Explore the technologies, fuels and solutions shaping the future

4-6.30pm, Thursday 3 September, The Tauranga Club

Transport is critical to the Bay of Plenty economy – connecting businesses, people and products across the region and beyond. But how do we reduce transport emissions while maintaining the performance, reliability and competitiveness our businesses depend on?

In this third session in the 2026 Energy Event Series, we will explore the range of pathways emerging across the transport sector, from hydrogen and electric vehicles through to renewable fuels and other sustainable options.

Topics & speakers (full details below):

. The bigger picture: Navigating New Zealand’s transport energy transition – Megan Wakefield (EECA)

· The road ahead: What does the energy transition mean for freight? – James Smith (National Road Carriers)

· Electrifying the fleet: Putting electric utility vehicles to work – Grant Payton (Utility Fleet Vehicles Ltd)

· Hydrogen & diesel: A practical pathway for heavy transport – Kim Hill (Change Fuel Technologies/HW Richardson)

· Hydrogen, green methanol and what comes next: heavy transport transition – Dan Marsh (Hiringa)

· Biofuel: What’s possible for the future of transport? – Paul Bennett (BSI)

The evening will end with a networking session where you can talk to the attending speakers, as well as meet other industry colleagues, along with drinks and canapes.

Session details & speaker bios:

Megan Wakefield is Sector and Indirect Lead at EECA. She brings a broad perspective on the changing energy landscape and what it means for New Zealand’s transport sector. Megan will provide an overview of EECA’s transport funding work, including the support available to businesses exploring lower-emissions transport options and technologies.

James Smith is General Manager: Policy & Advocacy at National Road Carriers. With more than 40 years’ experience across New Zealand’s transport and freight industries, James brings a deep understanding of the sector and its challenges. Now focused on policy and regulatory settings at National Road Carriers, James will open with context on what a low-emissions future means for road freight and the changes needed to support the industry through the transition.

Grant Payton is Chief Operating Officer at UBCO/Utility Fleet Vehicles Ltd. He brings experience in developing and deploying electric utility vehicles for commercial and fleet applications. In this session, Grant will explore what electrification looks like in practice - from vehicle capability, charging, cost of labour, change management and what fleet operators need to consider as they transition away from traditional fuel-powered vehicles.

Kim Hill, Manager of Change Fuel Technologies, will share how HW Richardson’s hydrogen diesel co-fuel technology is creating a practical pathway to reduce emissions from heavy transport. The session will explore how the technology works, its potential for existing heavy vehicle fleets, and what co-fuelling could mean for the transition to lower-emissions freight without waiting for a complete switch to new vehicles or infrastructure.

Dan Marsh is Asset Lead at Hiringa Energy, a company at the forefront of developing low-emissions fuel solutions for New Zealand’s heavy transport sector. At its local Tauriko site, Hiringa is helping demonstrate what a future hydrogen refuelling network could look like for heavy vehicles, while its work in green methanol is exploring opportunities to decarbonise maritime transport. Dan will talk through the future of this fuel type and what the refuelling landscape could look like for transport and logistics operators.

Paul Bennett, Portfolio Leader – Integated Bioenergy – Bioeconomy Science Institute (Scion), will provide an overview of where biofuels are at in New Zealand and the options emerging for transport. The session will explore what is possible across road, marine and other applications, including the potential for locally produced biofuels to support the decarbonisation of heavy transport and shipping.

What's the 2026 Energy Series?

A practical learning series bringing together businesses to learn from energy specialists, explore cost‑efficient solutions, and take action to optimise costs, strengthen resilience and plan confidently for the future.

The series aligns with the work of the Energy Leadership Group (ELG) and the development of the Western Bay of Plenty’s regional energy strategy. The series will include workshops on topics such as biomass, transport & logistics, and more. Alongside specialist insights, we’ll seek your input to help shape the topics discussed so they reflect your business priorities and real‑world needs.

This session is also about connection. You'll have the opportunity to engage with peers, industry experts and innovators, helping to accelerate your energy strategy.

This session will be recorded – signup here for our newsletter to be alerted to the video release, plus find out about future events, insights and opportunities.

This series is bought to you by Priority One, EMA, EECA, Beca and the Energy Leadership Group (ELG).

Learn more about Priority One's energy work here.

Contact the host of 2026 Energy Series | Transport & Logistics