New Zealand, despite abundant energy resources, faces surprisingly high electricity costs. An investigation into past policy decisions reveals that reforms to the electricity industry are a key contributor to this issue. The series examines how and why these changes were implemented, focusing on the actors who shaped these policies and the beneficiaries of the new system. Deregulation of the market aimed to increase efficiency but has seemingly led to complications and increased prices for consumers. The analysis suggests a disconnect between New Zealand’s natural resources and affordable electricity access. Further scrutiny of these reforms is needed to understand their full impact and explore potential solutions to lower costs.