EV car running costs tripled you may ask? RUC? Or be dammed about the environment.
I bought a pure EV Ioniq 2021 car last year. Lots of reasons environment etc. mainly running costs. I knew RUC ((Road users charges)) were coming. But when they confirmed the amount, I was shocked.
Currently my EV cost to run approx. $3 /100k plus RUC of $7.60 it is about to be $10.60
My wifes pure petrol car approximately similar size, cost to run approximately $13.75/100km (5 liters) also. broken down though petrol excise duty (petrol equivalent of RUC) @0.70c per l = $3.50 that is a huge increase of RUC over 100% for EV, WHY?
I do believe in user pays but begs the question why double because I pay less for the fuel, being electric? We are supposed to be green sustainable country and yet those like me, are penalized for doing the right thing. In fact, if I had a car double the weight which would cause more damage to the roads it's the same price not more for the expensive RUC, So unjust and unfair.
If there was a stepped for small EV, medium EV and heavy EV, and huge 3-3.5 tones, that would be fair. RUC charges all pure EV and diesel up to 3.5 Tonne are all priced the same.
Only way to escape it if I had a super light small EV car and I would not have to pay at all. Anyone selling a 999kgs or less EV? Maybe move to hybrid non pluggable petrol car and have smaller running cost and be dammed about the environment?
I edited as my run to Hamilton there and back was $6 which is 200km...
Poll: Should we ditch daylight saving? 🕰️
First introduced in New Zealand in 1927 with the passing of the Summer Time Act, it's what we know as 'Daylight Saving' and this year it ends on the first Sunday in April.
While we do get to sleep in this time around, some people would like to scrap the clock tinkering for good.
And why? Some evidence suggests the time changes are bad for our health as they mess with sleep patterns leading to short-term fatigue and affecting mood. Meanwhile the hour change is frustrating for farmers and a nightmare for getting the littlies to sleep. But what's your take?
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39.7% Yes - get rid of the clock changes
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58.5% No, I enjoy it
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1.8% Other - I'll share below
Alan and Hazel Kerr share Senior New Zealander of the Year Award 2026
Dr Alan and Hazel Kerr describe themselves as ‘just ordinary old Kiwis’, despite being named as the 2026 Ryman Healthcare Senior New Zealanders of the Year Te Mātāpuputu o te Tau.
The amazing couple prompted a standing ovation at a star-studded Auckland event which recognised their tireless efforts, with Alan travelling to and from Gaza and the West Bank 40 times to help children over 20 years, and Hazel travelling 20 times.
Click read more to find out more.
Poll: Are you still heading to your local for your caffeine fix, or has the $$ changed your habits? ☕
Auckland has a thriving cafe culture, but with costs climbing, that culture is under pressure. We’ve seen the headlines about recent closures across the country, and it’s a tough pill to swallow along with a $6+ coffee.
We all want our favourite spots to stay open, but we also have to balance our own budgets ⚖️
We want to know: How are you handling the "coffee math" in 2026? Are you still heading to your local for a chat and a caffeine fix, or has the cost of living changed your habits?
Keen to read more about "coffee math"? The Post has you covered.
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42.8% I avoid spending money on coffee
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41.1% I still indulge at my local cafe
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16.1% Irrelevant - coffee is not for me
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