# New Zealand energy security and gas development > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/new-zealand-energy-security-and-gas-development > Updated: 2026-10-14T21:53:28.000Z. Sources: 11. Developments: 2. Energy development in New Zealand’s Taranaki region has focused on addressing gas scarcity through both exploration and import infrastructure. Monumental Energy Corp. identified significant gas-condensate prospecting zones in the Taranaki Basin, specifically within the Tirua Point exploration area. The Mauku NE zone holds a potential recoverable resource of 200 petajoules, while the Mangatoa target is described as significantly larger, with potential exceeding 1,000 petajoules. Parallel to exploration efforts, the New Zealand Government has shortlisted a preferred provider for a liquefied natural gas (LNG) import terminal in Taranaki. The proposed facility would use moored vessels for storage and regasification to supply the transmission pipeline. While the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Enterprise noted that the project requires a safety case from WorkSafe, the Smart Energy Alliance has criticized the procurement process as “sneaky and secretive,” citing a lack of public scrutiny regarding costs and the absence of an independent business case comparing LNG to renewable alternatives. ## Timeline ### 2026-10-14: New Zealand shortlists provider for Taranaki LNG terminal The New Zealand Government has shortlisted a preferred provider for an LNG import terminal in Taranaki, drawing criticism from the Smart Energy Alliance over transparency and costs. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/new-zealand-shortlists-provider-for-taranaki-lng-terminal ### 2026-09-29: Monumental Energy targets gas reserves in New Zealand's Taranaki Basin Monumental Energy has identified significant gas-condensate targets in New Zealand’s Taranaki Basin, including the Mauku NE and Mangatoa zones, pending regulatory approval. 9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/monumental-energy-identifies-gas-targets-in-new-zealand --- Cite as: New Zealand energy security and gas development. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/new-zealand-energy-security-and-gas-development