Say No to Subsidising Pollution
Common Grace Aotearoa is inviting parishes to take a stand against a government proposal that could lock Aotearoa into decades of fossil fuel dependence.
The government is currently considering spending up to $300 million of public money to build a Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) import terminal—bringing fossil gas from Australia, regasifying it here, and feeding it into our national grid.
This is an opportunity for parishes to voice opposition.
“We’re being asked to fund a project that will harm our neighbours, our environment, and our economy,” says Alex Johnston, Co-Director of Common Grace Aotearoa. “As Christians, we must say: this is not the kind of future we want to invest in.”
“The Wellington Diocese has a wonderful track record of backing campaigns across climate, economic and Treaty justice. Parishioners have written to MPs, hosted community conversations, and stood in solidarity with those most affected by the cost-of-living crisis and environmental degradation.
The proposed LNG terminal would:
Increase power prices: Imported LNG is twice as expensive as building new solar, wind, and battery infrastructure.
Worsen climate pollution: LNG is up to 60% more emissions-intensive than conventional gas.
Lock us into fossil fuels: Contracts could require ongoing purchases of LNG for decades.
Raise justice concerns: Indigenous communities in Australia have reported exclusion from decision-making around LNG extraction.
“This is a moment for moral clarity,” Johnston says. “We need to invest in solutions that work for people and the planet—not prop up polluting industries with public money.”
Better Alternatives Are Ready Now
Common Grace Aotearoa and its partners have outlined practical, compassionate alternatives that would meet our energy needs without subsidising pollution:
Warm homes, lower bills: Subsidising heat pumps and energy efficiency could reduce gas use by up to 38% annually and save households up to $1.5 billion/year.
Support for industry: Government loans could help businesses transition off gas, protecting jobs and reducing emissions.
Reclaim domestic gas: Methanex, a multinational company, uses up to half of NZ’s gas supply to export methanol. With their managed exit from the market, we could meet our energy needs without importing LNG.
Your Invitation to Act
The government plans to make its decision in December 2025. That means the time to act is now.
📣 Book an appointment with your MP
Especially if they’re part of the National–ACT–New Zealand First coalition. Take a group from your church along and let them know you oppose public funding for an LNG terminal and support clean energy alternatives. Receive a toolkit with all the key steps to do this here.
🗓️ Join the Webinar
Common Grace Aotearoa is hosting a webinar on Tuesday, 04 November at 12:30 pm to explain the issue and help you prepare to meet with your MP. You’ll receive the link when you sign up—and a recording if you can’t attend live.
For more details about Common Grace's campaign, head to DontFundLNG.nz
