We need a culture shift if Kiwis are to follow the Government down the EV road
As this newspaper highlighted earlier this month, there is an inconvenient truth to EVs. A study by researchers from the University of Auckland and Xiamen University in China showed EV adoption globally is likely doing more harm than good when it comes to CO2 emissions.
However, what it also showed was that, because of our renewable energy supply, we are better positioned than most to take advantage of the benefits of EVs.
If, of course, we have the infrastructure to match.
So it would seem Bishop and the Government are now tackling this problem.
Bishop said we have fewer public chargers per EV than many other countries in the OECD and he argued this was a barrier to Kiwis purchasing EVs.
Last year, we saw EV sales in New Zealand plummet, with motor industry expects suggesting it will be years before a rebound.
Another barrier, which Bishop must be aware of, is our culture. We are a nation that loves trucks.
Last year, New Zealand's top-selling vehicles were the Ford Ranger, Toyota Rav4 and Toyota Hilux. Most of us don't need a more than two-tonne ute to get around in – but that doesn't stop us buying them.
In fact, the Suzuki Swift, in eighth place, was the only vehicle in the top 10 new registrations for 2024 to not be approaching the size of a Sherman tank.
Yes, there are some EV utes. But not enough to dent the diesel and petrol market share.
Climate Change Minister Simon Watts said yesterday that EVs make sense for New Zealand.
'With our bountiful renewable energy resources, EVs are a winner for New Zealand. Kiwis charging their EVs are essentially filling their cars with predominantly water, wind and geothermal energy – rather than fossil fuels – due to our high level of renewable energy," he said.
Watts is right. It does make sense here. New Zealand has more than 80% of its electricity coming from renewable sources.
He also said there are real benefits to owning an EV, including helping to keep running costs low – a pitch towards the cost-of-living struggles many face.
Bishop, meanwhile, said the cost of building EV chargers around the country could vary wildly and may often require upgrading nearby electricity infrastructure.
There will also need to be improvements to the electricity network to handle the anticipated additional demands.
The Government wants us to join them on the EV road – it will be interesting to see if Kiwis alter their mindset and follow.
Sign up to the Daily H, a free newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Scoop
an hour ago
- Scoop
Why Is The New Zealand Media Not Questioning The Implications Of The Gene Technology Bill?
Press Release – Lisa Er Despite the profound ethical, environmental, and societal implications, there has been a noticeable lack of critical scrutiny from the mainstream media, says Lisa Er. As the Gene Technology Bill advances through Parliament, New Zealand faces a pivotal moment in science, agriculture, and public health. The proposed legislation would significantly relax restrictions on gene technology, enabling broader research, development, and use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in New Zealand for the first time in nearly 30 years Yet, despite the profound ethical, environmental, and societal implications, there has been a noticeable lack of critical scrutiny from the mainstream media. 'It is plausible that political and economic factors are influencing the nature and depth of media coverage regarding the Gene Technology Bill,' says Lisa Er, author of a petition to 'halt the progress of the Gene Technology Bill and instead set up a Commission of Inquiry into the health and safety of people and the environment on behalf of citizens, to allow time for wider community and stakeholder consultation.' Key Concerns: Environmental Risks: The Bill paves the way for the release of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) into New Zealand's unique ecosystems, risking irreversible impacts on native species, biodiversity, crops, and the country's global clean, green brand. Lack of Public Consultation: The Government has failed to meaningfully consult with Māori, scientists, and the wider public, ignoring Treaty of Waitangi obligations and indigenous rights, community concerns about food safety, cultural values, and environmental protection. Threat to Export Markets: New Zealand's primary export markets, especially in Europe and Asia, have strict GM-free requirements. The Bill endangers market access and could jeopardize billions in export earnings. Undermining Precaution: The Bill abandons the precautionary principle that has underpinned New Zealand's cautious approach to gene technology, exposing the country to unknown long-term risks. Ignoring International Best Practice: Leading nations are strengthening, not weakening, their oversight of gene technologies in response to new scientific evidence and public concern. Insufficient Public Debate: The bill has generated over 1,500 public submissions, reflecting deep divisions and strong opinions across the country. The removal of labelling GE is of considerable public concern. Why has the minimal media coverage largely focused on official statements and the potential benefits, with little attention paid to the risks, opposition viewpoints, or the broader societal debate that is unfolding in submissions and community discussions? Risk Oversight and Regulatory Gaps: the bill will open the door to unintended consequences, including ecosystem disruption, cross-contamination of crops, and unclear long-term health effects Transparency and Accountability: Some have questioned whether the bill is being rushed or if consultation has been adequate, particularly given the timing of the public submission period over the summer holidays Media outlets have an essential role in holding lawmakers accountable and ensuring transparency in the legislative process, and these risks deserve deeper journalistic investigation and public explanation. A Call to Action for the Media: We urge New Zealand's journalists and editors to fulfil their democratic duty by: – Investigating the full range of concerns about the Gene Technology Bill, including those raised in public submissions. – Highlighting the ethical, cultural, and environmental questions that remain unresolved. – Providing balanced, evidence-based coverage that empowers New Zealanders to make informed decisions about the future of gene technology in their country. 'The Gene Technology Bill represents a generational shift in New Zealand's approach to biotechnology', says Er. 'The public deserves robust, critical journalism that examines not only the promises but also the very real perils of this legislation.' Lisa Er, founder of Lisa's Hummus Issued in the public interest to encourage transparent, balanced, and investigative reporting on a matter of national importance Petition with over 4,000 signatures Petition request: That the House of Representatives halt the progress of the Gene Technology Bill and instead set up a Commission of Inquiry into the health and safety of people and the environment on behalf of citizens, to allow time for wider community and stakeholder consultation. Petition reason: I consider the Gene Technology Bill has failed to follow sound and fair processes by not consulting enough with the public and other stakeholders. I believe there is inadequate consideration of Te Tiriti obligations, and insufficient requirements to protect people and the environment from the risks of GE contamination. A range of gene editing techniques would be excluded from regulation. This would mean GE products would enter the environment and food supply untested, unregistered and unlabeled.
NZ Herald
7 hours ago
- NZ Herald
Far North festivals get boost from Government tourism funding
The Brew of Islands is among several local festivals set to receive a funding boost, along with the Upsurge Bay of Islands Arts Festival and the Fired-Up Barbecue Festival. The Far North is set to benefit from an injection of regional tourism funding, with the Government supporting local festivals through the Regional Events Promotion Fund. Northland MP Grant McCallum said the Government is encouraging more New Zealanders to visit Northland. 'I'm thrilled to see Northland included in this round
RNZ News
7 hours ago
- RNZ News
FICAC suspension unlawful, says Fiji law society
.. Photo: Facebook/FLS The Fiji Law Society says suspending the Commissioner of Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) without the advice of the Judicial Services Commission is unlawful. Society President, Wylie Clarke said it is equally unlawful for President Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu to appoint an acting FICAC Commissioner, and dismiss its deputy commissioner and re-appoint him to a magistrate's role, without the recommendations of the Judicial Services Commission (JSC). It follows Fiji prime minister Sitiveni Rabuka posting on social media that the president had taken several actions, in response to recommendations of a report by the Commission of Inquiry (COI) into the appointment of the FICAC Commissioner. Rabuka said the president made decisions "after advice from me as prime minister and minister responsible for the Commission of Inquiries Act". This included suspending Barbara Malimali . Clarke said according to Rabuka, Ratu Naiqama appears to have made the FICAC decisions on the advice of the prime minister, and if that's the case, these actions are not constitutional or lawful. He said the prime minister has no constitutional role in the appointment or discipline of the Commissioner and acting deputy Commissioner of FICAC. "It appears both the prime minister and His Excellency the president have been poorly advised on their powers," the Law Society boss said in a statement. "The Government statement says that his Excellency acted in accordance with sections 81 and 82 of the Constitution. However s.82 is very clear. The president acts only on the advice of Cabinet or a Minister or of some other body or authority prescribed by this Constitution for a particular purpose as the body or authority on whose advice the president acts in that case. "In this case the 'prescribed authority' is the JSC." The Law Society statement added that the "FICAC saga" has distracted the government for many months and the Society had hoped the COI report would bring that to an end. Fiji Opposition leader, Inia Seruiratu, has called on the Government to make the COI report public. Seruiratu told local media he's not worried about the developments, saying everyone is replaceable. But he said the report should be made available to the public for the sake of transparency. Fijian Attorney General, Graham Leung, has also been dismissed by the prime minister, who cited findings from the same COI report. Pac News reported him saying the decision is in the best interest of the people that his government serves. Fiji Village reported Leung saying he respects the constitutional authority of the prime minister. Leung had been the Attorney-General for less than a year.
