Niwa outlines utes’ uses
Niwa, the crown-owned weather research institute, has defended its expenditure on four new utes.
It has bought the Chevrolet Silverado 4x4 HD LTZ Premium trucks with their registrations appearing to show they are 2024 models.
Niwa has declined to say how much they cost because of commercial sensitivity. That particular model currently retails at about $172,000, bringing the retail cost of the four utes to $688,000, reports the NZ Herald.
The government is trying to reduce the carbon-dioxide emissions from the vehicles it owns. Agencies must purchase battery electric vehicles (BEVs) or – if unsuitable – a plug-in hybrid (PHEV), otherwise the agency’s chief executive can sign off on something different.
Crown research institutes are not bound by those rules as government departments are but must “have regard” to them.
Niwa told the Herald that its chief executive, John Morgan, had signed off on the purchases as being necessary.
“We investigated all options and there was no viable alternative to the Silverados given the weight of boats they will be towing,” it adds.
“We test-drove a wide range of trucks, large and mid-sized utes in a variety of real-world driving conditions to determine what was going to be most suitable and safest. There are no BEV or PHEV options available that can perform the role required.”
The Silverado, pictured above, is more expensive than other utes. A top-of-the-line Ford Ranger Raptor retails for about $90,000, reports the Herald.
However, the Silverado has a greater towing capacity, it adds. A “towing test” by Australia’s Car Expert website last year using 2023 models ranked the Silverado has having a capacity of 4,500kg compared to Raptor’s 2,500kg.
Judith Collins, Minister of Science, Innovation and Technology, says the purchase of the utes was an operational decision for Niwa.
She adds: “I am satisfied due diligence has been undertaken and these vehicles are appropriate given the nature of the work they will be undertaking.”
Niwa says it’s committed to reviewing and transitioning its fleet to low-emissions models when possible. “We rely on our vehicles to conduct science activity across a variety of terrains and environmental conditions.”
The institute has 700 employees in 13 offices. Their work includes installing climate stations in mountains, conducting field work in remote river basins, boating and diving to carry out biosecurity work, and mobilising and demobilising its research vessels.
It adds: “Our work requires vehicles that can safely and efficiently move our people and carry heavy loads, transport bulky and oversized kit, ascend and descend steep grades, safely tow trailers and boats, and transport gas cylinders or other hazardous substances.
“Our work is done throughout the year, from summer ‘low flow’ periods in freshwater rivers and streams, to events-based work, for example during or after environmental hazard events, such as floods.” Click here for the full Herald story.
