Draft energy strategy mistakenly published online

File photo / Mark Mitchell

A draft of the Government's energy strategy has been mistakenly published online ahead of its approval by Cabinet.

The document reveals the Government wants to expand New Zealand's oil and coal sectors while reaffirming its commitment to a target of 90 per cent renewable energy production by 2025.

It said New Zealand should become a "highly attractive global destination" for oil exploration, with expansion of the oil and coal sectors leading to a "step change" in the country's economic growth.

Environmental group Coal Action Network Aotearoa (Cana) has published the draft online after recently obtaining a copy.

The draft had been mistakenly posted online by government officials weeks ahead of its approval by Cabinet, Radio New Zealand reported today.

Cana spokeswoman Frances Mountier said the draft showed the Government's stated commitment to greenhouse gas emissions was "a sham".

"Its top priority is stated as being to develop petroleum and mineral fuel resources ahead of other priorities like developing renewable energy resources, and embracing new energy technologies."

Ms Mountier said that was "completely incompatible with reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and will instead lead to major increases in emissions".

The draft outlines 12 areas of focus in four priority areas - developing resources, ensuring secure and affordable energy supplies, promoting efficient energy use, and promoting environmental responsibility.

The Ministry of Economic development will be tasked with overseeing and coordinating implementation of the strategy.

- NZPA