Redmayne SuzeSUZE REDMAYNE (National—Rangitīkei): Thank you Mr Speaker. When New Zealand elected the Government last year we were tasked with getting our country back on track and that's precisely what we're doing. We inherited significant challenges particularly in our energy sector. The previous Government eroded confidence with their oil and gas exploration ban the impractical and costly $16 billion Lake Onslow scheme and the unrealistic 100 percent renewable electricity target by 2030. As a result New Zealand businesses are now facing the highest electricity prices in the Western World. The damage done by the previous Government including stifling investment and increasing sovereign risk has led us into an energy crisis. The soaring electricity prices are a major concern threatening the viability of Kiwi businesses many of which are vital exporters and the jobs they support.Recent announcements of job losses at Winstone Pulp and Oji's Penrose facility highlight this issue with high electricity costs cited as a factor. This situation is not coincidental; it's a direct outcome of poor policy decisions by the previous Government. I've seen firsthand what our businesses and communities are up against never more so than last night at a standing-room-only public meeting in Raetihi about the closure of Winstone Pulp to which Adrian Rurawhe just referred. And I want to acknowledge my colleague across the House Helen White for venturing into the heart of the mighty Rangitīkei to be there. We were there to listen. The kōrero was heartfelt and it was real. MC Liz Brooker talked to us about kotahitanga—unity. She nailed it. The solution to the current power crisis needs to extend beyond politics and election cycles. Our businesses communities and families like those we heard from in Raetihi last night expect and deserve nothing less—nothing less than a long-term solution which ensures and delivers reliable and affordable energy.Right now in the absence of low-emissions natural gas electricity generators are resorting to coal-fired and diesel-powered plants leaving gas peakers offline. This ban has not only contributed to our fuel shortage but also resulted in higher electricity prices and worse environmental outcomes. The Electricity Authority and Commerce Commission are collaborating to assess market competition and the ongoing high prices. In addition the Prime Minister and energy Minister Simeon Brown announced on Monday that the Government has moved quickly to approve a raft of immediate actions to address the serious risk to our energy security and affordability including urgently reversing the ban on offshore oil and glass exploration and cutting red and green tape to allow for liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports.This Government is taking five urgent actions. We're reversing the reckless decision to ban offshore oil and gas exploration with my colleague the Hon Shane Jones leading this legislation. We're removing regulatory barriers to the construction of critically needed facilities to import liquefied natural gas. We're easing restrictions on electricity lines companies owning generation ensuring access for gentailers to hydro contingency and improving electricity market regulation to ensure New Zealanders have the affordable electricity they need. We are currently facing a gas shortage and it's clear that gas is essential for supporting intermittent renewable energy sources. Around 50 countries import LNG. To ensure New Zealand has sufficient affordable energy part of our plan is to swiftly remove regulatory barriers to enable LNG imports so we can rebuild confidence in the sector.In addition to these immediate actions electrifying New Zealand's economy is a key part of our Government's plan to grow our economy and reduce emissions. To make it easier and cheaper to electrify our economy we're establishing a one-stop shop fast-track approvals and permitting regime. We're amending the Resource Management Act to speed up resource consenting delivering stronger national direction for renewable energy. Our Government is acting swiftly to rectify the previous Government's failures. We're committed to restoring confidence in our energy sector and we call on members opposite to support our actions.