We needed a new car in 2014 and were going to get a 7-seater Hybrid, apart from the fact there were none available. One evening we heard Steve West on Radio New Zealand being interviewed about a new charging network he was setting up and why New Zealand was a perfect country to do it. And so, we bought one of the first Nissan LEAFs in New Zealand and have never looked back.
We've been collecting stories of bill savings, self-sufficiency and emissions reductions from homeowners, farms and businesses that have gone electric for a while now and they are a potent illustration of what's possible.
For many, it feels like they've accessed a cheat code that unlocks a much cheaper, cleaner and more stable energy subscription. Some had to take a risk or pay a premium to go early on electric technology, but these pioneers are the ones who help create the conditions for others to adopt it and in many cases, it's their experiences that help convince others to follow suit. That's why we suggest that when you've electrified your own life, you try and electrify someone else's, too.
Why it works
Neighbourhood Effect
We are herding creatures, after all, and research shows that seeing others adopt rooftop solar increases the number of nearby installations — something called the 'neighbourhood effect'. It's in full swing right now, with more New Zealanders looking at EVs and solar than perhaps ever before.
When it comes to technological changes, the majority tends to wait until lots of others have jumped on board before they decide to take the plunge. Our community groups are doing great work ensuring the neighbourhood effect takes hold in their areas.
"Well, I can't have you one-up me." Rewiring Aotearoa CEO Mike Casey has managed to convince a lot of people to electrify, including his dad Simon Casey. But he recently took things up a notch by buying 648 panels for his lifestyle block in the Wairarapa.
I’m an electric mum with one daughter electric - panels & Leaf - and the other daughter with a hybrid and solar on the shared whanau holiday home. But I also had electric grandparents. The farm was in hill country in the back of the Bay of Plenty. Grandad and the boys damned a small creek up the hill, put in a down pipe and a pelton wheel to generate 600W DC to drive the shears in the woodshed. The house was about 70 yards away, so they rigged up a loop line between two bike wheels - one in the roof of the house and one in the woodshed. A broom handle in the kitchen acted as a switch and if Grandma wanted to use the iron she simply turned the broom handle. Simple and efficient!
I'm lucky to have some fairly electric parents. Mine went solar two years after we did and same story with the EV. They're still using a gas cooktop but the central heating conversion from gas to heat pump is underway. We're obviously a good influence!
I electrified my mum a few months ago! First in the family, needed some help with the tech, the experience has “exceeded all expectations” and she loves it. Cheap Nissan Leaf, charges every night from 9pm-12am on a timer for free, which is about all it needs for her daily commutes. Dad’s jealous and is waiting on an affordable model with more range.
My 88 year old gran drives an EV, and her house in retirement village is all electric ⚡️ 👵🏼
My mum was electric before me! She had one of the first Nissan Leafs (leaves?) in Dunedin, which convinced dad, and now both drive electric and installed solar a year ago.
I’m almost there with my in-laws. They have solar and got my father in law into an EV a few years ago. Mother in law has gone as far as an e-power Nissan.
I'm an electrified mum! Took some convincing of my male partner but we got there, whoot! And my Mum is an electric Mum - got the jump on me five years ago with it all.
My mum and mother-in-law are both are electric mums, and me and my sister are also the next generation of electric mums!
I have just put petrol in my car for what may be the last time YAY.
Mike Casey's TikTok was the catalyst to get me over the line a year ago and put a system on the roof. Cost $13,500. First year we have saved just over $3,000. I've convinced three neighbours to do the same. We also bought a second-hand Nissan Leaf for $5,000 that vehicle has quickly become our main vehicle. We charge it about every third day, and the solar system mostly covers it.
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