WHO WE ARE

GasNZ provides a single and consistent voice for all gas fuels. GasNZ members have interests in natural gas, LPG, biogas and hydrogen gas, and represents all parts of the gas chain.

Today, with new gas fuels being developed, renewable gases and low carbon gases are a key part of our future energy system and integral to a sustainable future.

In January 2023, members of the Gas Association of NZ (GANZ) and the Liquefied Petroleum Gas Association (LPGA) voted unanimously to merge into GasNZ.

Mission

Informing and inspiring New Zealanders about a shared energy future that includes renewable gas is at the heart of GasNZ’s mission. We advocate for safe, efficient use of gas and LPG now - and in the years to come - as new gases become available for homes, businesses and industry.

As the main body group for gas companies, GasNZ is a critical voice for the sector. We ensure a sustainable future for the industry and New Zealand.

We work with the key stakeholders in central government, as well as regulators and officials, to ensure that New Zealand's regulatory framework promotes sector safety and efficiency, and policies and regulations to enable renewable gases.

Our primary focus is advocacy on behalf of the sector, including addressing the issues that weigh on the minds of consumers as we drive to a net-zero carbon gas New Zealand.

Jeffrey Clarke

CHIEF EXECUTIVE

Jeffrey came on board as chief executive of GasNZ in March 2024.

He was formerly chief executive for the New Zealand wine industry’s research and innovation centre, Bragato Research Institute, and was previously general manager advocacy & general counsel at New Zealand Winegrowers.

Jeffrey brings energy experience from earlier career roles in the sector, including as legal affairs manager at Meridian, and four years as NZ’s energy advisor at the International Energy Agency, working to protect NZ’s long-term energy interests.

Our Board

GasNZ is governed by a Board representing our membership classes.

The Board meets quarterly and sets the strategy for the organisation, monitors the work programme delivery and provides accountability oversight of GasNZ’s technical committees, the Gas Equipment Suppliers Committee; the Health and Safety and Training Committees.

GasNZ Board:

Nick Hannan, Elgas, Chairperson

Ben Gerritsen, Clarus, Deputy Chairperson

Don Elers, Powerco; Gillian Stannard, Ongas; Neil Crookes, Genesis; Ray Ferner, Rinnai NZ; Albert de Geest, Liquigas; Tony Bissell, Todd Energy

  • Nick Hannan

    Nick Hannan

    CHAIRPERSON GasNZ

    General Manager for LPG provider Elgas New Zealand, Nick is also a director of Liquigas Ltd and a Chartered member of the NZ Institute of Directors. He has previously held executive positions in the energy sector with Z Energy and Chevron. Nick has an MA (Hons) degree in modern languages from Oxford University and a Diploma in International Business from the University of Waikato.

  • Ben Gerritsen

    Ben Gerritsen

    DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON GasNZ

    In addition to his GasNZ governance role, Ben is GM of Customer and Regulatory at Clarus (formally Firstgas Group). He leads the Clarus strategy, marketing and regulatory teams, and is responsible for the commercial operations of Clarus’ pipeline businesses. Ben has a BMS/LLB(Hons) from Waikato University and a Master of Public Policy from Georgetown University, Washington DC.

OUR PROPOSITION

GasNZ is built on the proposition that gas is a fuel in transition. We are invested in a sustainable energy ecosystem for all New Zealanders.

Gas is an essential part of New Zealand’s shared energy future. Our core role is to ensure:

  • Energy and environment politicians, government officials and regulators, support gas (in its various forms) as part of the future energy mix

  • The industry continues to deliver gas and LPG safely, now and into the future

  • Consumers are reassured about the provision and availability of natural gas and LPG now, and are aware that renewable gases are expected to come on stream to provide the gas energy for their homes and businesses in the future.

OUR PURPOSE

GasNZ’s purpose is to be the industry’s “voice of gas” - the voice that helps drive demand for renewable gases, so New Zealanders can enjoy the benefits of gas today and in the future.

Our purpose recognises that gas is an essential part of New Zealand’s shared energy future, and that for many homes and businesses there is no alternative other than gas that adequately meets their needs.

We need a gas voice, so that:

  • Consumers can find out more about the benefits - and future of gas - as they make long term decisions for their homes and businesses

  • The industry can efficiently contribute to shaping the energy future of New Zealand to optimise the benefits a shared energy future provides

  • Investors have confidence in the future of gas, to continue to invest in gas and LPG appliances and infrastructure, and in renewable gases