EV library service hailed as NZ’s first

An electric mobile library service which starts in Upper Hutt early September is billed as a New Zealand first.

The EV library dubbed “Mangaroa” for Upper Hutt Libraries was blessed on July 22 by Matua Kura Moeahu of Te Ati Awa and the library service will be in addition to the existing mobile library bus Purehurehu which became operational last year.

The EV service will visit various community spaces, including schools and rest homes.

Mangaroa was custom-built with the EV chassis and cab bought from a Lower Hutt dealer and the building of its custom storage pod completed by MF King Industries.

“We are delighted with Mangaroa and are very proud to have the first EV mobile library service in New Zealand,” says Upper Hutt Libraries manager Marion Read.

“Our purpose-built EV has been worth the wait and we’re looking forward to connecting with more of our local community.”

In line with the revival and acknowledgment of local place names, flora and fauna once abundant in the upper reaches of the Te Awa Kairangi (Hutt River), the name Mangaroa (Long Stream) was selected to acknowledge the Mangaroa River in the Remutaka Ranges’ western foothills.

The EV’s artwork is by Christopher Davidson and includes illustrations of solar panels.

When the service begins in September, the vehicle will be used as a multipurpose outreach facility to work with various parts of the Upper Hutt community.