Phase 1: Watchful

University of Auckland Fuel Response Plan 2026

What's happening

The fuel market in New Zealand is operating effectively, and fuel is available nationwide. However, prices are rising due to external factors such as global market shifts and supply chain pressures.

In this phase the Government will work closely with fuel importers, distributors and users. It will also ensure Kiwis have clear information about the situation so they can make informed decisions about what works best for them.

What the University will do

Staff on campus

We will maintain our flexible and remote working principles for staff, based on previously agreed approaches. Requests for increased flexibility or additional remote working will be balanced against the advantages of being on campus, including the opportunity for collaboration, maintaining service levels for stakeholders and support for students. We will continue to monitor the situation and consider how to support staff through this challenging period. For updates on the University pilot for subsidised public transport through Auckland Transport’s Fareshare programme for staff, refer to Subsidised public transport trial through AT Fareshare [staff intranet]. 

Students on campus

There will be no change to how teaching and other services will be offered to students during this phase, and students are encouraged to continue travelling to their usual place of study.

Campus operations

All services will continue to be provided as normal.

Travel

Staff are encouraged to only undertake essential travel during this response phase (as defined by the University’s Travel Policy). Consideration should be given to potential budget impacts as travel costs increase, as well as potential trip disruption (including ability to extend travel time if needed) due to flight cancellations or similar. Travel to countries in the Middle East region designated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade's SafeTravel as Level 3 (Avoid non-essential travel) or Level 4 (Do not travel) will not be approved until further notice.

Economic and cost impacts

Suppliers’ requests for fuel surcharge and cost escalation will be triaged through the relevant Finance Business Partner, with procurement support to assess the contractual position and commercial reasonableness.

Research

Research facilities will continue to be open and supported as normal during this phase, with contingency plans being developed for subsequent phases.

Learning and teaching

Learning and teaching will continue normally, however teaching staff are encouraged to consider contingency plans if the Government escalates to subsequent response phases.

What you can do

Staff

  • Consider contingency plans specific to your role in case the Government escalates to subsequent phases.
  • Continue to maintain open communication with your line manager or supervisor about your individual circumstances. 
  • Ensure you continue to prioritise your personal wellbeing. All permanent and fixed-term staff can access support through our Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) 
  • When commuting to your place of study or work, consider public transport options.
  • If you need to travel for work, consider whether the trip can be replaced with a virtual meeting or similar. Where travel is necessary, send only one university representative instead of a larger delegation, and plan for potential disruption by working with your line manager or supervisor on a return contingency plan.
  • Where suppliers request cost increases, contact your finance business partner or the Procurement team for advice or support. Maintain cost awareness and reduce unnecessary purchases.
  • Researchers are encouraged to work with their line manager or supervisor in anticipation of the Government escalating to subsequent phases.
    • Consider whether work can be adapted if necessary, especially for longer-term research that may need to be interrupted or stopped.

Students

Our fuel response plan