KiC Advocacy
Speaking up for the EECA
As a country, we must prioritise leadership that is fully committed to reducing emissions.
March 2025
Kiwis in Climate sent a letter to Simon Watts, Minister for Energy and Minister of Climate Change, expressing our concern about the appointment of John Carnegie, a fossil fuel advocate, to the Board of the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA).
This is an appointment we believe is fundamentally incompatible with the core mission and values of EECA, particularly in the context of New Zealand’s pressing climate and energy challenges.
Mr. Carnegie’s record raises significant concerns. His history of involvement in the oil and gas sector, his lack of demonstrated engagement with transformative climate action, and his public comments against a speedy transition to renewable energy production suggest that he does not share the necessary values, skills or vision to advance EECA’s work.
As a country, we must prioritise leadership that is fully committed to reducing emissions and transitioning to a more efficient, less volatile, and cheaper clean energy system.
It is essential that the leadership of EECA reflects the urgency and seriousness of this challenge, and that the decisions made by its board serve the interests of current and future generations of New Zealanders.
