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Electrify Queenstown has wrapped after three days of discussion, demonstrations and debate, attracting more than 1000 attendees to the Queenstown Events Centre.
Now in its third year, the event brought together politicians, business leaders, energy experts, community groups and residents to explore how electrification could support a more resilient and affordable future for Queenstown and wider New Zealand.
Queenstown Lakes District Mayor John Glover says the event highlighted the need for stronger regional and national energy planning.
“We have regional land transport plans, so why don’t we have regional energy plans?” John says.
“We need to be looking at where investment will make the biggest difference, whether that is network upgrades, community batteries, building code changes or local generation.”
Mayor Glover says the discussions held during the event could help shape future decision-making.
“The expertise in this room over the past three days has been extraordinary, and these are the conversations that can help shape what needs to happen next.”
Focus on practical solutions
The third and final day focused on practical business advice, with sessions covering power bill savings, EV technology, electricity system resilience, transport and business operating models.
Organisations contributing to the programme included Rewiring Aotearoa, Aurora Energy, Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority, Transpower and ChargeNet.
Hundreds of visitors also attended the free public How-To Hub and Power Playground, which featured more than 30 exhibitors.
Sold-out home tours and electric experiences showcased solar systems, batteries, EVs, regenerative tourism initiatives and energy-efficient building design.
The event also featured a political leaders’ debate, keynote presentations and workshops focused on transport, tourism resilience, infrastructure and home electrification.
Aurora Energy backs transition
Principal sponsor Aurora Energy says the transition to cleaner energy systems remains a shared long-term goal.
Aurora Energy chief executive Richard Fletcher says the company’s role is to support the transition while keeping costs manageable for consumers.
“Aurora Energy’s role is clear: enabling that transition at the lowest cost to customers,” Richard says.
“That means weighing network and non-network solutions equally to maintain a safe, secure supply and getting pricing right.”
Richard says cost-reflective pricing would be important in encouraging lower network demand while remaining fair to consumers.
Electrify Queenstown 2026 was supported by Aurora Energy alongside partners including Air New Zealand, Ara Ake, Westpac New Zealand and Queenstown Lakes District Council.
Electrify Queenstown is scheduled to return in May 2027.
