Community divided over EV charger removal

A fight has broken out between two landowners in Tutukaka over the siting of an EV charger, gifted five years ago to the local community by utility company Northpower.

One property owner wants the community charger removed from the site where it was installed five years ago, when that property was leased from them by the current owner of the adjoining site according to The Northern Advocate.

The previous lessee says they are happy for the charger to be moved about 20cm which means it will be fully on their property, but the previous landlord reckons that could impede access.

Northpower public affairs manager Steve Macmillan says the company is meeting with the community on December 6 to discuss the matter.

“Northpower has been asked to remove its EV charger by a landowner in Tutukaka. Unfortunately, we have been unable to identify a nearby site supported by local property owners,” says Macmillan.

“Other concerned residents have contacted Northpower and we are happy to work with them on various options that they may wish to consider. This could include gifting the charger to them and allowing them to arrange their own installation at a location where a local property owner can provide public access.

“As part of a general promotion of the uptake of EV technology, Northpower has provided free power to this EV charger for approximately 5 years.

“There are now multiple fast chargers and destination chargers which have been rolled out in Northland and so Northpower’s focus has shifted from promotional installations such as this, to supporting others in developing a quality and enduring charging network.

“While Northpower is disappointed that the EV station must be removed, we hope to work with the community on alternative options,” he says.