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Award-winning summit Electrify Queenstown will return in May 2026, delivering a three-day programme combining political debate, high-profile speakers, immersive electric experiences and practical advice for businesses and households.
Delivered by Destination Queenstown, with principal sponsor Aurora Energy, Electrify Queenstown 2026 will be held at the Queenstown Events Centre from Sunday, May 17 to Tuesday, May 19, 2026.
The centrepiece of the programme will be The Future of New Zealand’s Energy System: Political Debate, bringing together representatives from National, Labour, the Green Party and The Opportunity Party. The debate will be moderated by journalist Paddy Gower.
The summit will also feature a line-up of national and international speakers focused on electrification, energy and transport, alongside panel discussions covering topics including finance, investment and electrification myth-busting.
Beyond the stage, attendees will be able to take part in immersive electric experiences, including visits to smart homes and businesses, demonstrations of e-bikes, e-boats and electric vehicles, and hands-on engagement with solar, battery and household technologies. Practical advice will also be available through the How-to Hub, hosted by Queenstown Electrification Accelerator.
Destination Queenstown & Lake Wānaka Tourism chief executive Mat Woods says the summit continues to evolve as electrification becomes more mainstream.
“Across the country we’re seeing electrification move from early adoption to the mainstream, and this summit captures that moment,” says Mat.
“With the General Election taking place later this year, Electrify Queenstown 2026 will provide an opportunity to hear directly from politicians about how they plan to power New Zealand’s future.”
Speakers and panellists include renewable electricity advocate Dr Saul Griffith, Rewiring Aotearoa chief executive Mike Casey, Xero founder Sir Rod Drury and environmentalist and entrepreneur Izzy Fenwick.
Queenstown Lakes District mayor John Glover says the summit demonstrates how electrification is already delivering benefits locally.
“Electrify Queenstown shows what’s working now and gives people confidence these solutions are achievable and relevant for our community,” says John.
Aurora Energy chief executive Richard Fletcher says the company is pleased to support the event for a third consecutive year.
“This event plays an important role in helping households and businesses understand the benefits of electrification,” says Richard.
“As the owner of the electricity distribution network in Queenstown, we are investing across the Wakatipu area to ensure the network is safe, reliable and ready for growing demand.”
For the first time, Electrify Queenstown 2026 will introduce ticketing, including early-bird pricing, to support the long-term sustainability of the event.
Tickets are now on sale, with options to attend individual days or the full three-day programme.
Programme overview:
- Sunday, May 17 – Electric Experiences
Community and business-focused tours, demonstrations and exhibitions - Monday, May 18 – Business Innovation, Investment & Policy
Keynotes, political debate and finance panels - Tuesday, May 19 – How to Electrify
Practical sessions focused on implementation and cost savings
