The Māui gas field is closing: what it means for your hot water
For almost 50 years, the Māui gas field off Taranaki has been the backbone of New Zealand's gas supply. That era is ending. Its operator, OMV, has told the Government that Māui is expected to stop producing by the end of 2026.
If your home uses gas to heat water, here's what that means and what you can do about it.
Why Māui matters
- It's a big share of supply. BRANZ says Māui provides about 20% of New Zealand's natural gas.
- Reserves are already falling fast. New Zealand's gas reserves have fallen 23% in a year to their lowest recorded level. Production is down 35% in two years and expected to halve again by 2035.
- Big users are leaving. In September 2026, Methanex, the country's largest gas user, announced it will close its New Zealand methanol production in early 2027 because of the falling gas supply.
What it means for households
Your gas won't be switched off overnight. Gas Industry Co has warned there may even be a short period of oversupply as large users leave. But the long-term direction is clear:
- Prices are likely to keep rising. Gas pipes cost much the same to run however many customers use them, so as users leave, the cost falls on fewer people. From 1 October 2026, the Commerce Commission expects pipeline charges to add 1–3% a year to typical bills, on top of inflation.
- Supply will be tighter in winter. Gas Industry Co has identified winter 2027 and beyond as a time of higher risk.
- Fewer new connections. Vector forecasts no new residential gas customers in Auckland from 2029.
What you can do
You don't need to rip out a working gas system tomorrow. But it's worth having a plan, so you're not stuck making a rushed decision when your gas hot water unit fails.
- Know what you've got. Note the age of your gas water heater. Most last 10–15 years.
- Work out your options. A solar thermodynamic system uses about 0.5 kWh of electricity per person per day to heat water. See our gas vs electric hot water guide and our worked savings example.
- Check the paperwork. Replacing a gas water heater with a heat pump or solar thermodynamic system usually doesn't need a building consent. See our building consent guide.
- Get a quote early. Our installer network covers about 90% of New Zealand. A typical retrofit takes just a day.
Thinking about moving off gas? Contact us or call 03 540 3003 for a free estimate.