Our Business

Shell is New Zealand’s only integrated energy company. We are a company that partners with New Zealanders for efficient, effective, sustainable outcomes and a better future.

Upstream

Downstream

As a world leader in energy and petrochemicals, Shell believes that oil and gas will be integral to global energy needs for many decades to come. However, we also see renewable energy sources playing a significant role in meeting future energy needs.

What we do impacts the New Zealand business community as well as New Zealanders, every day. We are committed to being an innovative leader, bringing global technology and using global resources to solve local business problems. We are committed to competitive pricing and sustainable development.

These are exciting and challenging times for Shell. Of late it seems nothing is more topical than the issue of energy – its price, its availability and its sustainability. These are the important issues Shell New Zealand deals with everyday.

Shell ventures currently operate around 85% of total New Zealand natural gas production via the Kapuni, Maui and Pohokura gas-condensate fields) .   Shell produces more than 50% of total NZ natural gas production and a significant proportion of total NZ oil production. 

The Kapuni field (Shell 50%), developed in the 1960s, was NZ's first gas field and remains in production.  The Maui field (Shell 83.75%) commenced full production in 1979 and has dominated NZ gas production ever since (in 2006 it accounted for around 57% of the country's gas production).  In September 2006 production from the Pohokura field (Shell 48%) commenced and, in 2007, it exceeded that of Maui as Maui production declined. 

Shell continues to focus on maximising the recovery of reserves from its existing major assets whilst looking for ways to improve the efficiency of production processes.

Global events again had a significant impact on the New Zealand market  throughout 2008 with wildly fluctuating and record oil prices, caused predominately by increased demand from emerging companies such as China and India. Despite this market volatility, we delivered competitive, high quality products and services. Shell again proved itself an industry leader. .

Shell actively managed fluctuations in demand and supply, ensuring we were able to bring competitive retail fuel prices to customers. Shell’s extensive retail network includes service stations owned by Shell New Zealand and stations operated by independent retailers. We place a strong emphasis on maintaining good relationships with independent operators, and developing our network-wide policies to achieve the ideal balance between the best fuel prices and quality service, thereby achieving increased market share and profitability. We appreciate the confidence that customers have shown in us, and will continue in our commitment to deliver the best possible fuel prices and high levels of service.

In 2008 we introduced V-Power 95 a new premium unleaded fuel developed with Ferrari.  Shell V-Power is a quality fuel formulated for improved performance that has been enjoying great success with the market, and in particular car enthusiasts, since it was launched.

Shell’s other businesses – including general and jet aviation and marine  – all had a challenging but positive year.

Our specialist chemicals business is an important part of our operations. It adds to the diverse products we offer domestic, commercial, and industrial customers throughout the country, and is an example of our dedication to deliver solutions across the full spectrum of the economy.

Shell New Zealand’s chemicals business both manufactures and imports products. The principal activities are the marketing of petrochemicals and the production of detergents. Shell's chemical facility at Gracefield in Lower Hutt, which manufactures detergent intermediates, has been operating for over 20 years. It is the only remaining sulphonation unit in Shell Chemicals worldwide.

Safety continues to be Shell’s priority above all others and while we recognise we have made good progress in this area,there is still more we can do.  Safety is a right and an obligation for Shell. This view embodies our values – honesty, integrity and respect for people. It is a main driver and an indicator of higher performance.

Across Shell worldwide, and within NZ, relationships and delivering on promises is key. It helps improve our performance. But it also makes our company a better partner, a better supplier, a better employer, and a better neighbour.