In April 2023, after starting the journey with Rewiring Aotearoa, Mana Tāhuna made the switch. The board signed off after the maths added up — they swapped out 3 diesel Mazda CX-5s for two BYD Atto 3s and a Nissan Leaf.

• Saving around $150 per week across three vehicles in 2023
• With current diesel prices, savings would be around $300 per week

Charging: One charger at the office. Getting staff comfortable charging at home — and ensuring no additional power costs — became a management challenge.

Regional travel: Factoring in charging station locations is now required for Central Otago travel.

• Influenced several stakeholders to make the move to EVs

• Managing staff who charge at home — perception of power bill changes means staff prefer public charging
• Businesses travelling Central Otago routinely may have reservations — Mana Tāhuna is proof you can do it

• Need a ute equivalent — looking at the Riddara
• Towing capacity and hours of operation need assessment

• Better public charging in Invercargill — only one charger there and the team travels monthly