Natural Gas has been available in New Zealand for twenty years._x000D_
During that time the gas share of the energy market has grown and now natural gas forms a significant part of New Zealand's energy scene, helping consumers to achieve a higher standard of living, and reducing dependence upon imported oil._x000D_
Natural gas is now used for petrochemical manufacture and power generation in addition to direct supply to consumers._x000D_
As concern for the environment continues to build, natural gas will have an increasingly important role to fill in these markets._x000D_
This paper sets out the background to the development of natural gas in New Zealand and identifies the current markets. It then looks at those matters which are likely to influence the role of natural gas in the 1990s.