It’s July 22, 2026, and plug-in solar panels are illegal in New Zealand. In 2012, WorkSafe announced a prohibition on the inverters required to make them work, citing “significant risks” of fire and serious harm. But advocates like Rewiring Aotearoa say that the 2012 ban was “written for cheap, unsafe devices that no longer exist on the market”.

With the potential to reduce electricity bills by $300 to $400 per year per household, National, Labour and the Greens have now all expressed eagerness to update the regulations.

Directed, filmed and edited by Isaiah Tour.
Written and presented by Robbie Nicol.
Made with the support of NZ On Air.