Operation Laser Kiwi: help us take New Zealand-made energy on the road
What if you could arrange a half-day in the debating chamber when I could bring a group we’re calling the “Coalition of the Willing” to share constructive, economic solutions around the opportunities climate change and sustainability offer to Aotearoa New Zealand? Opportunities that could significantly lift our GDP, reduce billion-dollar infrastructure costs, create high-value jobs and maximise returns from our forestry and geothermal assets. 1. ReWiring Aotearoa (Mike Casey and team): Current strategy involves spending billions on infrastructure to move electricity from fast-tracked wind and solar farms, potentially doubling household costs. Casey’s fossil-fuel free, fully electric orchard in Central Otago shows how rooftop solar panels and batteries can deliver power directly to homes and businesses at a fraction of the cost, building energy resilience. The importance of this was highlighted this month. As we faced those potential power cuts, Casey’s farm actually delivered excess electricity back to the grid. While the farm uses 900 per cent more electricity than before it was electrified, most of that is self-generated or stored off the grid during off-peak times. Electricity is sold back during peak times. The annual saving on diesel is $40,000 a year. Imagine every farm in the country working like that.
Read moreDownload the document hereRoger Robson-Williams owns 20% of New Zealand's electric tractor fleet. That sounds impressive, until you learn there are only five of them. But, like his fellow electric tractor enthusiast Mike Casey, he's on a mission to change that by providing a bit of inspiration and information.
Read moreDownloadYour power bill is set to keep rising, in part because of how electricity distribution businesses (EDBs, also known as lines companies) are run and regulated. EDB spending is expected to be one of the biggest factors in increasing bills in New Zealand’s electricity system over the coming years, as it has been in the last few years. The Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment (MBIE) is now asking what should change. This is a consequential energy consultation and we are encouraging you to submit to ensure the voice of the community is heard. If Government gets this wrong, your bills will be higher for decades to come. If Government gets this right, your bills could be lower. Submissions are due 5pm Friday 30 September 2026.
Read moreDownloadNew Zealand has lots of renewable electricity, but still uses lots of expensive imported energy; commercial kitchens in the UK are are turning down the heat (and the toxins, and the costs, and hassle of cleaning gas hobs) by going electric; new research shows plenty of young'uns think petrol cars are akin to a landline; a solar-powered ambulance designed by Dutch students brings some 'medisun' to remote areas; 'Pic's Peanut Butter partners up with FTN Motion for a special electric motorbike; and a great website that helps us appreciate the abundance that's all around us (and the things that could be entirely normal soon).
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