Dr Megan Woods, Labour’s spokesperson for Energy and Resources, then stepped in for Rt Hon. Chris Hipkins for the leaders’ debate.

The debate tackled some of the country’s biggest energy and economic questions, from electricity market structure and the role of the gentailers, to the proposed LNG import facility, subsidies, ratepayer support, electrical apprenticeships, and the future resilience of New Zealand’s economy.

Mat Woods, chief executive of Destination Queenstown and Lake Wānaka Tourism, said: “What stood out today was the breadth of the discussion. This was not just a debate about electricity; it was about affordability, resilience, productivity, equity, fairness, and the kind of energy system New Zealand needs for the future.

“Queenstown was the right place for this conversation. As a fast-growing district with real infrastructure pressures and big ambitions around resilience, we understand how important it is to think differently about energy, investment and long-term planning.”

The debate closed the second day of Electrify Queenstown, the Business Innovation, Investment & Policy programme.

International inventor, scientist and electrification advocate Dr Saul Griffith delivered a keynote speech on the global direction of electrification, sharing insights on how countries, communities and businesses can move faster toward cleaner, more affordable energy systems.

Earlier in the day, Rewiring Aotearoa chief executive Mike Casey outlined the competitive advantages of electrification, while Aurora Energy chief executive Richard Fletcher shared what is next for the region’s electricity network. Southern Infrastructure chief executive Ross Copland also shared progress on Queenstown’s proposed cable car project and explored how major infrastructure could support a more connected, lower-emissions future for the district..

Sessions also explored green finance and funding pathways, with Westpac, EECA and Pic’s Peanut Butter, while Ara Ake led a discussion on reimagining energy for a low-emissions Aotearoa alongside the New Zealand Climate Foundation, Queenstown Electrification Accelerator and the Climate Change Commission.

Alongside the main auditorium sessions, attendees connected with practical technologies, advisors and suppliers through the How-To Hub, designed to help households and businesses take real steps toward electrification.

Backed by Principal Sponsor Aurora Energy, Electrify Queenstown 2026 concludes tomorrow with a focus on practical implementation, business transition and community action.

Tickets remain available for Tuesday’s programme - Practical business advice – the ‘How To’.

‍