Australia is ranked #2 for mineral resources needed for the global transition to net zero, including for EV batteries. New Zealand’s strength is its very high proportion of renewable electricity generation. In December 2022, plug-in passenger car market share in New Zealand reached 19%, with public DC chargers available at least every 75km on almost all of the state highway network. In Australia, plug-in vehicles reached 13% market share in November 2022.
My role
CharIN Ambassador Australia and New Zealand
Languages I speak
English, basic Spanish, basic French
My personal interests
Skiing, hiking, experiencing new cultures, walking my dog
Link to e-mobility
Founder and Managing Director of EV consultancy Retyna, Director of ChargeNet, New Zealand’s largest EV charging network, and Vice-Chair Australia and New Zealand Chapter of Women+ of EVs
"I love to work pushing the boundaries of what can be achieved with electrification for emissions reductions, while recognizing that overall we need fewer vehicles on the road."
My objectives
- Learn more about what is coming next with electrification and communicate these insights to influence good decision-making
- Help accelerate electrification of the freight, marine and aviation sectors by helping people learn about MegaWatt Charging System (MCS)
Introduction to Australia and New Zealand
Securing sufficient EV supply, particularly as 4WD utility vehicles are a popular segment in both countries and both countries are right hand drive. New Zealand has the challenge of having a significant proportion of vehicles enter the fleet used from Japan, which means public DC charging needs to offer both CCS2 and CHAdeMO connections.
Policies to keep public charging ahead of EV growth are need in both countries. Australia is yet to follow New Zealand and introduce fuel efficiency or CO2 emissions standards for light vehicles.
Professional background
I am originally a materials engineer, with a Masters degree in renewable energy. In the late 1980s and 1990s I worked on CNG and LPG transport fuels which started my career in energy for transportation. I first organized a conference with EV topics in 2007, lead New Zealand government agency’s EV policy implementation programme, then started my own EV consultancy in 2018. I have a particular focus on heavy vehicles and non-road transport electrification.
- Working with the Wellington Electric Boat Building Company to launch the southern hemisphere’s first high speed, open water electric ferry into commercial operation with East By West Ferries
- Leading the design and implementation of the Low Emission Vehicles Contestable Fund which supported the first electric buses, trucks, taxis, courier vans and EV car share schemes in New Zealand
- Working with fast-growing charge point operator, ChargeNet, as a director.
