Taranaki LNG import terminal decision

The story so far

Simeon Brown said a controversial contract for a liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal could be signed during the election campaign. ACT leader David Seymour and NZ First leader Winston Peters then advised against signing the contract before the election.^{23 Sep} Cabinet reportedly decided not to make a decision on the project that day, and Seymour said the Government should keep its options open to secure the best deal.^{23 Sep}

Latest

The government has chosen a preferred provider for an LNG import facility in Taranaki, though no contract has been signed, and the company's identity and initial safety evaluations have not been disclosed.^{15 Oct} The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment is progressing discussions with the preferred provider for a proposed terminal at Port Taranaki, and opponents have called the process underhanded after earlier assurances that no contracts would be signed before the election.^{19 Oct}

Key moments

1. 23 SepACT and NZ First urge delaying the contract until after the election.
2. 23 SepCabinet reportedly decides not to make a decision on the project.
3. 15 OctGovernment chooses a preferred provider for the Taranaki LNG import facility.
4. 19 OctMinistry progresses talks with preferred provider; opponents criticise the process as underhanded.

Written from the stories below; each sentence links to its sources.