Hamilton’s Iran crisis response team stood down

Sunday, 26 July 2026

Finance Minister Nicola Willis says New Zealand’s fuel situation is stronger than at the star of the Iran-US war.

Military action in Iran may be ramping up again but the effects on fuel crisis in Hamilton are diminishing.

In May, Hamilton City Council set up a Crisis Management Team with “a watching brief’’ to oversee a council response to the fuel crisis brought on by the war in Iran, including managing risks associated with fuel price volatility, supply chain pressures, and potential impacts on staff and service delivery.

Although military action is back on in Iran, a council spokesperson confirms it is in the process of standing down the crisis response team “as fuel prices are continuing to decline’’.

“Council will continue to monitor the situation and is prepared to respond if the situation changes.’’

The crisis response team was set up as there were fears the Government could move on to the next level of its fuel response plan.

However, Finance Minister Nicola Willis confirmed to the Waikato Times that New Zealand is now in a stronger position.

“Fuel continues to arrive in New Zealand as expected. Officials are closely monitoring developments in the Middle East and providing regular updates to Ministers.

“Our fuel stocks remain healthy, with petrol, diesel and jet fuel all well above minimum stock-holding requirements.

“Fuel companies continue to advise they have good confidence in forward supply, with planned orders extending into November.

“We remain at Phase One of our four-phase fuel response plan.

“Phase One is about staying ahead of any risks by monitoring supply chains, tracking prices closely, and ensuring we’re prepared if the situation changes.

“The Government has already taken practical steps to strengthen New Zealand’s resilience. We’ve commissioned an additional nine days of diesel storage at Marsden Point, funded a new strategic fuel reserve, increased reporting from importers, and are bringing forward higher minimum stockholding requirements.

“These measures put New Zealand in a stronger position should global supply chains come under greater pressure.’’