Over three incredible days from 17-19 May 2026,Electrify Queenstown brought together more than 1,000 attendees from acrossAotearoa - including politicians, business leaders, energy experts, communityorganisations, innovators, and local residents - to explore New Zealand’senergy future.
Held at Queenstown Events Centre, the event showcased how electrification can reduce costs, strengthen energy resilience, support decarbonisation, and unlock new economic opportunities for businesses and communities alike.
The three-day programme featured keynote speakers, panels, exhibitions, networking sessions, and immersive experiences, with contributions from organisations including Rewiring Aotearoa, Aurora Energy, NordEast, Rental Car Association, EECA, Transpower, ChargeNet, Southern Infrastructure, Vessev, Naut, Climate Change Commission, and Farmlands Flex.
A major highlight was the national political debate onthe future of New Zealand’s energy system, facilitated by Paddy Gower. (see more below).
Hundreds of people also moved through the free public How-To Hub and Power Playground at the event, engaging with more than 30 exhibitors showcasing electric vehicles, solar and battery systems, charging technology, home energy solutions, and emerging innovations. Attendees had the opportunity to connect directly with experts to gain independent advice onelectrifying homes, businesses, and fleets.
Beyond the main venue, sold-out Electric Experiences and home tours gave attendees the chance to see electrification in action across the district - from solar and battery systems to EV infrastructure, regenerative tourism operations, energy-efficient buildings, and electric transport solutions operating in real-world environments. Electrify Queenstown 2026 demonstrated the growing momentum behind electrification in Aotearoa.
Other experts in policy, energy, climate, electricity, and sustainable business leaders
Other experts in policy, energy, climate, electricity, and sustainable business leaders
One of the standout moments of the event was theFuture of New Zealand’s Energy System – Political Leaders’ Debate, facilitated by Paddy Gower. It began with speeches by Hon. David Seymour (Deputy Prime Minister and Act Party Leader), Rt Hon. Chris Hiplins (Labour Party Leader), Hon Simeon Brown (Energy Minister, National Party), Hon Shane Jones (NewZ ealand First Co-Leader), Chlöe Swarbrick (Green Party Co-Leader), Qiulae Wong(Opportunity Party Leader). Dr Megan Woods, Labour’s spokesperson for Energy and Resources, then stepped in for Rt Hon. Chris Hipkins for the leaders’ debate.
Watch the political debate below as leaders from across the spectrum debate the real changes they believe New Zealand should make to build a more resilient, affordable, and secure energy system.
