2026 Programme

REGISTRATION OPEN | TEA AND COFFEE IN THE EXHIBITION

MIHI WHAKATAU

Peter Jackson (Te Atiawa, Taranaki Iwi)

WELCOME FROM THE DAY ONE CHAIR

Fiona Wiseman – sustainable transitions lead, Mercury

LEADERS' PANEL

In 2026, as New Zealand approaches its next general election, the spotlight sharpens on both the Government and the energy sector to deliver secure, affordable, and sustainable energy solutions. Over the past 12 months, a series of significant interventions have been introduced to stabilise the market, reduce volatility, and accelerate the transition to renewables. Yet key questions remain: Have these measures delivered meaningful short- to medium-term results? Who has benefited or been disadvantaged? And what lies ahead on Aotearoa’s journey towards a highly renewable, resilient energy system?

Panelists:

Mike Roan – chief executive officer, Meridian
Malcolm Johns  – chief executive, Genesis
Chantelle Bramley – executive general manager operations, Transpower
David Prentice – chief executive, Gas Industry Co.

Facilitated by: Jen Nolan – director, At Large

INSIGHTS | DEMAND FLEXIBILITY

As New Zealand’s electricity demand grows and the adoption of transition to renewable energy accelerates, demand management is emerging as a central strategy for reducing peak loads regionally and nationally and enhancing grid resilience.

EECA (Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority) is at the forefront of research and initiatives focused on flexible energy use – enabling smarter, more responsive energy in households, across communities, and sectors. Drawing on new nationally significant research about the ‘size of the prize’, real-world trials of the technology, case studies and the latest insights, EECA will present a compelling view of the strategic practical potential for the demand flexibility in a secure, affordable and sustainable energy system.

Dr Marcos Pelenur – chief executive, EECA

DIGITAL PLATFORM SOLUTIONS FOR THE ENERGY SECTOR 

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Introduction from the stream chair
 

STREAM 2 – COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL

Introduction from the stream chair
Ben Young – policy advisor, BusinessNZ Energy Council

STREAM 3 – THE SYSTEM OF TOMORROW

Introduction from the stream chair
Esther Evening – sustainability and strategy analyst, Mercury

KEYNOTE | AI AT WORK WITH ORIGIN ENERGY

As infrastructure systems become increasingly complex, artificial intelligence is emerging as a critical tool for ensuring operational quality and empowering human teams. Origin Energy is at the forefront of this transformation.

In this keynote, Origin will share its journey in deploying AI for Automated Quality Management (AQM), revolutionising network operations by automating traditionally manual tasks, and dramatically reducing error rates. The session will also explore Origin’s approach to human enhancement – using AI as a digital co-worker to extend human intelligence, improve decision-making, and unlock new levels of performance across energy and infrastructure systems.

Cameron Geason – general manager – retail operations, Origin Energy

KEYNOTE | COMPARISONS FROM THE ENERGY USERS’ ASSOCIATION OF AUSTRALIA

Commercial and industrial (C&I) energy users in Australia and New Zealand face increasingly complex procurement environments shaped by market volatility, regulatory reform, and the accelerating energy transition.

This session, led by the Energy Users’ Association of Australia (EUAA), explores the contrasting experiences of large energy users in Australia, highlighting key differences in market structure, risk exposure, and procurement strategies – and how these impact business competitiveness.

Andrew Richards – chief executive officer, Energy Users Association of Australia

TE KANAPU | A FUTURE GRID BLUEPRINT

Te Kanapu is Transpower’s ambitious strategic initiative to design a future grid blueprint that will guide long-term investment in New Zealand’s electricity transmission system through to 2050 and beyond. Building on the insights from Whakamana i te Mauri Hiko, Te Kanapu addresses the challenges of an increasingly electrified economy and the transition to net zero emissions.

By Downstream 2026, five future scenarios will be complete – providing a foundation for investment decisions and sector-wide coordination to ensure efficiency, resilience, and cost control. This session will explore these scenarios and the critical considerations shaping Aotearoa’s future energy system.

James Kilty – chief executive, Transpower

LESSONS FROM THE NEM REVIEW

This session will explore key insights from the recently concluded Australian NEM Wholesale Electricity Market Settings Review, examining how to address contemporary challenges in energy-only markets. It will highlight reforms to strengthen forward price signals and contract market liquidity, and support long-term investment in new generation and storage. A central focus will be the Electricity Services Entry Mechanism (ESEM), a market-based mechanism designed to facilitate investment in new projects through standardised, tradeable contracts for bulk energy, shaping and firming services. The discussion will also consider the changing nature of reliability risks in highly weather dependent systems and lessons for designing efficient, flexible energy-only markets.

Ava Hancock – former NEM Review expert panel member

UNLOCKING POTENTIAL FROM EXISTING ASSETS | TECHNOLOGY, FLEXIBILITY, AND PEOPLE

New Zealand’s energy sector faces a pivotal moment: declining gas availability is eroding firming capacity just as intermittent generation grows. While developers build new assets and retailers push demand flexibility, how do we maximise the potential of what we already have?

This session explores three themes:

• technology and data insights – how Meridian is deploying advanced tools to extract more capacity and flexibility from existing generation assets through its digital generation programme digiGen
• market responsiveness – the insights and operating model needed for these assets to respond to the country’s needs and deliver cheaper energy when it matters most
• people at the centre – why engaging and empowering our workforce is the key to making transformation stick

Clare Paynter – senior electrical engineer, Meridian

FIRESIDE CHAT | ENERGY PROCUREMENT INNOVATION

New Zealand’s commercial and industrial (C&I) energy landscape is undergoing rapid transformation. A convergence of economic pressures, environmental imperatives, and technological advancements is reshaping how businesses procure energy. Volatile electricity prices and declining gas supply have heightened exposure to market risk, especially for energy-intensive industries. In response, energy is increasingly viewed as a strategic asset – central to operational resilience and sustainability.

C&I customers are turning to innovative procurement models such as long-term power purchase agreements (PPAs), on-site renewable generation, and energy-as-a-service (EaaS). These approaches offer greater price certainty, supply flexibility, and carbon reduction potential. Join our panel of industry leaders as they share real-world experiences, lessons learned, and forward-looking strategies for navigating energy procurement in New Zealand

Panelists:
Renée Jens – sustainability and energy manager, Dominion Salt
Ryan Santowski – group general manager – energy, waste and water, Visy
David Thomas – independent consultant, Environment and Energy
Tim Hampton – policy director, Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment

Facilitated by: Shaun Goldsbury – ceo, BraveTrace

A PERFECT STORM? THE BENEFITS AND RISKS OF ELECTRIFICATION IN A CLIMATE-IMPACTED FUTURE

New Zealand’s electricity system, and those that it serves, will be increasingly exposed to frequent and damaging weather extremes. Vulnerability to these impacts will be heightened over time by our electricity-centric decarbonisation strategy and more dispersed renewable generation. Future electricity systems must be designed for optimal resilience and equity in the face of extreme weather events.

Janet Stephenson – research professor - centre for sustainability, University of Otago

FROM LOAD TO LEVERAGE: BATTERIES AND THE NEW ENERGY VALUE CHAIN

This session explores three powerful ways battery-enabled products can transform the retail energy experience. Drawing on real examples from the Australian market, we’ll look at how utilities can use storage and intelligent tariff design to unlock meaningful VPP participation at the residential level, optimise load shifting for mid-market customers, and create new economic value for large users.

Jessica Venning-Bryan – chief executive, Factor

DISRUPTING THE GRID WITH SMART BATTERIES

Aotea Energy is transforming how New Zealanders access and manage electricity. Its vertically integrated smart battery system delivers a fast, affordable, and scalable solution that empowers households to take control of their energy use—without rooftop solar or lifestyle changes. Built entirely in-house, Aotea’s technology stack enables software-driven energy arbitrage and virtual power plant (VPP) readiness, allowing homes to trade energy, respond to market signals, and participate in coordinated grid services.

Tama Toki – founder and chief executive officer, Aotea Energy

FUSION ENERGY - CLOSER THAN YOU THINK

As New Zealand accelerates toward a decarbonised energy future, fusion is no longer a distant dream – it’s an emerging reality. OpenStar, a Wellington-based fusion energy company, is pioneering a new class of machines based on levitated dipole technology, offering a scalable, modular and economically viable pathway to ensuring global energy independence.

Kiri Lenagh-Glue – senior commercial analyst, OpenStar Technologies

LUNCH BREAK AND NETWORKING IN THE EXHIBITION

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Welcome back from the stream chair
 

STREAM 2 – COLLABORATION AND OUTCOMES

Introduction from the stream chair
Michelle Polglase – general manager projects delivery, Ara Ake

STREAM 3 – THE SYSTEM OF TOMORROW

Welcome back from the stream chair
Esther Evening – sustainability and strategy analyst, Mercury

CASE STUDY | FARM SOLAR – COMPLEXITY MADE EASY

Farmers across New Zealand are increasingly exploring on-farm solar generation, driven by rising electricity costs – particularly in rural areas where line charges and peak demand penalties are steep – as well as the need for more reliable and sustainable energy solutions.

Despite the clear benefits, adoption is often slowed by high upfront costs, uncertain returns, and limited infrastructure. Many farmers also lack access to clear information, trusted advice, and technical support, which makes the decision-making process more difficult.

To help overcome these challenges, ASB and Prism Earth have partnered to develop a user-friendly solar calculator. This tool guides farmers through estimating system size, costs, providers, and payback period – empowering them to make informed decisions about investing in solar energy.

Matt Lythe – managing director, Prism Earth
Turi McFarlane – head of rural sustainability | rural banking, ASB

FIRESIDE CHAT | STRENGTHENING EDB COLLABORATION FOR MARKET EFFICIENCY

The 2025 Review of Electricity Market Performance by Frontier Economics outlines a series of recommendations aimed at enhancing operational and investment efficiency across New Zealand’s electricity distribution sector. These recommendations span from mandatory amalgamation to structured coordination in areas such as procurement, shared personnel, and strategic planning.

With Electricity Networks Aotearoa (ENA) and the Electricity Engineers’ Association (EEA) actively leading initiatives to foster collaboration among EDBs, this session will explore the tangible progress already made, the challenges ahead, and the untapped opportunities for more efficient electricity distribution operations.

Panelists:
Tracey Kai – chief executive, Electricity Networks Aotearoa
Nicki Sutherland – chief executive, Electricity Engineers’ Association (EEA)
Daniel Brown – manager Electrify New Zealand, Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment
Paul Blue – chief executive, PowerNet

INSIGHTS | MĀORI-LED ENERGY OPPORTUNITIES

Waikato-Tainui

BEYOND THE INSTALL | MAKING RURAL ENERGY SYSTEMS WORK HARDER

As rural businesses invest heavily in solar and battery systems, the focus is often on installation rather than optimisation. Yet many on-farm energy systems operate well below their potential value. This session explores how applied technology can unlock significantly more return from rural energy assets through load shifting, tariff strategy, battery optimisation and operational insight. Real-world examples demonstrate how farms can reduce costs, improve ROI and prepare for future flexibility markets.

Paddy Urlich –  head of product & technology, Blackcurrent

PANEL | DECENTRALISED ENERGY – NAVIGATING THE BALANCE

The tension between centralised and localised energy planning in New Zealand reflects broader challenges in balancing national priorities – such as energy security, affordability, and decarbonisation – with local aspirations for resilience, equity, and innovation.

Building on the intent of the Electricity Authority’s 2025 Green Paper, which invites feedback on the opportunities and challenges of a more decentralised electricity system, this session explores perspectives that advocate for a collaborative “and” approach – rather than choosing between centralised or decentralised models.

Panelists:
Astad Kapadia – head of DSO strategy, Counties Energy
John Clarke – executive general manager Future Grid, Transpower
Hinerangi Pere – head of community energy services, Orion
Tim Sparks – general manager, network and system change, Electricity Authority

Facilitated by: Jamie Silk – managing director, Silk Advisory

MAESTRO: TURNING EVERYDAY APPLIANCES INTO GRID-RESPONSIVE ASSETS

Lastmyle's Maestro platform unlocks distributed flexible capacity from residential and commercial customers. Using ultra-low-cost, non-invasive hardware, Maestro rapidly integrates high-draw appliances, like heat pumps, space heaters, and EVs, regardless of brand or age. Its proprietary AI engine learns consumption patterns, interprets market and environmental signals, and dynamically shifts energy use, providing real-time grid stability and reducing the need for more poles and wires. Maestro incentivises residential users and delivers commercial benefits without requiring any behavioural change.

Kris Sebro – chief executive officer, Lastmyle

UPDATE | POWER INNOVATION PATHWAY

Launched in late 2024, the Power Innovation Pathway acts as an “open front door” for innovators—whether individuals, companies, or community groups—who want to engage with the Authority and navigate the regulatory landscape more easily. What has been discovered since opening this pathway, what's happened to participants and where to next for the pathway?

Mark Herring – general manager, corporate and market services, Electricity Authority

CIO FORUM | NAVIGATING CONVERGENCE AND COMPLEXITY

As energy companies evolve into digital-first enterprises, CIOs face the challenge of integrating legacy systems with emerging technologies across trading, retail/customer, and generation/transmission domains. This session will explore how large retailers, gentailers, and distributors are developing IT roadmaps that support convergence, agility, and resilience in a rapidly changing market.
Key themes:

• legacy systems, modernisation and convergence
• platform strategy
• analytics, forecasting, and automation
• vendor/supplier relationships

Panelists:
Bharat Ratanpal – chief information officer, Meridian
Tighe Wall – chief technology officer, Contact
Tracey Saunders – general manager digital transformation, Aurora Energy
Richard Tims – chief digital and data officer, Vector

Facilitated by Salesforce

SHAPING NEW ZEALAND’S ENERGY FUTURE

Abundant and affordable energy should be helping to power New Zealand’s economy but we are struggling to make that transition. The Commerce Commission has oversight of some aspects of the sector and is working with other parties to advance these broader national interests. This session will explore the opportunities and identify barriers to success. Join to gain clarity on what regulators can achieve alone and what else needs to be done.

Dr John Small – chair, Commerce Commission

ADVICE FROM THE POINTY END | UNDERSTANDING ENERGY HARDSHIP

Between low and slow-moving income levels, and high and rapidly-rising costs, it is getting even harder for people to pay for essential goods and services. Many of those living in poverty are forced to chose between heating their home or other basic needs, like putting food on the table.

Drawing from our on-the-ground insights and relevant sector research, this session explores the issue of energy hardship in Aotearoa New Zealand. It offers insight into the compounding, and intersecting, challenges facing people and highlights how partnerships across sectors can help support these consumers.

Brittany Goodwin – senior social policy and advocacy advisor, Good Shepherd New Zealand

HEAVY TRANSPORT ELECTRIFICATION

Kwetta has partnered with Fonterra to develop a high-powered BEV truck charging solution, tailored for the Co-operative's fleet operations to provide insights into future scalability.

Charging systems are now deployed across three of the Co-operative's Waikato manufacturing sites, Te Rapa, Waitoa, and Hautapu, enabling a hub of truck electrification without disrupting delivery schedules.

This partnership has delivered valuable insights and highlighted both the opportunities and challenges of large-scale BEV truck adoption.

Technology is advancing rapidly, with megawatt (MW) charging and vehicle-to-grid (V2G) capability expected by 2026. These innovations bring connectivity challenges but also open doors for load-shifting and demand response.

When the economics of BEV truck deployment stack up, how can the sector accelerate adoption, unlock market value, and share in the economic and environmental benefits?

Pam Walklin – head of grids and delivery, Kwetta
Fabian Lloyd – decarbonisation manager – national transport and logistics, Fonterra

AFTERNOON BREAK AND NETWORKING IN THE EXHIBITION

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STREAM 1 - MAIN PLENARY SESSIONS

Welcome back from the MC

STREAM 2 - PPA MASTERCLASS

Hosted by Chapman Tripp

STREAM 3 

Hosted by At Large

FUEL SWITCHING – LESSONS FROM REAL JOURNEYS

In 2023, independent utility consultant John Hancock shared a blog series about Toby Stevenson’s struggle to replace his ageing gas appliances and disconnect from gas at home. Two years later, John chronicled Kyle Nicol’s electrification journey. Both consultants faced different challenges and choices. This short session distils their experiences into practical insights and advice for anyone considering fuel switching.

Toby Stevenson – consulting director, Sapere Research Group
Kyle Nicol – lead engineer, process systems, Aurecon 

Facilitated by: John Hancock – independent consultant

POWER PURCHASE AGREEMENTS

Power Purchase Agreements play an important role in project development, by securing long term line of sight to project revenue and unlocking access to project financing. Join the Masterclass to learn more about:

• structures
• trends
• challenges including credit support and firming
• bankability considerations
• future proofing

Lauren Curtayne – partner, Chapman Tripp

MASTERING MEDIA EXPOSURE IN 2026

For better or for worse the energy sector is firmly in the media spotlight this election year. At Large will talk you through how to maximise or minimise media exposure depending on your position.

Sometimes you are keen to grow the profile of your organisation and its position and sometimes you’d rather not comment.  At Large will set out the strategies that work in both instances.

The team will cover off the following:

Minimisation:

• Holding the line
• Being prepared - key messages and Q and A 
• Repetition is not bad 

Maximisation:

• Catching the media cycle
• Being prepared - key messages and Q and A 
• A spokesperson who is prepared and comfortable with curve balls
• Good relationships with journalists 

Crisis communications:

• Preparation and planning 
• When to front and when not to front
• Aligning allies 

Jen Nolan – director, At Large
Liam Hansen – senior consultant, At Large

HUNTLY | EVOLVING FOR THE FUTURE

As New Zealand accelerates toward a renewable future, Huntly Power Station remains a cornerstone of energy security. Genesis Energy’s plans for the Huntly Power Station site are evolving to balance energy security, decarbonisation, and flexibility under its Gen35 strategy.

This session will look at the roadmap ahead for New Zealand’s most critical energy asset.

Tracey Hickman – chief operating officer, Genesis

SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW | VECTORING TOWARDS SUCCESS

Vector, New Zealand’s largest electricity and gas distributor, has a forward-looking strategy focused on enabling a resilient, decarbonised, and digitally empowered energy future. What are the priorities for the business and what role does it see itself taking in the energy transition?

Chris Blenkiron – group chief executive, Vector

INDUSTRY UPDATE | WORKFORCE ACTION PLAN

In 2025, the Electricity Engineers’ Association (EEA) partnered with Energy Resources Aotearoa to develop a comprehensive national energy workforce report and action plan.

The Re-Energise 2025 initiative updates and expands on the foundational 2022 report, which outlined key recommendations to better align New Zealand’s energy workforce with the demands of a rapidly evolving sector.  New data shows the priorities and calls to action have significantly changed.

This session will highlight some of the key takeouts from the latest evidence-based findings and planned action emerging from the updated report – designed to support a skilled, inclusive, and future-ready energy workforce.

Nicki Sutherland – chief executive, Electricity Engineers’ Association (EEA)
Sheree Long – director, workforce development, Energy Resources Aotearoa

FIRESIDE CHAT | HON SHANE JONES

Hon Shane Jones – Minister for Resources, and Associate Minister for Energy

Facilitated by: Adelia Hallett – editor, Energy News

CLOSING REMARKS FROM THE MC

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