Buy one made for New Zealand
A charger bought from an overseas seller may be built for another market's plugs, supply or approvals. Gen Less advises making sure a charger has a Supplier Declaration of Conformity, the supplier's statement that it meets New Zealand's requirements. Ask for it before you pay.
WorkSafe's January 2026 addendum also says every charging station must comply with IEC 61851 as appropriate. A careful installer will want to see the paperwork too.
Smart features and your power plan
Timing is a big part of the appeal. Gen Less points out that charging off-peak with a smart charger can lower costs. Find out whether the model you like schedules charging itself, through an app, or leaves that to the car.
Load management is the other half. WorkSafe recommends some form of it for a 32 A charger, so ask whether the Wallbox model you're considering can do it and what extra parts that takes.
Before you pay
- An NZ-supplied unit with its Supplier Declaration of Conformity.
- Which RCD protection it needs: a Type B built in, a separate Type B, or an RDC-DD with a Type A.
- An electrician's view on whether your switchboard and supply can take it.
- How load management works on this particular model.
- Who will install it, and their licence ID.
Installing it
EV charging sits outside the homeowner rules. The Electrical Workers Registration Board (EWRB) says homeowners may not do this work even in a home they own and live in, and Gen Less says a wall charger needs a registered electrician. The new circuit comes with a Certificate of Compliance and an Electrical Safety Certificate. EV charger installation covers the job.
Our view
We'd pick the Wallbox model after an electrician has confirmed your board, supply and RCD arrangement, and buy from a New Zealand supplier who can hand over the declaration of conformity. That way the install is one visit, not two.
Want a specialist to sort it?
Tell us the job and your postcode. We match the licence-checked local electrician who does this kind of work, and they call you. No ring-around, and your number goes to them alone.