Main Points:

• encourage solar power options for domestic supply through subsidy of manufacture and purchase
  
• encourage development and manufacture of electric cars either in or through NZ
  

The basis of this policy is that solar power is likely to become the main source of energy for homes in NZ. As technology improves it will become feasible for all households to be self reliant energy wise. The following are some of the contributing factors:

• Recent deregulation of the power industry with a motive for making profit has pushed up power prices
• Cost of maintenance and renewal of power lines
• Being self reliant for power means not vulnerable to power outages in emergencies
• Self reliance equals greater independence and control
• New Zealand has low density housing and many days of sunshine
• Solar power is renewable

This is an industry that can be supported through subsidies and funding such as has been done in Germany.

The government could offer leadership through the following:

• install solar power, for at least the water heating, in all state houses including any government owned dwellings, embassies etc.

It is envisioned that electric cars will become the norm for personal transport. Current petrol prices have made the pursuit of alternatives feasible and the first viable production models are on the threshold of production. One of these, the Tesla roadster, is showing the most promise. While this initial car is a sports model selling for US $90,000, the manufacturers envision producing a sedan for US$30,000. The Tesla roadster, sport car accelerates to 100 kph in 4 seconds and does 400 km on one recharge, a process which takes about eight hours. These specs bring the car to within the same expectations as a combustion engine car, except for the recharge time.

Electric cars offer the following advantages:

• They run off a renewable energy source
• If households generate their own electricity, they may use any surplus to recharge their cars
  
• They are silent and produce no pollution, creating healthier urban environments
• They are lighter, making car accident impacts less damaging
• They have less moving parts making them potentially cheaper and easier to manufacture

Public transport in NZ has failed to become a reliable form of transport partly because of low population density.  In Auckland there is little opportunity for a complete overhaul of public transport and the construction of a wholesale underground or overground train or bus system.