Having planted her roots in the Labour Party over a decade ago, MP Priyanca Radhakrishnan now holds a place in the Prime Minister’s cabinet, making her one of 20 major parliamentary decision-makers – and the first person of Indian origin to be represented there. Priyanca talks about her passions, portfolios and personal journey.
I was born in India and grew up in Singapore. My parents had migrated from India to Singapore, and they were, I guess, the quintessential migrant family who worked really hard. They instilled in me a passion for social justice from a young age. That’s what drives me, and it always has.
I saw my parents both volunteering, and they brought me and my sister up in an environment where we were encouraged to read, whether it was newspapers or current affairs, and to debate the issues at home, think them through and challenge the status quo. My parents were also my first volunteering role models. I was reflecting on that recently, as it was National Volunteer Week. It’s just something I’ve always done.
Singapore was my comfort zone, but I wanted to move somewhere that I didn’t know anyone. New Zealand ticked a lot of boxes for me. I’ve worked in the women’s rights space basically all my life. The fact that Aotearoa New Zealand is where women won the right to vote first in the developed world was a huge drawcard for me. I also met Kiwis in Singapore and really liked them and what they had to say about New Zealand. Also, the fact there was scenic beauty and a reputation for work-life balance – a bit of a joke now, given my job.
I just wanted to go somewhere and chart my own course, so I came to Palmerston North in the middle of winter 18 years ago.
Being brought up by a feminist
My biggest inspiration as a little girl was definitely my mum. She was the first feminist I ever met. She brought me up on the fact that being a woman or a girl, there wasn’t anything you couldn’t do. She challenged a lot of stereotypes in her time as well. I come from a long line of strong women. We actually come from a part of India that is matriarchal and matrilineal, so, traditionally, property was passed on through the women in the family.
I’ve worked in the family and sexual violence space for much of my life. That is still a significant issue facing ethnic women in New Zealand. I’m so excited that, in the current budget, we got funding to work on primary prevention, particularly in the ethnic communities space. That’s an area that we’ve never really had much of a focus on. Equally, I think there’s more we need to do in the secondary space, so responding to violence.
Imposter syndrome
I have grappled with imposter syndrome a fair bit. Even though I had a really supportive childhood and upbringing, I’ve always struggled with self-esteem issues. I guess going into Parliament and then becoming a minister… it’s just classic imposter syndrome, right? When you walk into a room and suddenly you have this little voice at the back of your head that’s like, “Any time now, everyone’s going to know that you don’t know what you’re talking about or you don’t know what you’re doing”.
I worked for a while at the Ministry for Women where I was often, in a lot of those spaces, the only woman of colour. Thankfully, that has changed to an extent in the past 10 years, but at that point in time I really struggled with that. I was there to raise issues around family violence intervention for ethnic women and I was the only person flying that flag. It got difficult.
I actually got some coaching, which was really helpful and it gave me some tips to be able to own that space and know that I did have a perspective that others didn’t have. I had a role to raise those issues because otherwise they wouldn’t be raised at all.
I’ve had mentors along the way. I feel quite strongly about mentorship and the importance of it. It’s not something that I’d ever thought of previously or taken seriously, but now that I’ve benefited from it, I think it’s incredibly useful.
Again, like everything else, you just have to quieten that voice sometimes and say, “No, I do have something to share here”, and just share it! Even in Parliament I have people whom I look to now as mentors and I’ll check in with them.
Recharging
Staying at home these days is quite the luxury. I try to catch up on some sleep, spend some time with my husband and my two dogs and just switch off for a bit.
One of my most favourite things to do always used to be reading for pleasure. Now that I have to do so much of that for work, I find I don’t get to read for fun much – the last thing I want to do is read something else!
Above, godfather of ambient, Brian Eno, in 1974 Hand-picked music to soothe your mind at bedtime and a little bit of reassurance about how much sleep you might actually need. This month’s playlist has been certified road tested to have you omming and ahhing in no time. “You go to bed, close your eyes and...
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Image above: A fresh arrival from Europe, the Opel Mokka-e (BEV) is a compact SUV delivering brisk performance and up to 363km of range. An arresting design leaves heaps of room for customisation. The upmarket cabin features two large screen displays in Opel’s innovative “Pure Panel.
If you didn’t know EVs are revolutionising the car industry then you’ve been living under a rock these last few years, but the reasons for buying a new car are many and not least among them whether you can fit the dog in the boot and how to allay range anxiety (it’s a thing). Who knew you didn’t just plug your car into a normal socket in the garage?
The Porsche Taycan GTS (BEV).
Okay, full disclosure, I am the sort of woman that stands on the side of the road looking suitably distressed at my flat tyre until somebody pulls over to help me change it. So if you too had to Google what ICE stood for (internal combustion engine as in cars that aren’t EVs) then you also need the facts unbundled. These days the market is moving faster than gas prices, with the latest cars offering lower lifetime running costs, some of the best safety ratings and super fun in-car tech. We’ve set out to canvas the options, rate the benefits and do a bit of carsplaining. Consider this the print equivalent of a tyre change at the side of the road.
Battery electric – BEV Pure EVs with Zero Emissions
As batteries become more energy-dense and owners get smarter about home charging during off-peak hours (see sidebar), the equation looks even better. Plus, our nationwide charging network (spearheaded by ChargeNet, charge.net.nz) is constantly improving, quelling fears around range anxiety and mid-trip charger speed or availability.
Aside from the fact that EVs produce no tailpipe nasties, many buyers are drawn to the new and rapidly evolving EV technology. The cars showcase futuristic designs, have unique driving attributes, and benefit from lower maintenance costs due to fewer moving parts. The further up the luxury and performance ladder you look, the bigger the batteries and the prevalence of two or more electric motors. Battery capacity is rated in kilowatts per hour and typical battery efficiency is 7km to 8km of travel per kWh.
Fashion designer Juliette Hogan with her Audi e-tron Sportback (BEV).
The Government’s Clean Car Discount scheme makes the numbers significantly more attractive for EVs that retail at under $80,000, such as the new Nissan Leaf. A pioneer of the electric age, the Leaf has evolved in the critical areas of battery capacity, power output and energy efficiency although it’s now matched or eclipsed by other pure-electric options. Not long ago, for example, Audi and Mercedes-Benz debuted a groundbreaking EV in their line-ups. Now, each offers a compelling range of electric e-tron and EQ models respectively.
Operating an EV is similar to driving any modern car. Many are based on conventional cars, so they have very similar interiors and controls. Others are bespoke designs with a real sense of airiness in the cabin and clutter-free consoles. All benefit from highly aerodynamic shapes but seat you higher to accommodate the battery packs under the floor. Rather than having radiator grilles, they are mostly sealed or “faired in” at the front and sit on wind-cheating, flat-faced wheels. Some break the silence with an artificial soundtrack.
Most EVs deliver sparky performance. There aren’t any gears to worry about and electric motors don’t need revs to build power, meaning full pulling power is instantly available. And driving modes or paddle shifters allow you to dial up regenerative braking to the point where you can drive largely by using the accelerator only. Lift off and the car effectively brakes for you.
Reasons to Buy an EV
• Cost-effective home charging solutions efficiently draw off-peak, renewable energy • Energy-dense batteries offer a broad range of performance and real-world ranges • Most new models can accept high rates of charge from growing network of fast-chargers • EV driving has a calmer, quieter, more relaxing character • EV tech has allowed an interesting rethink of car design, packaging, and perceived luxury • Zero-emissions motoring portrays a far-sighted, eco-aware image • Some EVs qualify for a maximum Clean Car rebate of $8625
Considerations When Buying an EV
The Peugeot 3008 SUV Hybrid4 (PHEV).
• Lower everyday running costs, but often a higher initial purchase price • Battery range does reduce over the duration of its life • What is the battery’s driving range? • How long is the Manufacturer’s Battery Warranty as they differ across brands • What is the battery replacement cost?
Plug-in Hybrids – PHEV Best of Both Worlds’ Potential
Any vehicle that relies on two different types of power is a hybrid. Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) usually combine a plug-in battery with a petrol engine. They offer a solution that can help people into cleaner, more efficient cars rather than forcing them to hold off switching because they have concerns.
The batteries in PHEVs offer a modest (albeit improving) electric-only range, typically between 40km and 100km. Predicted electric ranges tend to fairly reflect actual usage. These cars allow day-to-day electric-only running but also make great sense for those doing lots of longer trips. When the battery is depleted, the vehicle seamlessly switches to petrol power and you use the combustion engine until you can plug in again.
For some people, a PHEV will be a better choice than an EV. Battery capacity is sufficient to contribute to major emissions savings on most journeys. Because motive power is often fully electric, a PHEV can be as slick as an EV to drive, gaining pace with ease and rewarding with great cruising refinement. But unlike the very large battery packs in pure EVs, PHEV batteries can be used to their full potential more of the time – and there are no issues with range anxiety.
Key Questions for PHEV Buyers
XC90 Recharge Plug-In Hybrid R-Design, in Thunder Grey
• Does my choice qualify for the Clean Car PHEV rebate of $5750? • How big is the battery and what is the electric driving range? • For my budget, will a PHEV hit the sweet spot between efficiency and overall usability? • How long will it take to recharge at home with a bespoke charger? • Will I be disciplined about charging regularly to get maximum battery benefits and lower emissions? • Does the hybrid packaging allow adequate passenger and load space? • Can I justify paying a premium for a pure EV?
Get Smarter and Safer with Home Charging
Electric vehicles are set to become the most energy-hungry appliances in your home, so it’s important that you are able to control the time at which charging takes place.
While BEVs and PHEVs are typically provided with a three-pin wall plug, which is fine for temporary charging at a leisurely 2.4kW, this is not really suitable for long-term use. Installing a bespoke home charger is the safest, most efficient solution, and one that can future-proof your property.
Smart-charging systems allow you to best take advantage of optimal charging times when prices are lower and the highest percentage of electricity on the grid is produced from renewable sources. Being connected to the internet allows great flexibility when adopting new features and automation.
One of the most common dedicated AC chargers is rated at 7.4kW. As this can pull up to half a home’s maximum energy load, consider a charger that offers home overload protection. It will monitor your electricity draw and throttle back its charging speed as you get close to the maximum load threshold. This will enable you to achieve as fast a charge as possible – up to 40km of range in an hour – in a safe manner.
As with your phone, you can prolong battery life by not fully charging the battery, not running it flat, and not using a rapid charging facility regularly. The very best operating range for long-term battery health is between 20 and 80 percent. Expectations around battery durability have increased to the point that the typical battery only loses about 2 percent of its charging capacity each year.
Regular Hybrids – HEV Proven Efficiency without a Plug
OUR HYBRID CHOICE: The Toyota Corolla Cross.
The average Kiwi motorist travels around 40km per day and uses about 3L of fuel. That translates into daily CO2 emissions of around 6kg. We need to slash that figure to attain a more acceptable global standard for our fleet efficiency, one that would require the average car to use about 1.8L of fuel per day. With this in mind, hybrid petrol cars continue to fit the bill.
For many, the Toyota Prius is the car that popularised hybrids. A range of models now exemplify Toyota’s well-honed hybrid tech, including the all-new Corolla Cross, the RAV4 SUV, and Yaris hatch. Each features a conventional petrol motor and small battery pack with an electric propulsion system, so it can be powered by electricity alone for short distances. Otherwise, the battery/motor assists the combustion engine, reducing fuel consumption and boosting performance.
Hybrids excel around town and in stop-start traffic. Note that you don’t plug in a hybrid as it is effectively self-charging. The battery is recharged by energy recovered from braking and deceleration, or sometimes from the combustion engine when driving conditions permit.
Most hybrids are now eligible for rebates under the Government’s Clean Car programme (see below), although, unlike plug-in vehicles, they do not benefit from a flat rebate. Various discounts are calculated on the CO2 outputs of individual models, and the more efficient the vehicle you buy, the greater the potential rebate.
Serious Savings from Clean Car Discounts
The Hyundai Kona Hybrid II (HEV).
Our transport system generates about 47 percent of New Zealand’s carbon emissions and 21 percent of greenhouse gas emissions. The Government’s response: a Clean Car Standard that incentivises zero- or low-emissions purchases, especially those with a plug.
The Clean Car Discount scheme introduced in July 2021 reduced the upfront purchasing costs of many EVs and PHEVs. The maximum rebate remains $8625 for a new EV and $5750 for a new PHEV. To qualify, new cars must cost less than $80,000 and have at least a three-star safety rating.
The scheme was recently extended to apply a scale of Clean Car rebates to a broader range of low-emissions hybrid and ICE vehicles. There is support available for all fuel-efficient cars that consume up to around 5.5L/100km.
Looking ahead, the Government has set ambitious CO2 reduction targets for every year from 2023 to encourage new car importers to supply an ever-greener fleet of low-emissions vehicles. To make showroom shopping easier, colour coded Emissions and Energy Economy labels indicate a car’s eco credentials. Green is good, and indicates rebate eligibility; blue is neutral; and red means the car incurs a penalty in the form of an emissions fee payable to the Government at the time of sale.
Low-Emissions ICE-LEV Advanced Performance and Economy
The Citroën C3 (ICE-LEV).
The very best Clean Car endorsements tend to come from satisfied owners of EVs and PHEVs. Most accept one or two compromises with their vehicles but have found the upsides to be considerable, especially the efficiency and driving attributes. For those who have made the switch, buying another regular car would be like turning back the clock on the progress made towards emissions-free motoring.
However, car manufacturers have been continuing to refine traditional internal combustion (ICE) technology to the point that the new generation of petrol-powered cars is incredibly efficient and still highly relevant. Besides low emissions and outstanding economy, other ICE hallmarks include attractive price points, excellent performance from compact turbocharged engines and trick transmissions, and the sort of mainstream refinement that was once the preserve of bigger-engined or premium cars.
A recent development is the emergence of ICE-powered Mild Hybrid vehicles. They might not drive on electricity alone but they have an ability to recover and store energy to reduce fuel consumption, enabling coasting at speed and further energy-saving at low speeds. Expect this technology to become standard across much of the industry in coming years, extending the life cycle of petrol engines in the process.
European marques have generally outperformed with efficient petrol engine development. Peugeot, Citroen, Opel and Audi are all prime examples of “future-fit” brands offering low-emissions ICE models developed to meet stringent European regulations.
Why Hybrids and Low-Emissions ICE Make Sense
• Potential Clean Car rebates due to low emissions • Can be brilliant solutions while you contemplate the transition to electric • They hit the sweet spot between affordability and sensible running costs • Self-charging hybrid technology comes to the fore around town • All meet broad expectations around practicality, safety and tech features • The occasional fuel station fill-up remains quick and convenient • Huge potential range per tank means peace of mind on long trips
This article is proudly sponsored by Armstrong’s automotive group, offering 18 international vehicle brands across 35 brand locations in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin. Armstrong’s range of vehicle brands across low emission, hybrid, plug-in hybrid or full EV vehicles is unmatched. Whether it’s for a new, demonstrator or quality pre-owned vehicle, the Armstrong’s team can help you with your next motoring journey.
To view some of the EV, hyrbid and low-emission vehicles available today click here.
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