Leighton Smith Podcast #324 - April 15th 2026 - Lars Schernikau

About this episode

The episode discusses New Zealand's energy crisis and features an interview with energy economist Dr. Lars Schernikau.

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. File your comments and complaints at Leighton@newstalkzb.co.nz OR Carolyn@newstalkzb.co.nz Haven't listened to a podcast before? Check out our simple how-to guide. Listen here on iHeartRadio Leighton Smith's podcast also available on iTunes: To subscribe via iTunes click here See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

People in this episode

Host: Leighton Smith

Guest: Lars Schernikau

Topics covered

• energy crisis
• energy policy
• economy
• interview
• New Zealand

Keywords

• energy crisis
• energy policy
• GDP
• coal
• economy
• New Zealand
• interview

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Newstalk ZB

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