All Posts

Updated 3 November 2026. 2026 has been a big year for solar in New Zealand. Alongside the election promises (see our party policy round-up), there are rule changes that will make solar cheaper and quicker to connect, new options for renters, and community-scale solar farms popping up in Canterbury. Plug-in solar is being legalised Plug-in (or "balcony") solar kits plug straight into a power socket. They are common in Germany and the UK but have been illegal in New Zealand bec

Updated 3 November 2026. Charging is the number one question people ask about electric vehicles. Here is what is changing in New Zealand, from public chargers to the chargers in your own garage. More public chargers on the way The Government has a target of 10,000 public charge points by 2030, roughly one for every 40 EVs. A first round of zero-interest (concessionary) loans, announced in March 2026, will deliver 2,574 new charge points through ChargeNet and Meridian Energy.

Updated 3 November 2026. For a long time diesel was the only real choice for a work ute. That has changed fast. There are now pure-electric utes on sale in New Zealand, plus a growing range of plug-in hybrids that can do short daily runs on electricity and still tow and travel long distances. Pure-electric utes Riddara RD6 Pro (made by Geely): 73 kWh battery, about 360 km WLTP range, 3-tonne towing, payload just over a tonne. Built on a car-style platform rather than a ladder

Updated 3 November 2026. Battery-electric trucks are no longer just a trial on New Zealand roads. With diesel prices rising sharply this year, more freight, grocery and waste companies are putting electric trucks to work. Here is a round-up of what is happening, and what it means for businesses and farms thinking about electric vehicles. Who is already running electric trucks? Foodstuffs North Island put its first long-haul battery-electric truck and trailer unit on the road

Last updated: 3 November 2026. Information only. Wild Ox Energy does not support or endorse any political party. New Zealand votes on Saturday 7 November 2026, and power prices are a big issue. Several parties have announced policies that would affect households thinking about solar. Below is a plain-English summary of what each party has proposed, in alphabetical order, based on published policies and independent summaries. Important: right now there is no government cash gr

Last checked: 3 November 2026. Rates and conditions change, so always confirm with your bank. There is no government cash grant for home solar in New Zealand right now. But all of the big banks will lend you money for solar panels and batteries at 0% to 1% interest, usually as a top-up on your home loan. Here is how the offers compare. Green home loans from the major banks Westpac Greater Choices Home Loan: 0% interest for 5 years. Borrow up to $50,000, fully repaid over 5 ye