Operation Laser Kiwi: help us take New Zealand-made energy on the road
"I firmly believe electricity is the next crop for farmers in New Zealand, and the more farmers that get involved in this, the better the returns for farmers are going to be ... My big dream is that farmers start powering New Zealand. That would be really cool." Seven Sharp ventured to Cromwell recently and Rachel Parkin put together a beautiful story about the all-electric Forest Lodge Orchard. The team has proven that it's possible to grow cherries without burning any diesel on the farm - 'not a single drop,' as manager Euan White says - and that farmers can play a role in the energy system by generating, using, storing and exporting their own electricity. At the moment, many homes, farms and businesses are reliant on expensive molecules sent to us from the other side of the world. Fossil fuels have taken us a long way, but there is a better and cheaper option: locally-produced electrons. That's good for businesses, and good for the country as a whole. Watch the show on TVNZ+ (skip to 4 mins).
Roger 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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