Methanex to idle New Zealand methanol production facilities in 2027

Thursday 3 September 2026 · 2 outlets · 2 reports · updated Thu 3 Sep, 10:18am

In this story Simeon Brown, Methanex

Methanex plans to indefinitely idle its New Zealand methanol production facilities during the first quarter of 2027 due to declining domestic gas availability. The company intends to sell most of its contracted gas entitlements. Energy Minister Simeon Brown stated that the closure makes a liquefied natural gas import terminal critically important.

How they headlined it

7:50am10:18am

1. StuffThu 3 Sep, 7:50am

   ‘Kick in the guts’: Job losses expected to ripple through region after plant’s closure (opens in new tab)

2. NZ HeraldThu 3 Sep, 10:18am

   Simeon Brown says LNG terminal remains ‘critically important’ after Methanex announces end to NZ operations (opens in new tab)