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The Leighton Smith Podcast: Energy Economist Dr Lars Schernikau discusses New Zealand's major energy crisis and why energy is the economy

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Newstalk ZB,
Publish Date
Wed, 15 Apr 2026, 2:35pm

The Leighton Smith Podcast: Energy Economist Dr Lars Schernikau discusses New Zealand's major energy crisis and why energy is the economy

Author
Newstalk ZB,
Publish Date
Wed, 15 Apr 2026, 2:35pm

It is no exaggeration to say that New Zealand has a major energy crisis. 

Energy policy is at the base of everything. Energy is only about 6% to 8% of GDP but without energy, there is no GDP. 

Energy is the economy and "if you don’t have everything right we are running into big trouble in every single area.” 

If you think coal is bad and the Greens should be running the country, you need to be dispelled of that thought with Energy Economist Dr Lars Schernikau in this weeks interview.

And we visit The Mailroom with Mrs Producer.

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