Gidday r/newzealand
I run a cherry orchard in Central Otago. A few years ago I ripped out every fossil fuel machine on the farm (diesel tractors, diesel frost fighting fans, petrol vehicles) and replaced everything with electric equivalents powered by solar or our grid. The farm now runs without any fossil fuels and we're saving tens of thousands a year. Getting off imported fuels onto NZ made electricity is better for the planet, better for energy sovereignty & resilience, and it’s also genuinely the cheapest way to power your home and business right now.
I’m also CEO of Rewiring Aotearoa, an independent charity that exists to bring electrification to everyone in New Zealand. We have a team of energy, policy, and community outreach experts working to make this affordable for all.
I know the fuel crisis, rising power bills, climate change, and cost of living are big on people’s minds right now. I’ve been interviewed a lot about these topics, like on Q+A recently with Jack Tame. I heard it’s a hot topic on r/nz as well so I’m here to answer your questions as best I can.
Proof:
I'll be live on Wednesday 6 May from 7–9pm (not the 5th like the picture says!) to answer anything:
- When is solar worth it?
- Is there an end to the fuel crisis in sight?
- What's the fastest way to cut your power bill?
- How much can you actually save with an EV?
- What do the energy companies not want you to know?
- Upfront costs, finance, renters, older homes
Drop your questions now if you want them in the queue before Wednesday.
Rewiring is also going on tour across Auckland, Tauranga, Wellington and Hamilton where we’ll give a presentation and you can ask questions in person.
Mike