February 19, 2026
Yesterday, Canada's Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, Tim Hodgson, met with New Zealand's Minister of Climate Change, Minister of Energy, Minister for Local Government and Minister of Revenue, Simon Watts, during the International Energy Agency Ministerial Meeting in Paris, France.
The two Ministers discussed New Zealand's emerging liquefied natural gas (LNG) procurement strategy and corresponding opportunities for Canadian LNG. Minister Watts provided an update on New Zealand's ongoing LNG procurement process, launched in October 2025, which aims to secure supply ahead of first imports by winter 2027. Minister Hodgson highlighted the strength and momentum of Canada's LNG sector and provided an overview of key projects progressing toward investment and offtake readiness.
The Ministers also discussed co-operation on multilateral critical mineral mechanisms and avenues for broader co-operation on energy system resilience and transition. They highlighted the importance of supporting the active participation of Indigenous Peoples in resource development, noting opportunities to align on best practices between New Zealand and Canada.
The Ministers agreed to maintain close contact as New Zealand advances its LNG procurement process and infrastructure development.
