Marsden Point’s potential to be ’world-leading’ in sustainable aviation fuels

2025-08-21

Marsden Point operated as New Zealand’s only oil refinery for nearly 60 years. At its peak in the 80s, it employed around 1700 people – when it was closed in 2022, nearly 240 lost their jobs. Run by Channel Infrastructure, the site now operates as NZ’s largest fuels import terminal storing and distributing 40% of the country’s fuel. In recent weeks, a slew of Ministers have visited the site, with NZ First in particular floating the idea of introducing our first Special Economic Zone to help pump investm...

Marsden Point operated as New Zealand’s only oil refinery for nearly 60 years.

At its peak in the 80s, it employed around 1700 people – when it was closed in 2022, nearly 240 lost their jobs.

Run by Channel Infrastructure, the site now operates as NZ’s largest fuels import terminal storing and distributing 40% of the country’s fuel.

In recent weeks, a slew of Ministers have visited the site, with NZ First in particular floating the idea of introducing our first Special Economic Zone to help pump investment into the site, and life into the Northland economy.

Massey University Professor Emeritus Sustainable Energy and Climate Mitigation, Ralph Sims, joins us to discuss the site’s potential.

Later, Channel Infrastructure CEO Rob Buchanan takes us through the future of Marsden Point.

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