Our reliance on imported energy has come into sharp relief in recent weeks as we battle rising oil prices. he has shown that it's not just possible, but profitable, to run his business with electric machines that are fuelled with cheaper, cleaner New Zealand made energy and he thinks New Zealand could become a lighthouse for the rest of the world to follow.

Sir Rod Drury, who took out the New Zealander of the Year Award, is also focused on energy and he has a similarly bold vision, so we look forward to this 'power couple' doing more together in the future.

As the winner's blurb summarised, "Casey's pioneering use of 21 electric farm machines, powered by solar and New Zealand’s renewable grid, has cut emissions by around 50 tonnes each year while saving tens of thousands in energy costs – a model that’s inspired farmers and innovators across the country.

Now as CEO of Rewiring Aotearoa, Mike is scaling that impact nationally. In just two years, he’s turned the energy think-and-do tank into a ground-up movement, raising millions in philanthropic funding and building a team of leading experts to make electrification practical, affordable, and exciting for New Zealanders.

Tens of thousands of New Zealanders now know Mike’s story and Rewiring’s message through their relentless advocacy, storytelling, and evidence-based leadership and a general desire for a better future for our nation.

Mike has shifted the national conversation on climate from one of sacrifice to one that's an exciting opportunity – showing that a cleaner energy future means a lower cost of living for whānau and a far better economic outlook for our country and everyone who calls our beautiful country home."

Congratulations to Mike and all the other winners, finalists and semi-finalists for your important work. See the winners here.

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