Andy Knight to Chair Expert Panel for $200m Gas Security Fund

“Mr Knight’s depth and breadth of experience in gas industry regulation and energy production and supply makes him uniquely qualified to lead the panel,” Mr Jones said.

Gas and energy industry veteran Andy Knight has been appointed chair of the Government’s newly formed expert advisory panel for the $200 million Gas Security Fund, Resources and Regional Development Minister Shane Jones announced today.

The panel will assess technically and commercially complex applications to the fund, which opened on 12 January 2026 and is designed to stabilise and strengthen New Zealand’s domestic gas supply amid declining production.

“Mr Knight’s depth and breadth of experience in gas industry regulation and energy production and supply makes him uniquely qualified to lead the panel,” Mr Jones said.

Strengthening Domestic Gas Supply

The $200 million Gas Security Fund was established to unlock projects that improve gas supply and storage capacity, targeting initiatives with short- to long-term benefits — including developments at existing sites.

The fund is a key plank in the Government’s strategy to maintain affordable and secure domestic gas as production from mature fields declines.

“New Zealand’s history of affordable and secure domestic gas has underpinned major parts of our economy — and this Government wants that to continue by shoring up our domestic supply,” Mr Jones said.

He added that liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports may provide flexibility in the interim to supplement domestic requirements.

High-Calibre Panel to Assess Complex Projects

Joining Mr Knight on the panel are geophysicist Tim Allan and energy sector executive John Pagani, with two additional members expected to be appointed.

Mr Jones said the panel’s direct commercial and technical oil and gas expertise will ensure high-quality independent advice for Ministers.

“These are high-calibre individuals with impressive technical and industry expertise. We look forward to working with them,” he said.

Mr Jones, in his capacity as Resources Minister, and Associate Finance Minister Chris Bishop will be the decision-making ministers on funding applications.

The fund is administered by Kānoa – Regional Economic Development & Investment Unit.

Meet the Chair: Andy Knight

Mr Knight is a former chief executive of the Gas Industry Company, one of New Zealand’s gas sector co-regulators. He currently chairs Taranaki Iwi Holdings Management and serves as a director of the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA), alongside governance roles in iwi entities and private investments.

His previous executive and governance experience includes:

• Director of Powerco

• Chief Executive of New Zealand Oil & Gas

• Senior executive roles at Vector Limited

• Leadership roles at NGC Holdings, The Australian Gas Light Company, and Fletcher Challenge Energy

His regulatory and commercial background is expected to be pivotal in assessing technically sophisticated and capital-intensive proposals.

Panel Members Bring Global and Domestic Expertise

Tim Allan brings more than 30 years of international oil and gas experience, most recently serving as exploration stakeholder lead and senior exploration geophysicist (Australasia) for OMV. His career spans exploration, appraisal, development and production operations across both land and marine environments.

John Pagani has worked across the energy sector since 2012, including as external relations manager at the Gas Industry Company and as general manager corporate services at New Zealand Oil & Gas. He has extensive experience advising boards and management teams in New Zealand and Australia.

Applications Now Open

Applications for the Gas Security Fund are now open, with details available through Kānoa’s Grow Regions platform.

The Government says the fund represents a targeted intervention aimed at safeguarding energy reliability while supporting regional economic activity and industrial demand.

As pressure mounts on domestic supply, the panel’s recommendations are expected to play a critical role in shaping New Zealand’s medium- to long-term gas strategy.