4. LYNNE PILLAY (Labour—Waitakere) Link to this
to the Minister of Energy
What reports has he received in relation to projected energy supply for the coming winter period?
Hon TREVOR MALLARD (Minister for the Environment) Link to this
The Minister has received the latest hydroelectricity report, which shows that lake levels are in a much better position this week than they were in last week.
What reports has he received about the state of energy generation in New Zealand that are less reliable?
Hon TREVOR MALLARD Link to this
Gerry Brownlee said that the Whirinaki plant is running “flat out”. By “flat out”, did he mean 100 percent? If so, he was 94 percent wrong. At that time, during February, the Whirinaki plant was running at 6 percent of its maximum output. Although 6 percent might be a high activity level for Mr Brownlee, it is very, very low for an energy system. When he was told he had made an error, he said that Contact Energy was trying to put a bit of gloss on a very big turd.
Peter BrownIs the Minister aware that Origin Energy has recently stated that there is potential for large oil and gas discoveries in the Canterbury basin; and, noting the Minister’s concern over fossil fuels, will he advise whether he believes that to be good news for New Zealand and New Zealanders?
Hon TREVOR MALLARD Link to this
The Minister is sorry that the Minister answering on his behalf has not been briefed on that matter, and so is not aware of that detail.
Gerry BrownleeCan the Minister confirm that even if the southern lakes were now to fill, the Cook Strait cable is not strong enough to take sufficient electricity across to the North Island to meet winter peaks, and that there would have to be considerable expansion of thermal generation, which his Government is so very opposed to?
Hon TREVOR MALLARD Link to this
Absolutely not, and anyone who has any knowledge of the area would know that that was the case. That question confirms what was said in the Herald on Sunday about that member, which was that he never checks his facts, that he had claimed something that flew in the face of common sense, and that it was a very poor effort for a would-be Minister of Energy. I would say something quite a lot stronger, but it would not be parliamentary. I just do not understand whether that member is stupid or whether he plays, but I think it is probably that he is just stupid.
I seek leave to table, in order to enlighten the Minister answering on behalf of the Minister of Energy, a copy of the press release issued by Origin Energy only a few days ago.
Rt Hon Winston Peters Link to this
I raise a point of order, Madam Speaker. I think that, in the interests of having certain standards in this House, it is not appropriate for a Minister to call someone like Gerry Brownlee stupid. After all, everybody knows he is doing his best.
Madam SPEAKER