Crown-owned weather research institute Niwa has been slammed for its decision to purchase four Chevrolet Silverado Premium utes.
Despite the government’s efforts to reduce emissions by encouraging the use of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) or plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), Niwa chose the luxury ‘gas-guzzlers’ due to their towing capacity, necessary for transporting heavy boats for their research activities.
According to a report today in state-subsidised media outlet NZ Herald, the total cost of the vehicles is approximately $688,000, based on a retail price of about $172,000 each.
Niwa’s choice has raised questions about adherence to government guidelines aimed at reducing ‘vehicle emissions’, although Crown Research Institutes like Niwa are not strictly bound by these rules but are expected to consider them.
Niwa defended its decision, stating no BEV or PHEV options available could meet their requirements for towing capacity and safety. A spokesperson told the NZ Herald the vehicles were important in conducting a wide range of scientific activities across various terrains and conditions.
Criticism has come from various quarters, including the Taxpayers’ Union, which argues that Niwa’s decision reflects a disregard for the government’s push towards reducing public spending and ’emissions’. Nevertheless, Niwa said it was committed to transitioning its fleet to low-emission vehicles where possible.
Judith Collins, Minister of Science, Innovation and Technology, and one of Niwa’s shareholding ministers, supported the purchase, indicating that due diligence was conducted and the vehicles were deemed appropriate for Niwa’s operational needs.
Just another example of govt saying do as I say, not as I do. Yet, they still wonder why hardly anyone listens to the BS they spout anymore.
It’s okay when we do it.
They know.
Even they know climate change is 🐄 💩
We don’t even need NIWA.
they lie about the weather . Shut them down permanently. Think of the savings.
As a former pilot and boat captain, I always got my weather forecasts and related synopsis from other sources (privately-owned) that were by far more reliable.
Government only provides a ‘politically-correct’ forecast and record keeping that is exploited for political and false environmental reasons.
I wonder IF NIWA has any jet aircraft that are being quietly operated either thru direct ownership, leasing or time sharing with other fascist corporate entities that impose their rules (or..at least try to…!) on the population, while trying to justify the importance of them having access to high-cost ássets’that we are all paying for!
And Chevrolet?
Well after all, Holden Colorados are the same thing basically, yet the Chevy offers only a little more towing and grunt capacity.
But,… both are General Motors products, and after my wife’s experience of working at GM as a Kelly Temp and reading John DeLorean’s book titled Ón A Clear Day You Can See General Motors’, I will NEVER purchase another GM product again!
CEO John Morgan is taking the piss at the tax payers expense. Ian Wishart proved them to be total liars . If they needed hugely expensive vehicles to tow their big boats, get smaller boats you drop kicks. It’s an expensive organisation, if closed down, wouldn’t be missed.
Absolutely no due diligence from the new govt. This was Crushers own goal.