eastlife | july 2021 www.eastlife.co.nz

ON THE COVER NEW EV PROPOSALS LACK FORESIGHT

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 Photography: Wayne Martin Published by Times Media Ltd 10 Central Terrace, Howick, Auckland. PO Box 38 232 Howick, Auckland 2145 What a kerfuffl e 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 ramifi cations?

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 ramifi cations), 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 signifi cance.

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 fi ve 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. 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 fi nancially 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 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 suffi ce if that were the case.

THIS MONTH

4-5 WHAT’S ON 22-23 INTERVIEW

Like us on facebook: www.facebook.com/ eastlifemagazine Month’s happenings!

5 WIN!

Heart and troll – local author’s story set to stone

DISCLAIMER: Articles published in EastLife do not necessarily refl ect the views of the publishers or editor. All material is provided as a general information service only. Times Media Ltd does not assume or accept any responsibility for, and shall not be liable for, the accuracy or appropriate application of any information in this magazine. All the material in this magazine has the protection of international copyright. All rights reserved. No content may be reproduced without the prior written consent of Times Media Ltd. 6-9 PHOTOS

Local events to the fore

12-13 INTERVIEW

Elliot Johnston – HP Hawk’s ‘states’ of play 24 PUZZLE TIME

Crossword and sudoku

26-33 FASHION,

BEAUTY & HEALTH

• Backing black, ice cool • Living better for less • Lingerie honours • Beauty counter • Regular columnists • Battling sleep during pregnancy

from the EDITOR

HELEN PERRY EDITOR

34-36 FOOD

• Recipes • Taste

37-41 HOME

• Out of Europe

Win!

To enter the draw for any of these competitions visit www.eastlife.co.nz and enter this month’s code ELJULY2216. One entry per email address / person; entries close July 31, 2021. Winners notifi ed by phone or email.

WIN! A HUSKI BEER COOLER 2.0

It may be cold outside, but to ensure we can beat the heat come summer, one Kiwi company is thinking ahead of the curve. No Styrofoam sleeve, the Huski Beer Cooler 2.0 is double-walled, vacuum insulated and copper lined for maximum thermal performance. Made from corrosion-resistant, marine-grade stainless steel, they’ll still be cool for many years to come. Huski beer (and wine) coolers are available via www. huski.co.nz (RRP $39.99) and from selected home, lifestyle, gift and design stores. However, we have Huski Beer Coolers to give away to TWO lucky readers.

WIN! A BABY SHOW HAMPER

Few can resist a little bundle of joy. However, because little bundles require much in the because little bundles require much in the way of ‘accessories’, the Baby Show (August way of ‘accessories’, the Baby Show (August 20-22, ASB Showgrounds) is a must-visit 20-22, ASB Showgrounds) is a must-visit event for parents and parents-to-be; for event for parents and parents-to-be; for more information, see www.babyshow. more information, see www.babyshow. co.nz. Thanks to show organisers, we have co.nz. Thanks to show organisers, we have a darling prize up for grabs. In addition to a darling prize up for grabs. In addition to a double pass, our winner will receive a a double pass, our winner will receive a hamper (valued at approximately $150) hamper (valued at approximately $150) featuring toys, clothing, teethers, sleeping featuring toys, clothing, teethers, sleeping aids, cleaning products and more. aids, cleaning products and more.

WIN! A COPY OF WOMEN & MONEY

Money may make the world go around but, if this is a man’s world, women need to be particularly on song with it in order to become fi nancially independent. A comprehensive guide to making the most money and, perhaps, more importantly, making the most of money, this book is intended to help those seeking fi nancial wellbeing.

Janet Xuccoa: Women & Money – Mastering the Struggle | RRP $34.95 | Cheshire Publishing

WIN! A SHOWTYM ADVENTURE SERIES BOX SET

Fans of Kelly Wilson’s children’s books will, no doubt, be dismayed that the author of Keeping up with the Kaimanawas fame has called ‘whoa’ on her popular Showtym Adventures. But there’s on her popular Showtym Adventures. But there’s good news too. Thanks to our good friends at Penguin NZ, we have a box set to give away. It features a copy of each of the eight books in the series (including the fi nal instalment, released earlier this year, Syd the Muster Pony).