Consequently, Air New Zealand is stepping back from the international Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), which promotes science-based climate targets. For more details, please refer to the following articles:
NZ Herald Article - Air New Zealand puts 2030 emissions targets in the ‘too hard’ basket - NZ Herald
RNZ Article - Air New Zealand pulls the plug on 2030 climate targets | RNZ News
 
It also brings the challenge back to a national level, where we have more direct influence. Air New Zealand’s choice underscores the complexities and significant barriers in the path to reducing carbon intensity, and it highlights the need for more robust and realistic planning and execution.

Financial Support for Billboard Campaign
Karl Barkley is looking at keeping the billboard in Symonds Street, Auckland up for at least the next two months and is seeking financial support to make this happen. Please see the account details below to contribute, and reference "Billboard" when making payment.
 
Account Name: C.A.F.E.S  
Account Number: 38 9025 0568373 01
 
To keep a proper record of your deposit, please fill out the form - https://zfrmz.com.au/iBGuq6UygW6sf46zMe9v
​
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​OIA Requests and Responses
Recently, C.A.F.E.S submitted an Official Information Act (OIA) request to the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). Unfortunately, our request was denied on the basis that the CAA did not have the information we sought. More details about this can be found on our Facebook page here - https://www.facebook.com/share/p/vBGwPf52uDhwtaac/
 
Undeterred, we then requested information from Air New Zealand directly. However, the response we received was rather general, not addressing the use of untested, used Chinese cooking oil blended SAF (Sustainable Aviation Fuel) intended for use in Air New Zealand's domestic aircraft.
 
We are committed to getting comprehensive answers to our original questions. Our objective is to confirm or refute any correlation between recent Air New Zealand flight disruptions and the possible/probable usage of the untested, used Chinese cooking oil blended SAF on those specific flights. Pursuing these answers is part of our due diligence and commitment to the people of New Zealand.

​New Developments and Actions
Air New Zealand has now signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Fortescue Future Industries (FFI) to further their mutual interest in investigating eSAF production and eventual use in New Zealand. The initial focus is on Air New Zealand becoming the foundation customer for eSAF produced through the Marsden Point project once it becomes commercially available and economically viable. For more information, visit - https://channelnz.com/production-of-sustainable-aviation...
 
Given this new direction, we are planning to submit another OIA request to determine the extent of government funding for this new eSAF project by Channel Infrastructure. This project should have been internally funded following the shutdown of the only refinery in New Zealand, a refinery known for producing some of the best refined A1 jet fuel in the world!

July 2024 Updates

Channel Infrastructure NZ Limited has granted another extension to Seadra Energy Inc. for the option to purchase decommissioned assets from the former Marsden Point refinery. The new deadline for Seadra to complete their due diligence and decide on the purchase is now September 30, 2024. This means we still have time to take action and potentially stop the sale of decommissioned assets from going through!
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Joining Voice Media
We are thrilled to announce that C.A.F.E.S (Collective Action For Energy Stability) has now joined Voice Media! A big thank you to MJ at Voice Media for helping us get set up. Please check out the promo link below for a 14-day free trial:
www.voicemedia.global/channel/c-a-f-e-s-collective-action-for-energy-stability

 Additionally, you can read the June 2024 edition of E-local Magazine here: E-local Magazine June 2024 Edition -​ www.voicemedia.global/emags
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Globox Billboard Update!
 The Globox Billboard that is now up and running in Symonds Street, Auckland CBD. This is a crucial step in our efforts to encourage more shareholders to buy shares in CHI. This will help drive changes at Channel Infrastructure NZ Ltd and support the reinstatement of Marsden Point Oil Refinery. A big shout-out to the three who have donated so far, covering two weeks of billboard payments!
 
If you'd like to support the above initiative, please see our Overall Initiatives Contribution Form or manually deposit to the following account:
Account Name: C.A.F.E.S  
Account Number: 38 9025 0568373 01  
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Templates for Local Councillors
ltr_to_local_mayors_and_councillors_template_06.24.docx
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ogo_summary_report_07.10.22.pdf
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ogo_post_refinery_report_16.04.24.pdf
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timeline_marsden_point_oil_refinery_06.24.pdf
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Right click and 'open link in new tab' for each file

​As part of our ongoing efforts to address the critical issue of fuel security in New Zealand, we encourage you to reach out to your local mayors and councillors. Below are some resources to help you find their contact information:
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  1. Wellington City Councillors: You can find email addresses for Wellington City Councillors on the CityWatchNZ website here: https://www.citywatchnz.org/email-addresses-for-wellington-city-councillors/
  2. Auckland City Councillors: Email addresses for Auckland City Councillors are available on the CityWatchNZ website here: https://www.citywatchnz.org/email-addresses-for-auckland-city-councillor/
  3. Local Government Directory: The NZCPR website provides a comprehensive directory of local government officials, including mayors and councillors, which you can access here: https://www.nzcpr.com/local-government-directory/
  4. Council Websites and Maps: LGNZ offers a list of council websites and maps, which can help you identify and contact your local representatives. You can find this information here: https://www.lgnz.co.nz/local-government-in-nz/councils-in-aotearoa/council-websites-and-maps/

June 2024 Updates

​Climate change legal proceedings - updateNZX, New Zealand's Exchange
 
SPH Notice - BP New Zealand Holdings Limited (“BPNZ”)NZX, New Zealand's Exchange
 
SPH Notice - Milford Asset Management LimitedNZX, New Zealand's Exchange
 
Context: BP Exits Channel Infrastructure, Sells 8.336% Stake for $46 Million
"Milford Asset Management Limited acquired a significant portion of BP New Zealand Holdings Limited's (BP NZ) shares in Channel Infrastructure NZ Limited (CHI). According to the Substantial Product Holder (SPH) Notice filed on the NZX Main Board Announcements page, dated 21 June 2024, Milford purchased 5.5% of the shares in CHI."
 
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​Channel Infrastructure ASM Update
Passcode: YD+Gi0!!

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  • C.A.F.E.S
  • Operation Good Oil
  • Buy Back Marsden
  • Important Updates
  • Downloads
  • Contact