Anthony Dainty took up the position of Site Partnerships Director with ChargeNet in July 2022, the result of a nationwide search by Farrow Jamieson. We caught up with Anthony after his first year in the role and asked him how it’s going.

Anthony, what sold you on joining ChargeNet?

It was really the opportunity to do something different. To make a difference. Electric vehicle charging is fairly new to New Zealand, and I had never done anything like this, but I knew I had the skillset they needed. Electric vehicles are the future. Property is a big part of it. Securing the right sites is vital for building an EV charging network with locations that people want to visit. It’s fantastic to be at the start of something so significant. We’re really playing a part in the future of motoring.

How does the culture compare with other organisations you have worked in?

Wow, it’s just forming and changing all the time. I’ve got to say, it’s completely different from the more established businesses I’ve been in. It’s so new, the culture is emerging every day, as the team grows. It’s a cool team here. We’re at the forefront of an incredible industry, we’re doing something really innovative and it’s just amazing to be a part of.

How is ChargeNet different now than when you started?

It's been quite the transformation. We've grown – not just the size of the team but the size of our network. Alongside this, the surge in public awareness and interest in EVs has been remarkable. We fine-tuned our strategic game plan, and the results are showing as we're more organised than ever, a sign of our shift from scrappy startup to a seasoned player.

Any exciting wins in your first year you’d like to tell us about?

A partnership with a nationwide retailer. Well, we’re just putting the finishing touches on it. Partnerships are where it’s at, and this one is a great one. There will be more about it soon. I knew we could do it, and I’m very excited. There will be loads more partnerships, but it’s taking time because no one knows exactly how this goes yet. Every potential partner we are taking them on a journey (excuse the pun!). Any retailer can be an EV charging site host and part of the EV movement and it's our job to show them how. I'm loving it.

Do you have any big hairy audacious goals right now?

Where do I start! More partnerships for a start. I would love to keep building the property team. We’ve got some great people here already but there’s so much more we could do. We’re only just scratching the surface. Partnerships are key. Property is so important to our industry. We have a lot to do.

What’s your Monday morning hack that sets you up for a great week ahead?

Actually, it’s fairly informal, but once the team gets in [to the office] I like us to all go out for coffee. We just go out to a local café, not far from here. We catch up on how everyone’s doing, and towards the end we discuss what our big goals are for the week and what we need to get done. Then we talk about how we can help each other. It’s great team building and it’s important in my view.

And, finally can I ask, who would you pick for New Zealander of the Year?

Zoe Hobbs. Not what you’d expect me to say, is it! But seriously she is New Zealand’s one hundred metre sprint champion. I used to be a track and field runner, so I know what it takes to get to that level. It’s an incredible amount of focus, discipline, and hard, hard work. Her focus is incredible. She’s undoubtedly one of the best runners we have had in decades. Certainly, the World’s this month [Budapest August 2023], and Olympics next year. We should all be very proud of her. We haven’t had someone this good in a very very long time.