Transport minister aims to power up EV imports

Transport minister Michael Wood will speak at the International Electric Vehicle Symposium and Exhibition (EVS35) hosted by the European Association for Electromobility in Oslo, Norway, June 11-15.

“EVS is the leading international gathering to address all the electromobility issues,” Wood explains. “The conference brings together government ministers, policymakers, representatives from industry, relevant research communities and NGOs to discuss how we can enhance the transition to electric vehicles.”

Wood says New Zealand has a positive story to share about putting policies in place to help foster EV uptake.

“Key to us accelerating the programme is locking in a secure supply of EVs,” he adds.

“My message to vehicle manufacturers is clear. New Zealand is open for business. We are investing in supporting Kiwi families and our economy’s transition to carbon neutral through initiatives like the Clean Car Discount, the decarbonisation of the public transport bus fleet and the Clean Car Upgrade funded through Budget 22.”

New Zealand doesn’t make vehicles, so it is vitally important that New Zealand is seen as a viable market for low emissions vehicle manufacturers, Wood says.

“I will be selling that message in Oslo.

“Through our investments to date there is great potential for the development of innovative new EV technologies in New Zealand, and we are in a prime position to work with globally-leading companies here to test and go to market safely.”

Wood says he will also meet with ministerial counterparts from other countries to discuss their experiences decarbonising their transport sectors and see what lessons New Zealand can learn.

While overseas, Wood will visit Geneva to meet with the International Labour Organisation and Global Road Safety Partnership to discuss Fair Pay Agreements and the Government’s Road to Zero strategy respectively.

This will be followed by a visit to London to meet with various ministers, civil society groups and departments to progress Government priorities in the Transport and Workplace Relations and Safety portfolios.

“As we build our way out of our decades-long infrastructure deficit, we can benefit and learn from the experiences of others who have tackled these challenges head on,” says Wood who returns to New Zealand on June 19.