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Petition to Parliament – Stop Electronic Road User Charges (eRUCs)
To show how this campaign has developed, we first launched a Change.org petition. You can see the original wording here: https://www.change.org/p/stop-new-zealand-s-electronic-road-user-charges-eruc-surveillance-system C.A.F.E.S has now teamed up with Fuel Tax Protest NZ on this issue. You can find their main page here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1477712763790384/ We are preparing to deliver the official Parliament petition to Parliament around 1 July. If you are in Wellington and able to support the delivery or come through on or around that date, please reply to this email and I will keep you updated with the exact details once confirmed. We have been offered the opportunity to have this petition tabled by an MP. This has not been formally confirmed yet, but we are aiming for the same timeframe if possible. You can view and sign the official Parliament petition here: https://petitions.parliament.nz/0fe99a59-6eed-40f8-2c7b-08de8ead923a Supporting Fuel Tax Protest NZ – ETS on Liquid Fossil Fuels C.A.F.E.S is also actively supporting Fuel Tax Protest NZ in their campaign for the full removal (or full waiver/exemption) of the ETS surrender obligation on liquid fossil fuels. View the documents:
The letter to Hon Simon Watts also raises serious questions about revenue destination, mitigation links, and legislative pathways for removal, and formally requests action in the current ETS Settings consultation (open until 12 July 2026). Information Requests – Current Status We are actively progressing several Official Information Act requests that relate directly to fuel security, port development, and the future of the Marsden Point site. Here is where things stand:
These requests are all connected. They help build a clear picture of the decisions that were made around fuel supply, port infrastructure, and the Marsden Point site. The Price Crisis and Fuel Security – Key Facts New Zealand is experiencing a price crisis, not a physical fuel shortage. Following the conflict that began on 28 February 2026, the core problem has been exposure to international pricing and the loss of domestic refining capacity. How the Singapore benchmark works New Zealand’s fuel pricing is heavily tied to the Platts Singapore benchmark (also known as MOPS – Mean of Platts Singapore). MBIE uses the daily Singapore spot prices for petrol and diesel grades as the base when calculating importer costs in their official weekly fuel price monitoring. |
Because New Zealand imports the vast majority of its refined fuel, the landed cost (Singapore benchmark price + freight + insurance + margins) effectively becomes the wholesale price reference. There is no single law that forces every litre of fuel sold in New Zealand to be priced exactly at the Singapore benchmark. However, in practice, this benchmark is embedded in how MBIE calculates and publishes fuel costs, and it has become the de facto pricing mechanism for the entire market.
Even if New Zealand had a fully operational domestic refinery, we would still be heavily influenced by international crude benchmarks when purchasing feedstock, and refined product pricing would remain strongly connected to regional benchmarks. The current regulatory and monitoring framework (Engine Fuel Specification Regulations 2011 and MBIE’s fuel price monitoring) does not give us full pricing independence while we remain import dependent. According to independent fuel supply monitoring by NZ Fuel Watch, more fuel tankers actually arrived in New Zealand in May 2026 than in May 2025. This further confirms there was no shortage of supply vessels or physical fuel - this was a pure price crisis driven by global events and our reliance on imported refined product priced off the Singapore benchmark. Two important technical differences also stand out: 1. Storage life of crude oil vs refined fuel Crude oil can be stored for four to five years (and often much longer) when kept in proper conditions, with minimal degradation. Refined fuels such as diesel typically have a much shorter practical storage life — generally six to twelve months before quality declines and rotation is required (this can sometimes be extended toward 18–24 months with additives and ideal storage). This difference has major implications for fuel security. A domestic refinery allows New Zealand to hold long-term crude stocks and refine on demand, rather than constantly importing and turning over finished product. Reliable background: - U.S. Department of Energy on crude vs refined product storage stability: https://www.energy.gov/ceser/articles/developing-refined-products-storage-strategic-petroleum-reserve 2. Shipping emissions and cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) Transporting refined fuel by sea adds emissions beyond the refinery process itself. Ship exhaust releases particles that act as cloud condensation nuclei (CCN), which influence cloud formation and have documented climate effects. When New Zealand closed its domestic refinery and increased imports of refined product, we did not eliminate emissions — we shifted and increased the overall global emissions burden through additional long-distance marine transport and the associated CCN impacts. Scientific reference example: - Characterising the Particle Composition and Cloud Condensation Nuclei from Shipping Emissions (Environmental Science & Technology): https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.est.0c04039 Why Reinstatement of Marsden Point Matters A reinstated Marsden Point refinery would have allowed New Zealand to:
The current import-dependent model increases both cost volatility for New Zealanders and the total global emissions footprint associated with our fuel supply. Next Steps We will keep working on all these fronts — the petitions, the OIAs, and the broader case for energy security and economic resilience. I will send further updates as soon as we have confirmation on petition delivery and tabling dates, or new information from any of the official requests. We are also setting up a Facebook group chat for all C.A.F.E.S members. This will be a general chat where we can keep in contact and share updates. Thank you for your ongoing support. It makes a real difference. |
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⚖️ 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:
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:
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:
🛣 DOWNSTREAM EFFECTS
Since the transition:
These developments illustrate how fuel system changes flow through into wider economic impacts. ⚠️ STRUCTURAL CONTEXT
Cabinet documentation confirms that:
Prior to closure:
The current system now depends on offshore refining, shipping, and global market conditions. |
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📢 PETITION COORDINATION – PUBLIC ACTION
Alongside shareholder engagement, we are advancing a coordinated public response. We are currently supporting three aligned petitions:
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:
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:
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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. |
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Channel Infrastructure's Equity Raise
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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:
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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:
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. Vertical Divider
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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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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 Vertical Divider
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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! |
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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!
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 Vertical Divider
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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
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: Vertical Divider
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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." Vertical Divider
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Channel Infrastructure ASM Update Passcode: YD+Gi0!! |