Electrify Queenstown 2025: Community Evening Sessions
Join our Senior Energy Innovation Manager Briony Bennett at Electrify Queenstown, talking to electrification and community resilience.
Join us for an inspiring evening of kōrero, ideas, and practical solutions at the Electrify Queenstown Community Evening Sessions — a free public event designed to spark meaningful conversations about how we can power a cleaner, more resilient future together. This evening is for everyone — homeowners, renters, business owners, students, and curious minds. Whether you’re already on your electrification journey or just want to know where to start, come along and be part of the conversation.
When: Tuesday, 27 May, 6pm - 8pm
Where: Queenstown Events Centre, Joe Oconnell Drive, Frankton
Register for free: electrifyqueenstown.co.nz
What to expect:
The sessions are facilitated by Ben Fahy – Head of Comms at Rewiring Aotearoa, Partnerships Manager at NZ Geographic, and Freelance Journalist for Kia Ora magazine.
The Energy Transition: Dr Rebecca Peer, academic at the University of Canterbury, will unpack the big-picture shifts driving change in Aotearoa’s energy system — and what they mean for you.
Local Energy Resilience and Emergency Preparedness:
This talk relates to strengthening our home and communities to stay connected and safe during major disruptions. It’s being held by Bill Nichol, Resilience & Climate Action Manager at QLDC and Craig Gibson, Emergency Management Advisor Queenstown at Emergency Management Otago.
How to Electrify Your Home: Jay Salzke, Ecosystem Lead at Rewiring Aotearoa, will share simple, practical steps to reduce your home’s emissions, lower your bills, and future-proof your lifestyle.
Panel and Q&A: Electrification and Community Resilience
Hear from a diverse panel of experts as they discuss how electrification can strengthen our communities and economy:
- Mike Casey – Owner of Electric Cherries and electrified his business and house
- Josh Ellison – R&D Lead, Rewiring Aotearoa
- Dr Rebecca Peer – University of Canterbury
- Briony Bennett – Senior Energy Innovation Manager, Ara Ake
Published on 15 May 2025, Lakes Weekly Bulletin