Ninety year anniversary for Rockgas

As Rockgas marks its 90th anniversary, GasNZ is proud to celebrate the history of this key player in our energy landscape. Since its beginnings in 1934, Rockgas has continuously adapted to meet the country's growing energy needs, evolving from a small LPG distributor to New Zealand's largest supplier, serving over 140,000 customers.

Helen Murchison, General Manager of Rockgas, reflects on the company’s past: "In the early years, the company focused on delivering bottled gas to residential and commercial customers, a service that laid the foundation for its extensive distribution network across New Zealand. Over time, Rockgas expanded its offering to include bulk LPG supplies and developed a reputation for reliability and customer service.”

Founded under the ownership of the Shell Oil Company, Rockgas started small but played an essential role in bringing LPG to New Zealand homes and businesses. By the 1980s, as demand for alternative energy sources grew, Rockgas expanded its operations, increasing its reach and refining its supply chain to ensure reliable distribution across the country. This expansion helped cement its position as a major player in the energy sector.

One of the major milestones in Rockgas’ journey came in 2005 when it was acquired by Contact Energy, one of New Zealand’s largest energy providers. This acquisition allowed Rockgas to leverage Contact’s extensive resources and infrastructure, further bolstering its market presence.

In 2018, another turning point came with the sale of Rockgas to Gas Services New Zealand (GSNZ), part of the Clarus group of companies (formerly Firstgas Group). This transition opened new doors for Rockgas, allowing it to benefit from GSNZ’s expertise in gas transmission and distribution. Murchison notes, "Despite the ownership change, Rockgas maintained its brand and has continued to operate under the same name, ensuring continuity of service and supply for its customers."

Today, Rockgas operates 10 branches and partners with 25 franchises across the country, delivering LPG in various forms, from 45kg bottles to piped gas via reticulated networks in regions like Canterbury, Queenstown, and Wanaka. "We deliver 45kg bottles to homes for gas cooking, heating, and hot water, as well as providing LPG tanks for business gas essentials for all types of industries," said Murchison.

Rockgas’ service also extends to smaller-scale consumers, with 9kg BBQ bottles available at over 120 Refill & Save locations throughout New Zealand, ensuring accessibility for everyday use.

Throughout its history, Rockgas has remained a pioneer in the energy sector, consistently adapting to New Zealand’s changing energy landscape. Murchison reflects on the company’s legacy: "Rockgas has always been about reliability, innovation, and putting the customer first. As we look forward to the future, we remain committed to evolving and delivering the energy solutions our customers need."