Fuel security
1 Apr 2026
The prolonged conflict in the Middle East affects us all and we are actively monitoring New Zealand’s fuel situation, and the potential impacts for our Council and community.
Current national situation
MBIE is the lead agency for fuel security under the National Fuel Plan.
New Zealand is currently at phase 1 – watchful – of the National Fuel Plan.
National fuel supply remains stable, with imports continuing and no reported cancellations.
Some short-term retail outages have occurred locally due to increased demand and delivery timing, but sites have been restocked.
Planning is underway at a regional and local level that is aligned to readiness and response framework outlined in the National Fuel Plan.
What Council is doing to plan and prepare
We’re monitoring the fuel situation closely. Our team is following Government direction and national guidance and is putting plans in place should conditions change.
Maintaining critical services (for example water, wastewater, and emergency field operations) and community wellbeing are our priority.
We are actively assessing potential impacts for council services and on households, vulnerable residents, and essential local services.
We’re also working with the Wellington Region Emergency Management Office (WREMO) and regional partners to ensure local planning remains aligned. This includes working with our local welfare partners and community networks to understand the potential impacts for Kāpiti and put plans in place should conditions change.
We recognise this is a challenging time for many households and businesses across Kāpiti. We encourage you to check in on your neighbours, older residents, and vulnerable whānau, and consider what you can do reduce your fuel consumption.
What support is available
On 24 March, the Government announced an in-work tax credit boost for eligible working families to help alleviate the impact of rising fuels costs on households. Visit Inland Revenue for more information.
As part of our planning, we are exploring what options might be available to us to help alleviate some pressure on local businesses and households.
If you are concerned about your ability to pay your rates you may be eligible for a Government Rates Rebate or a Council Rates Remission. To find out what support you may qualify for, visit Help with your rates, or call our rates team to talk through your options.
Staying informed
We encourage you to check MBIE’s website and official Government channels, for example beehive.govt.nz for updates.
For information about our local situation and what Council is doing to plan and prepare:
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Sign-up to our weekly e-newsletter Everything Kāpiti
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Follow our social media pages.
What you can do
While our national fuel supply remains stable – there is no need to change your fuel purchasing behaviour or ‘panic buy’. There are a few simple things you can do right now to reduce your fuel consumption.
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If you or someone in your household relies on regular travel for health, care, or essential work, we encourage you to plan ahead and combine trips where possible
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Visit the Energy Efficiency Conservation Authority’s (ECCA) website for fuel saving tips
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Consider carpooling
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Utilise our network of tracks and trails – we have over 100 kilometres available to explore
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Give public transport a go. Visit Metlink to view bus and train timetables.