Latest news with #LakeWānakaTourism
Scoop
12 hours ago
- Business
- Scoop
Electrify Queenstown To Return In 2026
Press Release – Destination Queenstown Now a cornerstone event in Queenstowns calendar, Electrify Queenstown will take place from 17 19 May 2026, bringing together industry leaders, innovators, politicians and policymakers to share practical, cost-effective ways for businesses and households … Queenstown, New Zealand (10 June 2025) – Electrify Queenstown will return for a third year, following the huge success of the 2025 event which built strong momentum across the region. Now a cornerstone event in Queenstown's calendar, Electrify Queenstown will take place from 17 – 19 May 2026, bringing together industry leaders, innovators, politicians and policymakers to share practical, cost-effective ways for businesses and households to electrify. Mat Woods, Chief Executive of Destination Queenstown and Lake Wānaka Tourism, says Electrify Queenstown is an event designed to turn ideas into action. 'The energy this year was incredible with hundreds of people turning up to explore new and emerging technologies and future-focused solutions that not only save you money, but are good for the environment too.' he said. Attendees this year included local residents, visitors from around New Zealand, business owners, and change makers all eager to share the opportunities and challenges involved in a low-emissions future. The event featured bold announcements including plans for a low-emissions urban cable car network in Queenstown, the debut of new electric marine propulsion technology on Lake Whakatipu, and the release of Rewiring Aotearoa's policy manifesto. Mike Casey, CEO of Rewiring Aotearoa, says there's an exciting opportunity for New Zealand to lead the global energy transition, and events like Electrify Queenstown are helping educate kiwis about what's possible. 'Aotearoa New Zealand is one of the few countries that has reached the electrification tipping point where it's cheaper to electrify than use the fossil fuel alternative. 'Whether you're in it for the cost savings, lowering emissions, or energy security, we all win by going electric.' Mike said. Electrify Queenstown is proving to be a valuable platform for businesses and innovators to showcase energy-efficient solutions for homes and enterprises. Sharon Fifield, CEO of Queenstown Business Chamber of Commerce, says it's inspiring to see the momentum that's been built since the inaugural one-day event in 2024. 'Businesses are seeing the economic value of electrification alongside the environmental benefits, and there's genuine enthusiasm to get involved and make a difference.' Sharon said. With strong interest from locals eager to lower their bills, become more energy efficient and resilient, organisers say Electrify Queenstown 2026 will again cater to everyone with even more opportunities for collaboration and innovation. 'Each year, more people are seeing what's possible through electrification and it's exciting to think about what 2026 will bring.' Mat added. Electrify Queenstown 2026 will take place at the Queenstown Events Centre, Sunday 17 May – Tuesday 19 May 2026. The event supports Queenstown Lakes' destination management plan and the broader goal of regenerative tourism and a carbon-zero visitor economy by 2030.
Scoop
13 hours ago
- Business
- Scoop
Electrify Queenstown To Return In 2026
Queenstown, New Zealand (10 June 2025) – Electrify Queenstown will return for a third year, following the huge success of the 2025 event which built strong momentum across the region. Now a cornerstone event in Queenstown's calendar, Electrify Queenstown will take place from 17 – 19 May 2026, bringing together industry leaders, innovators, politicians and policymakers to share practical, cost-effective ways for businesses and households to electrify. Mat Woods, Chief Executive of Destination Queenstown and Lake Wānaka Tourism, says Electrify Queenstown is an event designed to turn ideas into action. 'The energy this year was incredible with hundreds of people turning up to explore new and emerging technologies and future-focused solutions that not only save you money, but are good for the environment too.' he said. Attendees this year included local residents, visitors from around New Zealand, business owners, and change makers all eager to share the opportunities and challenges involved in a low-emissions future. The event featured bold announcements including plans for a low-emissions urban cable car network in Queenstown, the debut of new electric marine propulsion technology on Lake Whakatipu, and the release of Rewiring Aotearoa's policy manifesto. Mike Casey, CEO of Rewiring Aotearoa, says there's an exciting opportunity for New Zealand to lead the global energy transition, and events like Electrify Queenstown are helping educate kiwis about what's possible. 'Aotearoa New Zealand is one of the few countries that has reached the electrification tipping point where it's cheaper to electrify than use the fossil fuel alternative. 'Whether you're in it for the cost savings, lowering emissions, or energy security, we all win by going electric.' Mike said. Electrify Queenstown is proving to be a valuable platform for businesses and innovators to showcase energy-efficient solutions for homes and enterprises. Sharon Fifield, CEO of Queenstown Business Chamber of Commerce, says it's inspiring to see the momentum that's been built since the inaugural one-day event in 2024. 'Businesses are seeing the economic value of electrification alongside the environmental benefits, and there's genuine enthusiasm to get involved and make a difference.' Sharon said. With strong interest from locals eager to lower their bills, become more energy efficient and resilient, organisers say Electrify Queenstown 2026 will again cater to everyone with even more opportunities for collaboration and innovation. 'Each year, more people are seeing what's possible through electrification and it's exciting to think about what 2026 will bring." Mat added. Electrify Queenstown 2026 will take place at the Queenstown Events Centre, Sunday 17 May - Tuesday 19 May 2026. The event supports Queenstown Lakes' destination management plan and the broader goal of regenerative tourism and a carbon-zero visitor economy by 2030.
Scoop
26-05-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Energised Crowd Plugs In At Electrify Queenstown 2025
Press Release – Destination Queenstown 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. More than 200 attendees have gathered at Skyline Queenstown, as Electrify Queenstown 2025 launches today. 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 will take 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. Commenting on the importance of the event, Dr Griffith said: '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,' Dr Griffith said. 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. '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,' Mat said. The momentum continues Tuesday 27 May, with over 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.
Scoop
26-05-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Energised Crowd Plugs In At Electrify Queenstown 2025
More than 200 attendees have gathered at Skyline Queenstown, as Electrify Queenstown 2025 launches today. 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 will take 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. Commenting on the importance of the event, Dr Griffith said: '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,' Dr Griffith said. 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. '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,' Mat said. The momentum continues Tuesday 27 May, with over 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.
Otago Daily Times
18-05-2025
- Business
- Otago Daily Times
Tourism groups step up joint work
The Queenstown and Wānaka regional tourism organisations (RTOs) are working together more than ever, creating, it is claimed, both efficiencies and more marketing clout. The co-operation even extends to their leadership, where Destination Queenstown chief executive Mat Woods is now also chief executive of Lake Wānaka Tourism after the latter's head of destination stepped down in March. On July 1, Destination Queenstown and Lake Wānaka Tourism will also operate with the same annual plan. Mr Woods said better co-operation between the organisations had been discussed for 10-plus years. Then, during Covid, both organisations, together with the council, produced a destination management plan. Last year, the two bodies entered a shared-services agreement where data, administration and trade and business events marketing are shared between the two. "It makes sense because when you think about when the trade team goes to America, why would you send someone from Queenstown and someone from Wānaka, when we could actually send one person to talk about both regions?" Now, the two organisations had adopted a fully shared services partnership, which also embraced all their marketing, media and communications activity. "We still have two offices, but it's one lot of staff," Mr Woods said. "There's 31 RTOs in the whole of New Zealand, and we do know the current minister of tourism has said that's too many. So we're ... showing how you can work together."
