Businesses across New Zealand that rely on natural gas now have access to expanded support to help them plan their energy future.

EECA has recently widened eligibility criteria for co‑funding, meaning more growers can now receive assistance for walk‑through energy audits, full energy audits, feasibility studies, and a new co‑funded Options Assessment designed to identify and analyse energy‑efficiency and alternative‑fuel opportunities.

Full details on the updated support package can be found here: Support for gas using businesses | EECA

North Island Roadshow: Practical Steps to Reduce Gas Use

To help businesses understand the practical actions they can take now, EECA and BusinessNZ are hosting a series of free morning workshops across the North Island this September. These sessions are designed for organisations using reticulated natural gas—particularly those looking to lower energy costs, improve resilience, or begin planning future energy investments.

Each workshop will bring together EECA, BusinessNZ, banks and energy specialists to outline:

• The support available to progress energy‑efficiency or fuel‑switching projects
• How to get investment‑ready
• Finance options available through the Government’s Gas Transition Loan Guarantee Scheme
• Practical steps businesses can take immediately to reduce gas reliance

With the broadened eligibility criteria for audits and the new Options Assessment, many growers who previously did not qualify may now be able to access specialist support. This could help set a clearer pathway for long‑term energy planning—particularly important for greenhouse operations where heating is a major cost.

Roadshow Dates

• Wellington: 11 September, 8.30am–11.30am – Register here

• Palmerston North: 15 September, 8.30am–11.30am – Register here

• Tauranga: 23 September, 8.30am–11.30am – Register here

• Auckland – North Shore: 24 September, 8.30am–11.30am – Register here

• Auckland – Central: 25 September, 8.30am–11.30am – Register here

Growers using reticulated natural gas are encouraged to attend a session in their region.

Why This Matters for Covered Cropping

Energy remains one of the most significant and volatile costs for greenhouse growers. With uncertainty around future gas availability and pricing, many businesses are exploring alternative heating options—geothermal, biomass, heat pumps, electricity and hybrid systems.

The roadshow provides an opportunity to understand what support is available, how to begin assessing alternatives, and what steps can be taken now to improve efficiency while planning for larger changes.

Find a session near you and register: Business support & finance roadshow | EECA

If you or your business would benefit from attending, EECA and BusinessNZ warmly invite you to join one of the September sessions.