The 'Electric Election': energy policies, side by side
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Queenstown, New Zealand (18 May 2026) Leading politicians debated New Zealand's energy future on the second day of Electrify Queenstown 2026 today. The sold-out session, moderated by journalist Paddy Gower, opened with speeches from Deputy Prime Minister and ACT Party Leader Hon. David Seymour, Labour Leader Rt Hon. Chris Hipkins, Energy Minister Hon. Simeon Brown, New Zealand First Co-Leader and Associate Energy Minister Hon. Shane Jones, Green Party Co-Leader Chlöe Swarbrick, and The Opportunities Party Leader Qiulae Wong.
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’.
'Twas the night before Chris-mas, and all through the house, all the voters were stirring, the pundits showing their nous … the election will soon be over, but the energy crisis won't, so we'll be there to pester whoever is in power about the need to run more of the economy on New Zealand-made energy; can Ethiopia's aggressive push for EVs work and how does New Zealand compare in terms of adoption rates?; a two-way charging trial from Genesis shows promise in Auckland, but there's still a way to go before it's mainstream; small electric vehicles are often overlooked when it comes to electrifying transport, but it's hard to miss this weird French one; a solar-powered cafe (and some electric coffee); and we endorse the political vandalism of Keith of All Trades.
Read moreDownloadPoliticians are being urged to adopt stronger electric vehicle incentives ahead of the election. Climate and energy advocacy group Rewiring Aotearoa is arguing that EVs are one of the most effective long-term solutions for rising transport and energy costs. They're promoting an EV Salary Boost proposal, which would allow workers to access EVs through pre-tax salary arrangements – similarly to already existing schemes in the UK and Australia. Policy and Government Relations Spokesperson Ngaio Neumegen told Kerre Woodham that even with the rising cost of power, it's still cheaper to run an EV than a car running on imported fuel.
A proposal that would let New Zealanders lease an electric car using their before-tax pay has not won a commitment from either National or Labour, with the 7 November election days away. Under the EV Salary Boost, put forward by Rewiring Aotearoa and Drive Electric, an employee would lease a new or used EV for three to five years. The payments would come out of their pay before tax, lowering the cost of running the car. The idea is based on Australia’s novated leasing system, though the groups say they are not proposing a direct copy.
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