Waitara Valley methanol plant near New Plymouth is to be mothballed. Methanex New Zealand has mothballed its Waitara Valley methanol plant and is preparing to lay off staff in Taranaki after being unable to secure sufficient gas supplies to keep the plant operating.. The company will retain some activities at Waitara Valley such as truck loading to continue to supply the local market. While its two methanol production plants at Motunui will continue to operate, the company has commenced an organisational review to reflect the lower production and is currently consulting with staff. “Methanex is a significant buyer of natural gas in New Zealand, and we provide the gas and electricity markets with steady, long-term demand.

Source: Stuff February 23, 2021 20:26 UTC