Activities

Sometimes the most valuable advice comes from people who have already been there. The Ask Me Anything Lounge is staffed by volunteers who have personally electrified their own homes and are happy to share their experiences with anyone considering making similar changes.

Whether you're thinking about installing solar panels, buying an electric vehicle, replacing a gas hot water system with a heat pump, installing a home battery, switching to induction cooking, or simply reducing your power bills, you'll find someone who has practical, real-world experience. They can explain what worked well, what surprised them, what they might do differently, and answer the questions you may not feel comfortable asking a salesperson.

There is no presentation schedule and no formal programme—just comfortable seating and friendly conversations. Drop in at any time, stay for five minutes or an hour, and leave with practical insights from people who have already made the journey toward an all-electric home.

Exploring the expo can work up an appetite, so be sure to visit the Coffee Corner for a well-earned break. Whether you're after a freshly brewed coffee, a cold drink, or something tasty to eat, you'll find a range of refreshments available throughout the day.

The Coffee Corner is also a great place to catch up with friends, continue conversations started elsewhere in the expo, or simply sit down and plan what you'd like to see next. With so much happening throughout the venue, taking a few minutes to relax can help you get even more from your visit.

Located conveniently within the exhibition space, the Coffee Corner provides an informal meeting place where visitors, exhibitors and volunteers can connect in a relaxed atmosphere before heading off to discover more of what Electrify the Capital has to offer.

The Family Fun Zone is a welcoming space where families can take a break from exploring the expo while still enjoying the experience together. Parents can relax for a few minutes with a coffee while children discover hands-on activities that introduce them to the world of clean energy, electricity and sustainability in a fun and engaging way. It's a place where everyone can recharge before heading back into the exhibition.

Throughout the day there will be a variety of activities designed for younger visitors, including colouring, puzzles, building challenges and interactive displays that encourage curiosity about how electricity powers our homes and communities. Many of the activities are designed to spark conversations between children and parents about the future of energy and the role they can play in it.

Whether you're visiting with toddlers, school-aged children or teenagers, the Family Fun Zone provides a relaxed environment that makes Electrify the Capital a great day out for the whole family. We believe the journey toward a more sustainable future belongs to every generation, and this space helps make that journey enjoyable for everyone.

If you're new to home electrification and wondering what all the excitement is about, this is the perfect place to begin. The Start Here table is designed for visitors who have little or no background knowledge and simply want someone to explain the basics in plain English.

Friendly volunteers will introduce the key ideas behind home electrification, explain why many New Zealand households are making the switch from fossil fuels to electricity, and outline the technologies involved, including electric vehicles, heat pump water heating, solar panels, home batteries and induction cooking. They can also help you understand where the biggest savings often come from and suggest which parts of the expo are likely to be most relevant to your own situation.

Think of the Start Here table as your orientation point for the day. After a short conversation, you'll have a much clearer understanding of the electrification journey and a personalised roadmap for exploring the rest of the expo. Whether you're a homeowner, renter, landlord or simply curious, we're here to help you take the first step.

With a General Election approaching, energy policy has never been more important. The Policy Plug provides an opportunity for political parties to explain their policies on household electrification, electricity generation, transport, climate change, energy affordability and the transition to a cleaner energy future.

Rather than formal debates, the Policy Plug is intended to encourage constructive discussion. Representatives from participating political parties will give short presentations throughout the day, followed by opportunities for visitors to ask questions and engage directly with them. It is a chance to hear different perspectives, understand how parties propose to address New Zealand's energy challenges, and make informed decisions before casting your vote.

Electrify the Capital is committed to providing a balanced and respectful forum where a range of views can be heard. We encourage visitors to attend several sessions, ask thoughtful questions, and explore the practical implications of the policies being proposed for households, businesses and communities across New Zealand.

The following parties will be showcasing their energy policies at exhibition stands 11 & 12, and explaining their relevance to people wanting to electrify their homes and their lives.

• Opportunity Party

   

Exhibition Floor Schedule:

Every advance registration to Electrify the Capital comes with a little extra thank you. 

Register through Humanitix before the expo and you'll automatically be eligible for our Registration Rewards prize draw, giving you the chance to collect one of a range of great prizes when you arrive at the expo.

Prior to the expo, we'll randomly select a number of Humanitix booking codes, which will be on display at the entrance. If your booking code is one of the lucky winners, simply visit the Registration Rewards desk when you arrive at the expo to claim your prize. There is no separate competition to enter – your Humanitix registration is your entry.

It's our way of saying thank you for registering in advance and helping us plan for the day. So be sure to secure your free ticket before registrations close, keep a copy of your Humanitix booking confirmation, and check the winning booking codes when you arrive at the expo. You could walk away with something extra while enjoying everything Electrify the Capital has to offer!

You can register for free at Humanitix here: https://events.humanitix.com/electrifythecapital

Want to learn more about a particular technology or hear directly from industry experts? The Technical Talks programme offers a series of presentations throughout the day covering the products, services and innovations that are helping New Zealand households electrify their homes and reduce their energy costs.

Held in the upstairs foyer auditorium, these sessions allow exhibitors and invited speakers to explore topics in greater depth than is possible on the exhibition floor. Presentations may include solar panels, home batteries, electric vehicles, EV charging, heat pump water heating, induction cooking, smart home energy management, finance options and many other aspects of home electrification.

Whether you're just beginning your electrification journey or already well on the way, the Technical Talks provide an excellent opportunity to build your understanding, compare different approaches, and ask detailed technical questions in an informal setting. Sessions are free to attend, and visitors are welcome to come and go throughout the day.