E-bike fan Genter retains transport role

Julie Anne Genter retains her transport role in an “energised” Parliamentary caucus line-up announced by Green Party co-leader and climate change minister James Shaw.

The Greens have 10 MPs this term, with Genter regaining transport “after her excellent work in the associate minister of transport role”.

She gains finance “where she’ll be able to put forward a strong green economic plan”, along with local government and building and construction – “where her planning credentials will shine”, Green Party co-leader Marama Davidson says.

Genter last year drove the government’s proposed Clean Car plan – frequently covered in EVs and Beyond.

But the proposal which included the Clean Car Discount (feebate) and Clean Car Standard (fuel efficiency) was reportedly stymied by NZ First – branded a “handbrake” by some – which is no longer in Parliament.

EV advocates – including Drive Electric – are suggesting the government needs to get on with a bipartisan action plan to encourage EV uptake and e-mobility generally, also urging more industry involvement in such a plan.

Genter made global headlines in August 2018 when she famously rode an e-bike to hospital to give birth.