Matamata locals and visitors now have a place to charge their electric vehicles in the CBD, with two new EV chargers installed and ready for public use.

Located in Gouk Street, the chargers have been installed in the public car park across from the rear entrance of retail store Farm Source, just one street away from Broadway.

Mayor Adrienne said the central location adds to the EV charging offerings in other parts of town. “This CBD spot will be attractive to visitors who can stop over in Matamata, explore our town centre and enjoy our local eateries while topping up” she said.

Council included EV charging in its 2021 parking management plan, recognising there would be future demand within the district as drivers responded to central government emissions reduction initiatives.

“We also ensured the EV parking spaces were marked out to recognise the needs of our disabled communities,” said Mayor Adrienne. “With extra-wide spaces and additional room either side to make it easier for people to move in and out,” she said.

Council provided the site and partnered with We.EV who funded the install of the Matamata chargers, with support from the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) Low Emissions Transport Fund (LETF). The two 30kW chargers are able to charge any EV. 

Public EV charging sites are in sight for more locations across the district, with two We.EV DC chargers and two Hikotron AC chargers planned for the Morrinsville Event Centre car park. Investigation into a potential site in Te Aroha is underway.

The Matamata CBD chargers are now live and available for use. Drivers can download the We.EV mobile app to access prices and pay to top up their vehicles.