Coromandel EV scenic tour route named for award

The Coromandel Electric Vehicle Scenic Touring Route is on the short list for the Local Government New Zealand Excellence Awards.

It’s in the running as a Thames-Coromandel District Council project and comprises a network of fast charging stations at key points around the Coromandel, enabling EVs to easily travel the entire district.

Judges cited the council’s leadership, commending it for future proofing the district.

It is among 14 finalists for the awards and selected among three for the Air New Zealand Excellence Award for Environmental Well-being. Winners will be announced on July 8 during the Local Government New Zealand Conference in Wellington.

The EV route is part of the council’s contribution to action on climate change, according to mayor Sandra Goudie.

The chargers have been installed through a collaboration of the council, ChargeNet NZ, Powerco, and the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA).

The stations are in Thames, Tairua, Whitianga, Coromandel Town and Whangamata.