The New Zealand Hydrogen Council in partnership with Earth sciences new zealand & MBIE are delighted to invite you to the:
New Zealand Hydrogen Hui
Exploring hydrogen's role in New Zealand's energy future and the potential of natural hydrogen
The purpose of the Hui is to bring together international and New Zealand leaders from industry, government, research, investment and infrastructure to share progress and perspectives on hydrogen across the sector, explore opportunities for hydrogen in New Zealand, consider the emerging opportunity presented by natural geological hydrogen, and develop an actionable roadmap to support the delivery and growth of New Zealand's hydrogen industry. Importantly, the Minister intends to use the Hui as a platform for industry announcements aimed at advancing New Zealand's hydrogen industry and strengthening international collaboration.
This high-profile invitation-only event will bring together senior decision makers and key stakeholders from across New Zealand's economy. We anticipate participation from Ministers, chief executives, investors, energy companies, infrastructure developers, researchers, technology providers and hydrogen industry leaders.
The event will provide a unique opportunity to engage directly with senior leaders from across government and industry, hear international perspectives and help inform the future direction of New Zealand's hydrogen sector.
What: New Zealand Hydrogen Hui
When: 9:00 a.m. - 4.00 p.m. - Wednesday 12 August 2026
Where: University of Canterbury, Ōtautahi Christchurch
Who: Invitation-only event will bring together senior decision makers and key stakeholders from across New Zealand's economy
A light breakfast with coffee will commence at 8.00 a.m. followed by a welcome by Hydrogen Council CEO Dr. Linda Wright and an introduction to our speakers at 8.30 a.m. This will be followed by a Q&A and your chance to address our speakers directly, and networking with the event concluding at 10.30am.
We would like to sincerely thank University of Canterbury for their fantastic support in hosting this event. We would be honoured if you could join us and contribute to what promises to be a significant event for New Zealand's hydrogen industry. To confirm your attendance please register now.
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New Zealand Hydrogen Hui 2026
Wednesday 12 August 2026 | Ōtautahi Christchurch
| Time | Session | Speaker(s) |
|---|---|---|
| 9:00 | COFFEE, REGISTRATION & NETWORKING | |
| OPENING KEYNOTE ADDRESSES | ||
| 10:00 | Mihi Whakatau | Professor Te Maire Tau, Pou Whakarae, Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha – University of Canterbury |
| 10:10 | Welcome | Dr Linda Wright, Chief Executive, New Zealand Hydrogen Council |
| 10:20 | Welcome | Professor Cheryl de la Rey, Vice-Chancellor, University of Canterbury |
| 10:30 | New Zealand Government Keynote Address | Hon Shane Jones, Minister for Oceans and Fisheries; Minister for Regional Development; Minister for Resources; Associate Minister of Finance; Associate Minister for Energy |
| INTERNATIONAL PROGRESS & PERSPECTIVES | ||
| 10:45 | European Union | His Excellency Ambassador Lawrence Meredith, European Union Ambassador to New Zealand |
| 11:00 | Japan | Ayako Kameda, Executive Officer, Head of Green Energy Division, Obayashi Corporation |
| 11:15 | Korea | Howard Spencer, Managing Director, Hyundai New Zealand |
| 11:30 | Singapore | His Excellency William Tan Wei Yuan, Singapore High Commissioner to New Zealand |
| 11:45 | China | TBC |
| 12:00 | LUNCH & NETWORKING | |
| NEW ZEALAND PROGRESS & PERSPECTIVES | ||
| 12:45 | The challenges and opportunities of New Zealand's existing energy system and the critical role for hydrogen in a resilient energy system | Rod Carr |
| 1:00 | Driving change with dual fuel – developing hydrogen infrastructure and technology to improve energy security | Scott O'Donnell, Director, H.W. Richardson Group |
| 1:15 | Ngāi Tahu perspective on hydrogen collaboration in the regions | Terry Nicholas |
| 1:30 | Launch of the New Zealand Hydrogen Industry Road Map | Fireside chat featuring industry stakeholders including Obayashi, Hiringa, TR Group, Fullers360, Fabrum, Ballance and Tuaropaki |
| 1:45 | Critical next steps to grow meaningful hydrogen scale across multiple sectors | Hydrogen Road Map Delivery Programme – Years 1–3 |
| 2:00 | What does Industry–Government–Iwi partnership look like for the hydrogen sector? Lessons from the New Zealand Aerospace Industry | Mark Rocket, New Zealand National Aerospace Programme |
| 2:15 | AFTERNOON TEA & NETWORKING | |
| NATURAL GEOLOGICAL HYDROGEN | ||
| 2:45 | Is natural hydrogen a significant opportunity for Aotearoa New Zealand? | |
| 2:45 | National hydrogen research and drilling programme proposal | Professor Ian Wright, Principal Researcher, School of Earth & Environment Sciences, University of Canterbury |
| 3:00 | New Zealand subsurface technology exported to the world | Graham Grant, CEO, Seequent |
| 3:15 | An enabling regulatory framework for natural hydrogen industry development | Nic Blakeley, Chief Executive, Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment |
| 3:30 | Natural hydrogen demand potential and industry partners perspective | Industry fireside discussion |
| 3:45 | Critical next steps to grow a meaningful natural hydrogen industry in New Zealand | James Palmer, Chief Executive, Earth Sciences New Zealand |
| HYDROGEN HUI SUMMARY | ||
| 4:15 | Hydrogen Hui Summary | Panel reflections and key takeaways |
| 4:30 | Closing Remarks | Hon Shane Jones, Minister for Oceans and Fisheries; Minister for Regional Development; Minister for Resources; Associate Minister of Finance; Associate Minister for Energy |