How the $1.2b gas loan gamble could reshape big industry’s energy use

The Government's announced a $1.2 billion gas transition loan scheme – a big bet on keeping some of New Zealand's most gas hungry businesses afloat. Finance Minister Nicola Willis says the government will guarantee 80% of each loan, with about $48 million set aside to cover potential losses. It's being framed as a lifeline: help gas‑heavy manufacturers and processors stay open, protect jobs, and ease pressure on a shrinking and increasingly expensive fuel. But behind the headlines, big questions remain. Who really benefits, who foots the bill, and will any of this cost creep its way into your power bill or tax bill? Today on The Front Page, journalist and publisher of The Kākā, Bernard Hickey is with us to unpack whether this scheme is an economic rescue mission, a political pivot, or something more complicated. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Chelsea Daniels Editor/Producer: Richard Martin Producer: Jane Yee

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How the $1.2b gas loan gamble could reshape big industry’s energy use is an episode from The Front Page by NZME.

This episode is 25:19 long.

This episode was published on May 26, 2026.

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