Unlocking Mineral Wealth

New Zealand is sitting on valuable mineral and energy resources while importing more of what a modern economy needs and watching skilled Kiwis leave for mining jobs overseas.

ACT wants New Zealand to build things again. We will make it easier to responsibly develop the resources beneath our feet, bringing investment into our regions, creating high-paying careers at home, strengthening our energy and economic security, and earning royalties for New Zealanders.

Read our full policy, Unlocking Mineral and Energy Wealth, here.

ACT will:

• Keep New Zealand open to responsible mineral exploration and development, with the Critical Minerals List updated as new opportunities emerge.

• Establish clear national rules for mines, quarries and mineral processing, while continuing to protect national parks and Schedule 4 land.

• Keep fast-track consenting available for eligible projects and establish clear deadlines for government decisions.

• Open exploration and extraction on suitable government-owned land outside protected areas under clear and predictable rules.

• Keep onshore and offshore petroleum exploration open where commercially viable opportunities emerge.

• Remove unnecessary barriers to domestic gas production, underground gas storage and reliable thermal generation.

• Cut duplicated approval processes so companies are not forced to prove the same thing repeatedly to different regulators.

• Make regulatory requirements proportionate to the actual scale and risk of a project.

• Protect legitimate investment from arbitrary political reversals and strengthen property rights.

• Require mining and petroleum operators to pay for rehabilitation, decommissioning and ongoing treatment, rather than leaving taxpayers with the cleanup bill.

• Work with industry and training providers so more New Zealanders can build skilled, well-paid careers in the resources sector without moving overseas.

In our team’s words:

ACT Energy and Resources spokesperson Simon Court says:

“New Zealand has minerals needed for roads, homes, power lines, phones, batteries, and medical technology. We use these products every day, but too often refuse to produce the raw materials ourselves. That does not stop mining globally. It just sends the jobs, investment and environmental responsibility offshore.

“Developing these resources responsibly creates well-paid regional jobs, supports new industries, strengthens domestic supply chains, provides strategic resources to our allies, and generates royalties for the Crown.”