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.

Just like Bilbo Baggins, the Waikato Show is turning one hundred and eleventy, after celebrating 110 years in 2018. This year, Electric Vehicles will be included.

Explore ... Engage ... Educate ... Experience ... Enjoy ... Eat!

The Waikato Winter Show has come a long way from its Waikato Winter Show roots.  It is now an extravaganza of different community projects.

6 shows in 1

Spread over 3 days, you might need them to view everything. You will find the following:

- 50+ and Loving It

- Alpaca Colourbration

- Animal Expo

- Clubs and Creativity Showcase

- Cultural Village

- Homegrown Harvest

- Homexpo

- Lifelong Learning Expo

- Live on the Lawn

- Mahon's Amusements (Carnival)

- Safety Expo

- Schools Day Out

- Te Papanui (Go Eco hosting Sustainable Transport options)

- Wellbeing Show

- Youth Expo

Electric Vehicles

Better NZ Trust EV Champions Robert and Vanessa, will be organising an EV display at this massive event. They will be part of the GOEco area.

Ticketing

Friday

General Admission: $5

Under 5's: Free

Family Pass (2 adults, up to 3 kids): $18

Online Early Bird Special Saturday & Sunday, until Friday 5th April :

Adults at kids prices: $8, Kids (5yrs-16yrs): $8, Under 5's Free

Family Pass (2 adults, up to 3 kids): $30

Gold Card/Veterans Card: $5

Saturday 6th & Sunday 7th:

Adults: $12, Kids (5yrs-16yrs): $8, Under 5's Free

Family Pass (2 adults, up to 3 kids): $34

Gold Card/Veterans Card: $5

WEDNESDAY, April 17th 2019, 12 – 1 PM

Finally, the #LeadingTheCharge annual road trip will be stopping in Masterton, where special guests will be welcoming us.  For one hour, you'll be able to look at their vehicles, take one for a drive and talk about EV ownership with experienced EV Owners.

This will be the 5th Annual Road Trip and will cover some 5,200km+ over 31 days. The Road Trippers will stop daily in different towns to hold events and raise awareness of electric vehicles.

THURSDAY 18TH April 2019, 12PM – 3PM

The 5th annual NZ EV Tour is coming to Palmerston North on Thursday 18th April. 

EVs are very economical, clean, quiet, comfortable, very fast, and air-pollution and climate-change emission-free, making them hugely important for the health and welfare of both people and the planet.

Order of Events

There will be a Welcome by Iwi, the Mayor, Grant Smith, and VIP guests.

The cars will be on display or offering free ‘rides’ or ‘drives’ from 12pm-3pm.

There will be a wide range of EVs (electric vehicles) attending- and this is a great opportunity to see them, have a ride or a drive, and find out more.

The Sue Pugmire Jazz Combo will be playing at this free family-friendly event, which takes place in The PN Square - Events Quadrant, near Bethany’s.

ALL WELCOME

free event.

Good Friday 19th April 2019, 12PM to 4PM

SATURDAY 20 April 2019, 2 – 4 PM

If you're in Gisborne over the Easter Weekend, come down to the main street and take a look at the electric cars parked up outside Electric Village as they recharge.

If there's interest we'll stay until 4 pm. Experienced EV Owners can answer any questions you may have and explain how one of these powerful cars might fit into your life.

SUNDAY 21ST APRIL, MT MAUNGANUI, 3PM - 5PM

Once again, Bayfair Mall will welcome back the #LeadingTheCharge Great EV Road Trip 2019. 

We'll be stopping at the mall to recharge and meet any locals who are keen to find out more about living with an electric car.  We can be found in the ground floor carpark off Girven Road, adjacent to an entrance near ASB.

We'll be offering rides, and drives, advice and information, direct access to dealers, a variety of privately owned electric vehicles all in one place.

EASTER MONDAY, 22nd April 2019, 12 – 2 PM

What's it really like to own and drive an EV?

The #LeadingTheCharge Great EV Road Trippers will be driving to Raglan on Easter Monday.  Here's your chance to talk to the volunteers from the Better NZ Trust about EV Ownership. You may be able to take a car for a drive or simply get the electric experience as a passenger.

As they travel 5,300km right around the country, their aim is to get as many people into cars as they can, so that New Zealanders from every corner can experience them first hand.  If you've not driven an electric vehicle before, you'll be surprised at how different they are.

Find the convoy out in front of the Raglan Club on Bow Street.

*Looking for the event in Hamilton?  This event has now replaced that event.