Buzz around Electrify Queenstown
More than 200 attendees gathered at Skyline Queenstown yesterday, as Electrify Queenstown 2025 got underway.
The three-day programme helps businesses and households explore practical ways to reduce energy bills, electrify, and decarbonise.
Within a week of tickets going live the opening day event was fully subscribed, highlighting strong community interest in electrification and innovation across the Queenstown Lakes District.
Industry leaders and global experts took to the stage, including keynote speaker Dr Saul Griffith, inventor, internationally acclaimed author of "Electrify", and chief scientist at multiple organisations working on climate action and clean energy research.
Dr Griffith says: “With the U.S taking a sabbatical from climate action, the world needs climate leadership.
“New Zealand and Australia — two countries where electrification has crossed the economic tipping point — have a generational opportunity to deliver community-led electrification that will pave the way for the world to follow on effective climate action.
“What better place than Queenstown to showcase the benefits of an electrified future."
Powered by principal sponsor, Aurora Energy for a second year, Electrify Queenstown brings together entrepreneurs, policymakers, innovators and business leaders to share opportunities to create a more resilient and sustainable future.
Mat Woods, Chief Executive of Destination Queenstown and Lake Wānaka Tourism, says the region is proud to host such a future focused event.
“Electrify Queenstown will showcase leading electric innovations and practical solutions to empower both households and businesses to take steps toward a more energy-efficient, low-emissions future, often with significant cost savings," he says.
“Whether you're exploring electric transport, improving energy use at home, or finding ways to cut business operating costs, there will be something for everyone."
The momentum continues today, Tuesday, 27 May, with more 300 people expected at the Queenstown Event Centre for an exhibition and tradeshow.
The expo is free to attend, with more than 40 exhibitors across solar energy, home heating, cooking and insulation, EV’s and charging facilities, and banks offering low-interest green loans. Attendees have the chance to test-drive seven of the latest electric vehicles, explore electric boats and e-bikes, and experience virtual reality transport technology.
Electrify Queenstown will wrap up on Wednesday, 28 May, with an electric experience from Queenstown Marina to Forest Lodge Orchard at Mt Pisa. Queenstown Marina is home to New Zealand’s first publicly accessible electric boat charging infrastructure, while Forest Lodge is the world’s first 100% electric cherry orchard. Guests will be taken on a behind-the-scenes tour of this pioneering farm.
Electrify Queenstown supports the region’s ambition for regenerative tourism by 2030, underpinned by the keystone project to achieve a carbon zero visitor economy.
Register to join Electrify Queenstown: electrifyqueenstown.co.nz.
Tuesday 27 May: Electrification in Action, Queenstown Events Centre (free entry)
Wednesday 28 May: Electric Experiences, Queenstown Marina to Forest Lodge Orchard
