SATURDAY 13th April 2019, 3 – 4 PM

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.

WEDNESDAY 10th April 2019, 5:30 – 7:30 PM

Educational film screening of "Revenge of the Electric Car" (running time 88 mins) plus Q&A with Chelsea Sexton, at the Hutton Theatre, Otago Museum.

Family friendly.

Admission Free but tickets required available at Eventbrite (click link below)

TUESDAY 16th April, 2019, 10:30 AM until MIDDAY

Join the road trippers in Blenheim as they do one more South Island event before heading off on the ferry for the North Island.  This is likely to be a mighty event, with an expected 17 road trip participants in 11 cars.  

Some cars will be old favourites and others will be brand new directly off the boat.

Liz Davidson Place is situated right in the centre of town and is named after the town's first female mayor.  It is part of a redevelopment and beautifying plan by the Council, who have kindly let us use it.

All are welcome to come and view the cars, meet the Trustees and EV Owners, and/or learn about EV ownership. Perhaps you'll even get a chance to drive or ride in an EV if you haven't before.  

MONDAY 15th April 2019, 9 – 10 AM

Local fleet managers are invited to go along to the Orion offices in Wairakei Road to find out more about introducing electric vehicles into company fleets. 

As well as the huge Orion fleet of cars on display, there will be a range of other EV options there, courtesy of the #LeadingTheCharge Great EV Road Trip. They will have been seen around Christchurch over the proceeding weekend at various public events and will be leaving for Blenheim at 10am directly after this event.

If there is interest, the public may linger after the road trip has left to finish discussing options with the knowledgeable staff at Orion.

The experienced drivers from the road trip will be on hand to answer any questions you may have about the realities of owning and driving electric cars and vans. You may be surprised at the range of options that are already available in NZ, and how low the operating costs of these fleets are in comparison to traditional fleets.

Refreshments will be provided.

THURSDAY 25th April 2019, 1 – 2 PM

ANZAC DAY

CHANGE OF VENUE:  NOW AT THE WAREHOUSE CARPARK

The Great EV Road Trip cars will be pulling into Dargaville just after midday, on our tour of New Zealand. You'll notice us arrive when you see our ANZAC Day procession down the main street, as our way of marking this solemn day.

We will then proceed around to The Warehouse and be situated in the carpark where we'll be holding a mini-event. 

If you are curious about electric cars or were wondering what the fuss was about, and why people love them so much, then come armed with your questions. We are all experienced EV owners and have the information you need to find out if an EV will fit into your lifestyle, either now or in the next few years.

Come down for a chat, and possibly a test drive or ride in an EV. Experience the difference for yourself.

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.

THURSDAY 4th April 2019, 3 – 5 PM

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.