Z Energy bailing out of petrol business

Z Energy has launched a campaign “Moving with the times” to get out of the petrol business, representing New Zealand’s direction towards more carbon friendly transport.

“Z’s new campaign is an opportunity to celebrate the diversity of the country in which we operate, and for us to lean into the tough conversations we need to have to achieve a low carbon Aotearoa – showing all New Zealanders how Z is moving with the times”, says Z retail general manager Andy Baird.

“We were the first fuel company to introduce an EV charger at a retail service station, and recent co-funding from the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) will see us scale up our network of EV charging infrastructure between Auckland, Hamilton and Tauranga.

“We are also working at pace to bring biofuels to the domestic market in line with the Government’s Biofuels Mandate that comes into place April next year.”

Baird says Z Energy recognises New Zealand has changed “and our brand needs to reflect this”.

The campaign launches across a range of media with the headline “We’re in the business of getting out of the petrol business”.

“As an essential part of New Zealand’s transport infrastructure with a nationwide footprint, we believe we have an essential role in shaping the future of our country,” Baird explains.

“This campaign sets a provocative challenge to the organisation to live up to its promises, recognising that the Z of 2030 and 2050 needs to look very different to today.

“Z is already on its low carbon journey with ambitious emissions reductions targets and is committed to actively choosing to invest in low-carbon revenue streams that are better for both our customers and the planet,” he says.

“We believe electrons, hydrogen and biofuels will all play a role in the transition out of fossil fuels, and we want to grow strategic partnerships with government and others in the industry to help us get there.”

This new campaign also talks to Z’s commitment to Te Ao Māori, diversity and inclusion.

Baird says: “We recognise that our role in New Zealand is not just to help Kiwi’s transition to a low carbon future, but also to lead on other important matters.”