The rupture of Refining NZ's 170km-long pipeline, through which it pumps aviation fuel for use at Auckland International Airport, has caused widespread disruption at the airport through flight cancellations and postponements.
The pipeline on farmland in Northland was damaged last Thursday by a digger. Travel disruptions were expected to continue this week.
Energy and resources minister Judith Collins said on Monday the biggest concern was around the lack of aviation fuel supplies and there was no issue around a shortage of fuel for motorists at this stage, she said.
Ms Collins said most flights from Auckland Airport were going ahead, but some airlines had reduced schedules for the next week due to the jet fuel shortage.
Twenty-seven flights were affected over the weekend, but the number was today down to 14, the New Zealand Herald reported.
However, Air New Zealand said it was planning further cuts to its service because it was still using too much fuel, despite cancelling four trans-Tasman and 14 domestic flights.
The airline warned there would be further disruptions to its domestic jet, regional and trans-Tasman flights. Long haul flights departing Auckland on Monday night would also be making refuelling stops at Pacific or Australian airports.
The Defence Force had been tasked with using the naval tanker HMNZS Endeavour to move diesel fuel from Marsden Point to other parts of the country.
To do this, the Defence Force had cancelled a major exercise in Singapore to save fuel and was providing up to 20 additional tanker drivers to assist local operators.
The Government was also trying to get more tankers on the road which could deliver fuel to Auckland and this included easing regulations around hours of work or weight restrictions.
Prime Minister Bill English said on Monday it was too early to know whether the person who damaged the line could face legal action However, he said the line was quite deep.
"They must have been very determined because I'm told it was reasonably deep. Of course that will be a question that will be answered afterwards. But I'm advised that all the fuel that was leaked has been dealt with and they are remediating the site as we speak."
Mr English said he had spoken to Ms Collins and the chairman of Air New Zealand on Monday morning.
"They have got some confidence that the different organisations are doing their level best.
"Everyone is very conscious of the inconvenience for travellers from any uncertainty. So it is very important that they are providing information to travellers as much as possible... Air New Zealand and the airlines are working very hard on changing their refuelling arrangements. That's the best thing they can do."
Check insurance
A major travel insurer said people would not be able to make claims to cover any extra travel or accommodation expenses caused by the fuel crisis if they bought their policy after 10am on Sunday.
In a statement on its website, Southern Cross Travel Insurance said as the situation was not considered to be unexpected from 10am yesterday, extra expenses would not be covered for policies taken out after then.
"As this situation is not considered to be unexpected from this date and time, there is no cover under your policy for any expenses you may incur as a result of Auckland Airport Fuel Crisis delays or cancellations.
"You will still be covered for other unexpected events according to the terms and conditions of your policy.''
Those who bought insurance before the cut-off were covered but were urged to contact their service provider first.
"Airlines, accommodation providers and tour companies may provide refunds, credit notes or alter your bookings without charging additional fees.''
Southern Cross said people who were currently overseas and had their return to New Zealand affected, would automatically have their policy extended until they were able to return on the next available flight.
English said it was too early to know whether the person who damaged the line on Northland farmland could face legal action However, he said the line was quite deep.
"They must have been very determined because I'm told it was reasonably deep. Of course that will be a question that will be answered afterwards.
"But I'm advised that all the fuel that was leaked has been dealt with and they are remediating the site as we speak."
English said he had an update from Energy Minister Judith Collins and the chairman of Air New Zealand this morning.
"They have got some confidence that the different organisations are doing their level best.
"Everyone is very conscious of the inconvenience for travellers from any uncertainty. So it is very important that they are providing information to travellers as much as possible...Air New Zealand and the airlines are working very hard on changing their refuelling arrangements. That's the best thing they can do."
Speaking after a tour of Freshmax Orchards near Hastings, English said he was sure there would be more work done looking at the security of fuel supply.
"There have been a couple of studies done that looked at different alternatives for backing up the current infrastructure and the decisions were made that the investment required to double up would be too much.
"But I would expect that after this they will go back and have another look at it."
