ON THE COVER
NEW EV PROPOSALS LACK FORESIGHT What a kerfuffle the Government’s new electric vehicle legislation has caused. On the surface, rebates (but not the taxes) may seem appealing but what about the wider ramifications?
NEW BOARD GAME: Kaupapa, created locally by Rosie Remmerswaal (pictured on our cover) and Kuruho Wereta, is helping learners and speakers of te reo Māori to master the language and have fun at the same time. Launched earlier this year, the innovation has aroused the interest of libraries, schools and community groups who have seen its potential as an educational tool as well as a form of entertainment. Read more on pages 16-17.
Ph 09 271 8000 www.eastlife.co.nz Editor: Helen Perry 09 271 8036, editor@eastlife.co.nz Sales: Jackie Underhill 09 271 8092, jackie@eastlife.co.nz Sales: Kate Ockelford-Green 09 271 8090, kate@eastlife.co.nz Design: Claire Robertson 09 271 8061, clairer@eastlife.co.nz Design: Clare McGillivray 09 271 8067, clare@eastlife.co.nz
Undoubtedly, most Kiwis recognise that Co2 emissions need lowering but, really, is this the best way to go about it especially as burning coal to help provide electricity to run electric cars is also costly in the way of Co2 emissions. Further more, with NZ looking to reduce coal mining, (which has its own ramifications), the Government was content to import nearly 1.1 million tonnes of coal last year according to MBIE data. I’ve previously expressed concerns about the environmental effects of mining lithium for EV batteries and the lifespan and disposal of those batteries. But, now, battery lifespan takes on new significance. Although the Government is offering a $3450 rebate to used EV buyers, who would want to if the remaining life of the battery is perhaps five years or so? With the cost of replacing that battery likely to be more than $5500, any incentive is cancelled out. As government income from petrol taxes and road user chargers diminishes will there be a ‘new’ EV tax to replace that income? But the big problem is the overall cost of both used and new EVs.
Photography: Wayne Martin Published by Times Media Ltd 10 Central Terrace, Howick, Auckland. PO Box 38 232 Howick, Auckland 2145
The Hyundai IONIQ 5, a mid-size SUV is listed at $79,990 for the 2WD base model; the top of the line model, limited AWD model is $112,990. How many New Zealanders have that kind of money to spend on a car? Of course, the $8625 rebate is not available for new EVs over $80,000 but if one is able to pay even $60,000, then perhaps the incentive is unnecessary. More importantly, most folk probably realise the true cost will be on those who can least afford to spend mega bucks on a car and will be penalised with taxes to provide those incentives for those who may not need them. Most Kiwis, it seems, spend about $10,000 on a car, with the next leap up being about $20,000. Where will the additional tax, leave people with limited budgets? I consider myself financially comfortable but the thought of paying about $60,000 for a new car is terrifying as is being penalised for buying a new, medium size petrol or dieseldriven vehicle for which my budget is $35,000 tops. What’s more, suggestions that a compact, used Nissan Leaf would be an ‘affordable” EV option leaves me gobsmacked. It would not meet my needs and I don’t want a Leaf let alone a used one. I require a new, medium size vehicle capable of lasting many years. My ‘inappropriate’ 2010
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2 | eastlife | july 2021
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EDITOR diesel Holden Cruze has done 224,000 kms with barely a hiccup and while utes, large SUVs and vans driven by diesel (and probably petrol too) could well disappear in time I don’t believe now is that time especially as there are no alternatives for such vehicles used not only by farmers but tradesmen and others too. Some commentators have reasoned that all the utes in Auckland are hardly being driven by “farmers and electricians!” This could imply the rest are driven by people who don’t need them; that’s naïve. Utes and vans are used by builders, plumbers, painters, sportspeople, musicians, lawn mowing contractors, fencers, glass and joinery contractors, gardeners and landscapers to name a few! And, that doesn’t count families who carry a lot more than the weekly groceries. I could say more but, for now, I just see problems for those who haven’t the money for crippling taxes which may ultimately curtail vehicle ownership. Sadly, cycleways and expensive public transport will not suffice if that were the case.
HELEN PERRY EDITOR
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