Thursday 28th MARCH 2019, 4 PM - 9PM

The #LeadingTheCharge Great EV Road Trip will be passing through Rotorua on Thursday 28 March.  This will be the kick-off event for the 5th Annual Road Trip in 2019, with special guests welcoming us and wishing us well.

Hosted by Rotorua Lakes Council and sponsored by Unison, the night markets are a regular event in Rotorua where the main street is blocked off to vehicle traffic and festooned with gourmet food stands, roving musicians and other interesting stalls. Road Trippers will have their vehicles on display on the main street right inside the markets and dealer cars or volunteer test drive cars will be offering test drives within metres, down a side street.

EVolunteers would be very welcome at this event, as we will not have our full contingent of road trippers at this early stage, but are expecting at least 5 cars. Let us know beforehand. From previous experience warm gloves, hat and jacket are recommended.  There will be no joint evening meal in Rotorua, as the markets are full of food everything from hangi to sweet churros. Though we will meet up before the markets begin.

Come down and welcome the start of the road trip as we head on to Wellington via Taupo. The Road Trip will then travel right around the South Island before returning to the north island via the east coast and finishes at Cape Reinga. It is a massive 40+ event, 31 day informational and experiential roadshow.

Bring your friends and family to the Unison Night markets 28th March, for a great night out and an electrical experience.

Free Event.

SATURDAY, 30 MARCH 2019, 10AM - 4PM

SUNDAY 31st March 2019, 4 - 5 PM

The #LeadingTheCharge Great EV Road Trip is once again travelling around the country. This time doing a giant loop of over 5,200 km.  They will be stopping at 31 town centres and holding 41 (mostly public) educational events. Raumati Beach will be their 3rd stop as they travel between Taupo and Wellington.

They'll be spoilt for choice with all the new chargers that are being installed thanks to a joint effort between ChargeNet NZ and the Energy Efficiency Conservation Authority. This particular charger will be brand spanking new and ready for an official opening. All will be welcome to attend, where not only will you be there for the ribbon cutting, but you'll also have a chance to look at four of the 17 vehicles that will be joining the road trip at various stages. There will be a Hyundai Kona, a modified Nissan Leaf, a BMW i3, and a Tesla Model S in attendance plus local vehicles.

In addition, special guest Chelsea Sexton will be watching on and ready to meet local EV owners.

So, if you're thinking about buying an EV, have a load of questions about their viability, or just curious about them, come to the charger opening between 4 and 5pm, where you'll be able to talk to experienced EV owners and experts.

TUESDAY 2ND APRIL 2019, 10 AM - 12 MIDDAY

WEDNESDAY, 3rd April 2019, 10 - 11 AM

The #LeadingTheCharge Great EV Road Trip promotes electric vehicles as a sustainable transport option for New Zealanders.

Now in its fifth year, the Road Trip drives right around the country holding roadshow type events at different stops each year: 41 events, 31 days, 5200km+. This year the electric convoy is including the West Coast of the South Island, which is one of the last charging deserts in the country.

But thanks to a joint effort by the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority, and ChargeNet NZ Ltd, together with the assistance of Foodstuffs NZ, Westport now has a public rapid EV charger. This Westport charger will soon be joined by a string of others up and down the coastline, making electric transport a viable alternative for West Coasters.

All are welcome to join the #LeadingTheCharge team celebrate the opening of this charger on Wednesday 3 April in the New World carpark.

THURSDAY 4th April 2019, 3 – 5 PM

FRIDAY, APRIL 5TH, 2019 - 3:30 PM - 5 PM

FIORDLAND COMMUNITY EVENTS CENTRE CARPARK

A contingent of the #LeadingTheCharge Great EV Road Trip will be passing through Te Anau this year for the first time.

Now in the 5th year, the Road Trip can finally make it to the West Coast due to improvements in the national charging network, and improved vehicle batteries.  This will be even easier once planned west coast chargers are fully installed during 2019.

Once Fiordland is linked to the national charging network, owning an EV will become a realistic alternative for locals.  We will have about three EV options for you to view and experienced owners/Better NZ Trust volunteers will be on hand to discuss what living with an electric vehicle is like.

So bring your questions and your curiosity and take advantage of this free event outside the Fiordland Events Centre.

SUNDAY 7th April 2019, 10 AM – 2 PM

Festival of Music and Sustainable Farming Practices

Paul Ubana Jones

In a slightly different take on a road trip event, #LeadingTheCharge will be visiting the Mangapiri Downs Organic Stud Farm®

for a festival of music and sustainable farming practices.

To celebrate 30 years of organic farming on their property, they are hosting the international singer/guitarist, Paul Ubana Jones.

Paul Ubana Jones

Born in the UK, Paul Ubana Jones now lives permanently in New Zealand. A singer/songwriter, he has recorded seven albums over four decades.  His distinctive guitar sounds are sometimes primal blues, sometimes soul.  www.paulubanajones.com

Opening for Paul Ubana Jones will be another local solo artist Lachie Hayes. This popular alternative folk musician was the Southland Entertainer of the Year.

The Great EV Road Trip are very excited to be part of this sensational event and a chance to see this well known international artist for just $10 a ticket. The electric vehicles will be on display. Their epic annual road trip covers some 5200Km+ across the country. The purpose being to highlight the huge advances in EV charging infrastructure, new technology and to conveniently enable people to experience an EV first hand for free. Vehicles on the day will include: Tesla Model S, Hyundai Kona SUV, and Mitsubishi PHEV 4wd.

There will be people available with the expertise to answer your questions on EV Ownership. How/when would an EV fit into your lifestyle? What savings can you make? Why do EV Owners generally never want to go back to traditional vehicles? Plus the latest information on models coming out in NZ, public charging stations, busting EV Myths, etc.

Complementing the electric vehicles, Mangapiri Downs will be showcasing their organic farming knowledge and modern tools of the trade, that make sustainable farming practical in 2019.

On The Day:

Organic Farming, Electric Vehicles, and Indie Folk and Blues!!
Shire® Sheep (Sheep are Hair sheep, no shearing) www.organic-rams.co.nz

Tufty® (polled Highland) Cattle displayed

Electric Motorbikes to ride and try on farm

Electric Bicycles to ride!

Drones will be displayed for farming

Organics info

Indie folk and blues while you are here enjoying the celebratory vibes! (Paul Ubana Jones and Lachie Hayes)

$10 entry per head, children free (proceeds go directly to the musicians, pay at gate)



There will be some food/coffee to buy (cash only)

Bring a picnic! (Hot and cold water available on site)



Rain - no problem - there is a covered building.



Directions:

South of Blackmount Pool, Community Centre and Church. (address below)

MONDAY 8th April 2019, 6 – 7 PM

New Zealand Electric Vehicle owners and enthusiasts are once again hitting the road and will be visiting Hawkdun Rise Vineyard on the 8th April 2019.

The fifth annual #LeadingTheCharge Great EV Road Trip will commence in Rotorua on the 28th of March, and wrap up on the 27th of April in Cape Reinga. They will be passing through various parts of Otago between 8th-13th April 2019. 

This epic national road trip will cover some 5200km+ and include over 40 roadshow type events during the 31-day tour. #LeadingTheCharge aim to highlight the huge advances in EV charging infrastructure, EV ownership, battery tech, and public knowledge of the electrification of transport throughout New Zealand.

TUESDAY 9th April 2019, 3 PM – 5 PM

New Zealand Electric Vehicle owners and enthusiasts are once again hitting the road and will be visiting Mosgiel on the 9th April 2019.

The fifth annual #LeadingTheCharge Great EV Road Trip will commence in Rotorua on the 28th of March, and wrap up on the 27th of April in Cape Reinga. They will be passing through various parts of Otago between 8th-13th April 2019. 

This epic national road trip will cover some 5200km+ and include over 40 roadshow type events during the 31-day tour. #LeadingTheCharge aim to highlight the huge advances in EV charging infrastructure, EV ownership, battery tech, and public knowledge of the electrification of transport throughout New Zealand.

As part of the Dunedin stop-over, the Dunedin EV Owners Group will be hosting several local events in support of the touring electric vehicles.

Dunedin Events

(see separate event listings for details)

9 April – Mosgiel New World Car Park from 4 PM
Local EV owners will be there to welcome the Leading the Charge drivers into Dunedin as they come in the back route. They will be on hand to answer questions about EV ownership in Dunedin and travelling on the open road.

April 10 - Octagon 10-2PM
Electric Vehicle park-up and display. A variety of EVs including; Teslas, BMWs, Mitsubishi, Hyundai, and Nissan will be making the journey and will be joined for the event by local EV owners, e-bikes, e-recumbents. Meet local EV owners and talk about EV ownership in Dunedin and the wider Dunedin area. EV Myth-busting, how to charge, charging cables, EV apps and more. Find out what it’s like to drive an EV around Dunedin or cross-country.

We will also be joined by the Otago University Marine Research AQUAVAN, making the connection between lowering emissions and direct effects already being experienced in our environment.

April 10 - Otago Museum 3.-5.30PM  
Electric Vehicle Park-up and Display PLUS test drives or rides

April 11 - Rest and sightseeing Day
#LeadingTheCharge drivers will be staying in town to rest during this gruelling month-long schedule. They will be invited to visit the Albatross Colony, Orokonui Sanctuary and other tourism ventures, making the connection between lowering emissions and direct effects already being experienced in our environment.

Our local and wider marine environment are being affected by Ocean Acidification affecting everything from calcification of shellfish, seaweed and fish nurseries and phytoplankton, who produce much of the worlds Oxygen. In the future it will be a lonely time in the nest for male tuataras whose sex is determined by how hot it is in the nest.

Group-ready-take-action-ocean-acidification

Collaborative-exhibition-highlights-fragility-oceans

April 12 – EV Convoy to Palmerston
#LeadingTheCharge Road Trippers and local EV drivers.

Dunedin has three Rapid charge stations, with two more planned before 2020 and a growing number of destination chargers which have been installed in Dunedin in local businesses such as shopping carparks, supermarkets, cafes and the Warehouse to name but a few.

Come and join us for the Dunedin pit stop of the EV Road Trip.

Contact Dunedin EV Owners on email
Pam McKinlay and Alan Wilden
Co-conveners Dunedin EV Group

For updates stay tuned to our events page on Facebook at Dunedin EV Group and #LeadingTheCharge