EV van shuttle launched

Two fully electric shuttle vans are up and running at Wellington wildlife sanctuary Zealandia in what’s considered the first use of EVs for such a purpose in New Zealand.

Climate change minister and acting associate transport minister James Shaw got on board during an inaugural run on October 5.

The new LDV E80 electric vans replace existing diesel shuttles and are expected to carry about 15,000 visitors to the wildlife sanctuary annually.

The vehicles are part of a wider sustainability partnership with Meridian Energy and have received additional funding from the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA).

“Zealandia has a 500-year restoration vision, and a big part of that will be addressing issues like carbon emissions and climate change,” Zealandia chief executive Paul Atkins says.

“Alongside a significant reduction of emissions, we are able to use these shuttles as another way to educate and inform visitors to the sanctuary on how sustainable practise is intertwined with conserving the natural world.”

The new shuttles also signify the start of a longer-term partnership between Zealandia and Meridian. The two organisations have teamed up to promote the impact of sustainable practise on environmental conservation.

“Sustainability defines who we are, and we’re committed to working with like-minded organisations on projects that benefit the environment,” Meridian chief customer officer Julian Smith says.

“Addressing climate change by reducing carbon emissions is an area where we believe we can make a meaningful difference, so we’re delighted to be working with Zealandia to help them reduce their emissions.”

Along with the vans will be a new interactive sustainability display in the Zealandia Visitor Centre, where people can learn more about Meridian and Zealandia’s shared commitment to sustainability initiatives.