The 'Electric Election': energy policies, side by side
The Taranaki community turned out in force for the popular Electrify My Whare and Electrify My Farm events held at the Novotel New Plymouth on Monday 10th November. These events were part of the Taranaki Sustainable Trails: Backyards, Builds & Farms series.
The Taranaki community turned out in force for the popular Electrify My Whare and Electrify My Farm events held at the Novotel New Plymouth on Monday 10th November. These events were part of the Taranaki Sustainable Trails: Backyards, Builds & Farms series.
Hosted by Rewiring Aotearoa’s Mike Casey, these sessions brought together national and local experts to explore how electrification, from homes to farms, can cut costs, reduce emissions, and future-proof communities.
Electrify My Farm drew farmers, business owners and sustainability advocates keen to understand how renewable energy and on-farm electrification can reduce operational costs while generating new income streams.
“This event was a unique opportunity for Taranaki to engage directly with leading voices in energy transition,”said Cath Stabb, co-coordinator of Sustainable Trails. “It’s inspiring to see our region’s farmers and residents leading the shift toward more resilient, low-emission systems.”
The companion event, Electrify My Whare, was sold-out, and focused on household energy, with Mike Casey joined by speakers from Community Energy Taranaki, Ara Ake, and New Plymouth District Council Sustainability Advisor Sam Rowlands.
Together they unpacked practical pathways for electrifying homes, improving insulation, adding solar and batteries, and ensuring equitable access to energy solutions for all New Zealanders.
A lively panel discussion addressed key questions from attendees, including safety, affordability, and how policy can keep pace with technology. Speakers emphasised that battery fires are extremely rare in home systems, and that new technology like “islanding” allows households to remain powered even during grid outages.
Mike Casey shared that the real opportunity lies in bringing down power costs, enabling energy independence, and supporting communities through a fair and inclusive energy transition.
“The technology is ready — and by acting now, we can save money, cut emissions and make our energy systems more resilient,” said Casey. “It’s not just about reducing bills; it’s about energy sovereignty and a fairer future for everyone.”
Both Electrify events were hosted by Sustainable Taranaki as part of the Sustainable Trails series, with support from local partners and sponsors. Tickets included light lunch or nibbles and a chance to network with peers and experts in the energy transition space.
The Electrify My Whare event sold out in advance, reflecting growing community interest in practical, locally relevant climate action. The Taranaki Sustainable Builds & Farms Trails finishes this Sunday 16 November and there are still tickets available for the following events:
Saturday 15 November
Sunday 16 November
For tickets, or more information on these upcoming events as part of Sustainable Farms and Builds visit: www.sustainablebackyards.org.nz
Ngā mihi to all hosts, sponsors and supporters who make the Sustainable Builds & Farms Trails possible.
'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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