About Us
The Better NZ Trust has been #LeadingTheCharge throughout New Zealand since January 2015.
We work to educate New Zealanders in what can be done at an individual and corporate level to adopt zero carbon renewable energy technology.
“We’ll Give You the Facts, and Let You Decide”
Our current programme is incredibly varied – ranging from visits to schools and arranging local events to working closely with University researchers and relevant Government departments.
The Annual Road Trip is a massive undertaking for the Trust, bringing EVs to many major and minor locations in New Zealand and enables us to raise funds to support our work.
We are a registered charitable trust; registration CC55076.
What We Are Not
- We are politically agnostic. Our volunteers have a broad range of political stances.
- We are not a lobby group
- Nor an owners' association as such
- And we do not sell cars
- We do not, as a whole, favour any particular automobile brand. We will work with, and support, any dealer who is willing to invest time into selling electric vehicles.
We receive funding from both private donations and the Energy Efficiency Conservation Authority of NZ.
Our Vision
To create environmental, financial and health benefits for all New Zealanders through education and outreach. We are assisting in the adoption of zero-carbon renewable energy technologies.
Championing sustainable initiatives for a better future for all of New Zealand is at the core of all that we do.
Our Mission
The Better NZ Trust's main focus is the #LeadingTheCharge campaign. As ~20% of New Zealand's greenhouse gas pollution is caused by the transport sector, we believe that transitioning away from fossil-fuelled vehicles into electric vehicles will make a valuable impact on our country's zero-carbon policies.
Concurrently, this transition will benefit NZ's economy by keeping our fuel for transport dollars in New Zealand and conserve the world's valuable fossil fuels for future generations.
Our Volunteers
Our organisation is dependent on our people. Electric vehicle (EV) enthusiasts volunteer their time to help us promote the uptake of electric vehicles in the towns and cities of New Zealand.
In each region, we support a Champion amongst the volunteers to rally support from their wider neighbourhood. These people truly are champions as they spend their own time and energy to help. They are also knowledgeable about EV, many of whom have been pioneers in the cultural shift to electric-powered transport. Volunteers can sign up on this website and we will put them in touch with their local champion.
Our Trustees
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Kathryn Trounson |
Sean Dick |
Steve West |
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Carl Barlev |
Sigurd Magnusson |
Major Events
Every year the Better NZ Trust puts on two nationwide events:
International Drive Electric Week
For 9 days in August or September, New Zealand joins the USA and other countries by hosting EV Awareness events in provincial towns and cities.
EV Road Trip
Since the inception of the Better NZ Trust, we have put on an annual road trip from Cape Reinga to Bluff in a convoy of EVs.
Originally, the Road Trip was organised by Trustees Carl Barlev, Steve West and friends. It was a chance to prove that EVs could handle long distances.
Now, we feel that this has well and truly been proven. Charging infrastructure is available throughout New Zealand and thanks to the efforts of infrastructure providers and more choice in vehicles, the annual Road Trip is no longer the pioneering adventure that it once was.
However, it's still a chance for the Trustees and Champions to travel to each region and try to let as many people as possible experience a drive, or at least a ride in the future of automotive transport.
Sponsors
The most valuable resources for #LeadingTheCharge are the owner-drivers and enthusiasts who make this community work. There are too many to list individually but you will see their names on various pages as ticker tape.
But we also are indebted to the various companies and organisations for donating services or money to help operate the Trust.
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Thank you so much for your support, we are excited to continue our work and to meet more people who are as excited as we are about a Better NZ for all of us.
Busting EV Myths Part 1
It's hard to counter all the misinformation that exists about EVs in just a few sentences. Especially where the topic is quite involved. The Better NZ Trust has produced this series of informal, simplified infographics to give #LeadingTheCharge volunteers talking points. Please share.
In Part One we Bust the following Myths:
Myth: "EV's Can't Tow"
Myth: "They're Too Expensive"
Myth: "They're Just A Fad"
Touring Electric Cars Spark Interest
Interest in fully electric cars is on the rise, according to a group of enthusiasts who visited Oamaru as part of a national tour last week.
[Oamaru Mail - 29th April 2016]
New Zealand Gets First Renault Zoe Glimpse at Leading the Charge Event in Wellington
New Zealanders got their first look at the Renault Zoe last Friday at the Leading the Charge event in Wellington.
[Lucire.com - 20th April 2016]
South Canterbury's First Public Electric Car Charger Officially Unveiled in Timaru
Timaru's charger opening coincided with the arrival of the Leading the Charge road trip convoy, which is travelling from Cape Reinga to Bluff to highlight the benefits of electric vehicles.
[Timaru Herald - 20th April 2016]
Two Electric Vehicle Stations to Open in South Canterbury on Wednesday
The Leading the Charge road trip arrive in time for the opening of two charging stations in Timaru and Waimate.
[Stuff.co.nz - 18th April 2016]
Plugging Electronics
Electric cars are alive, kicking and about to spark a revolution, says a visiting US advocate.
[Otago Daily Times - 18th April 2016]
Chance to See What All the Fuss is About
Whether you believe they are the way of the future, or are simply curious about electric cars, a convoy of them will be passing through Otago next week on the Leading the Charge Road Trip and the public is invited along.
[Drivesouth.co.nz - 16th April 2016]
Electric Car Drives Itself Along Wellington Motorway Using Autopilot Download
Tesla Model S owner Sean Dick with his car on autopilot on the Wellington motorway.
[Stuff.co.nz - 15th April 2016]
Say Hello to Zoe, Renault's Electric Offering
Renault unveils their new EV in Wellington - the Zoe five-door hatch.
[Stuff.co.nz - 14th April 2016]