Mike Casey (Ngāti Kahungunu ki Wairarapa) is redefining what climate leadership looks like in Aotearoa New Zealand. As co-owner of the world’s first all-electric orchard, Electric Cherries, he’s proven that sustainability and profitability can grow side-by-side. His pioneering use of 21 electric farm machines, powered by solar and New Zealand’s renewable grid, has cut emissions by around 50 tonnes each year while saving tens of thousands in energy costs – a model that’s inspired farmers and innovators across the country.

Now as CEO of Rewiring Aotearoa, Mike is scaling that impact nationally. In just two years, he’s turned the energy think-and-do tank into a ground-up movement, raising millions in philanthropic funding and building a team of leading experts to make electrification practical, affordable, and exciting for New Zealanders. Tens of Thousands of New Zealanders now know Mike’s story and Rewiring’s message through their relentless advocacy, storytelling, and evidence-based leadership and a general desire for a better future for our nation. Mike has shifted the national conversation on climate from one of sacrifice to one thats an exciting opportunity – showing that a cleaner energy future means a lower cost of living for whānau and a far better economic outlook for our country and everyone who calls our beautiful country home.