Raymond HUO
Land Information Spokesperson

29 January 2012 MEDIA STATEMENT

LanzaTech excellent way to grow economy

The ‘LanzaTech model’ is the key to building a more competitive and productive economy while keeping our best brains and assets in New Zealand hands, says Labour’s spokesperson for Land Information, Raymond Huo.

LanzaTech is an internationally renowned clean technology company based in Auckland.
The Kiwi company has established a joint venture with China’s Shougang Group to construct a demonstration plant at one of Shougang’s steel mills in China leading up to a commercial production facility in 2013.

“Shougang is one of the largest steel producers in China, a country that has emerged as a major producer and consumer of the global steel industry. Our innovative technology will help reduce the environmental impact of steel making,” Raymond Huo said.

In welcoming the visiting Chairman of Shougang Group, Mr Zhu Jiming, to New Zealand this week, Raymond Huo said that he echoed Mr Zhu’s desire to break the pattern of heavy industry being a key contributor to carbon emissions.

“I’m proud that a Kiwi company could play an important role on the world stage both in an innovative and commercial sense,” Raymond Huo said.

“Phil Goff and I visited Shougang in 2010 which has paved way for my subsequent involvement in helping to promote LanzaTech to Shougang and China.

“I thank Chief Executive Officer Dr. Jennifer Holmgren and Co-Founder Dr. Sean Simpson for their leadership and strongly believe the LanzaTech joint venture could be developed into a model to create economic wealth and strength for New Zealand.

“The model offers a striking contrast to the Government’s slash-and-burn approach that would see strategic assets go into foreign ownership.

“Forcing Kiwis to become tenants in their own land will not lead us to a brighter future. Innovation and smarter economy like the LanzaTech joint venture will,” Raymond Huo said.

ENDS

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