The New Zealand Hydrogen Hui was hosted by Hon Shane Jones in Ōtautahi Christchurch in August 2026.
The Hui, which was delivered by the New Zealand Hydrogen Council, Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE), and Earth Sciences New Zealand showcased next steps to accelerate hydrogen sector growth in New Zealand and strengthen international collaboration.
This invitation-only event brought together senior decision makers and key stakeholders from across New Zealand. The Hui, which included government, industry and research leaders, is to shape the next phase of hydrogen development in New Zealand, including hydrogen’s role in energy security and the emerging opportunities in natural geological hydrogen.
What: New Zealand Hydrogen Hui
When: 9:00 a.m. - 4.30 p.m. - Wednesday 12 August 2026 (Registration from 9.00 am - 10.00am)
Where: University of Canterbury, Ōtautahi Christchurch
Who: By invitation-only
Gallery
Programme
New Zealand Hydrogen Hui 2026
Wednesday 12 August 2026 | Ōtautahi Christchurch
Mihi Whakatau
Professor Te Maire Tau - Pou Whakarae, Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha, University of Canterbury
Welcome
Dr. Linda Wright - CEO, New Zealand Hydrogen Council
New Zealand Government
Hon Shane Jones - Minister for Resources
Industry Keynote
Scott O'Donnell - Director, H.W. Richardson Group
Japan
His Excellency Ambassador Makoto Osawa - Japanese Ambassador to New Zealand
European Union
Zuzanna Bienuik - Charge d'Affaires, Delegation of the European Union to New Zealand
Korea
Gavin Young - Hydrogen Mobility Lead, Hyundai New Zealand
China
Xiaoyu Ma - International Business Division Sales Manager, Hydrosys (Beijing) Technology Co.,Ltd
Summary of international hydrogen progress & perspectives
Dr. Linda Wright - Chief Executive, New Zealand Hydrogen Council
The challenges and opportunities of New Zealand's existing energy system and the critical role for hydrogen in the transition to resiliency
Stephen Canny MNZM, IODNZ, Business and Strategic Projects Group Manager, Great South
Launch of the New Zealand Hydrogen Industry Road Map and critical next steps to grow meaningful hydrogen scale across multiple sectors
Fire side chat with multiple industry stakeholders: Obayashi Corporation, TR Group, Fabrum, Toyota NZ, Tuaropaki Trust, Liquium
A technologist and venture investor perspective to developing hydrogen scale in New Zealand
Dr. Jez Weston, Director at CullBeck & Co Founder of Climate Venture Capital Fund
New Zealand's hydrogen policy landscape
Nic Blakeley - CEO, Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment
What does industry, government Iwi partnership look like for the hydrogen sector? Lessons learned from the New Zealand Space Industry.
Robin McNeill MNZM - CEO, Aerospace New Zealand / Space Operations New Zealand: A successful example of industry, government and Iwi working together to grow a NZ industry that now has global relevance
National hydrogen research and drilling programme proposal
Professor Ian Wright - Principal Researcher, School of Earth & Environment Sciences, University of Canterbury
New Zealand subsurface technology exported to the world
Graham Grant - CEO, Seequent
Emerging technology creating industrial scale hydrogen opportunity
Mark Chadderton - CEO, Aspiring Materials
An enabling regulatory framework for natural hydrogen industry development
Lena MacCarthy - Manager, Resource Policy, MBIE
Natural hydrogen demand potential and industry partners perspectives
Angela Ogier - GM Fuels Strategy, Genesis Energy
Ben Gerritsen - GM Customer and Regulatory, Clarus
Andrew Clennett - CEO & Founder, Hiringa Energy
Gareth Wishart - GM Technology & Innovation, H.W. Richardson Group
Hydrogen Hui Summary
James Palmer - CEO, Earth Sciences New Zealand
Closing Remarks
Dr. Linda Wright - CEO, New Zealand Hydrogen Council