Hello to all Tesla Fans and Owners in New Zealand!
I'm a kiwi living in Norway and I have owned my Model S since 7th September last year. We're planning to move back to NZ later this year and I just found out that I can't bring my LHD Model S back with me (or rather, I can't register it for use on NZ roads) - unless the NZTA deems her to have "historic value"... We did win the Electric Marathon (12 days from Saint Petersburg to Monaco) with her last year and this year she helped to set a new world record for longest continuous line of EV's driving on public roads... but I doubt if the NZTA will consider those as worthy reason.
I was planning to use her to help accelerate the shift to EV's in NZ (now seriously behind most parts of the world). Besides my broad experience of Tesla I also have a lot of experience, understanding and useful contacts from the EV lobby here in Norway...
My game plan in short:
1. Bring Model S to NZ.
2. Offer all politicians a free test-drive (my time, my cost).
3. They will want one and will change the laws to facilitate getting one.
4. I'll show them the way with examples from Norway.
Umm... so with that plan in jeopardy...
1. Do any of you know the options for getting a RHD MS to NZ?
2. What are Tesla's plans to open shop in NZ?
3. How does it work buying from Oz?
Lobbying (side-note):
In lobbying for the EV cause, please try to avoid the word "incentives" and I think we will make faster progress. Lower taxation of EV's, such as we have here in Norway, is in no way an INCENTIVE, but rather totally fair "user pays". Those who contribute to massive oil spills, environmental destruction and chocking up our atmosphere (by purchasing and burning fossil fuels) must pay for their share of the damage (via higher taxation on such resources and the machines that consume them).
There is no doubt that EV's will rule the world eventually, but we want them to rule ASAP
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Model S - Standard 85 (2013) | Metallic Green | Pano Roof | Tech Package | Air Suspension | Jump Seats