A belief re-opening the Marsden Point Oil Refinery would pump money and jobs back into the Whanga¯rei community

Associate Energy Minister Shane Jones is investigating the feasibility of reopening the refinery - after it was closed in 2022.

He says it's closure not only robbed Northland of a major employer, but also potentially put our fuel security at risk.

Whanga¯rei Mayor Vince Cocurullo says the majority of the community would be behind it opening its doors again.

He thinks the refinery probably closed 10 to 15 years too early, because we still have a huge demand and reliance on diesel.