Alongside the Shotover Jet prototype, which runs on rechargeable batteries instead of fossil fuels, the iwi unveiled an 88-point climate change and environmental action plan yesterday, which addressed greenhouse gas emissions, marae and whanau resilience, water and ecosystem protection, renewable energy and education.
Ngai Tahu will invest $27 million over the next three years on the Te Kounga Paparangi plan, part of which will result in the electrification of 50% of its tourism jet-boat fleet by 2030.
The aim is to make all of its tourism operations carbon-neutral by 2050.
Ngai Tahu kaiwhakahaere Lisa Tumahai said following the iwi’s 2018 climate change strategy, the "rubber needed to hit the road" in demonstrating how it will contribute to a low emissions economy in New Zealand.
"I’m really thrilled because this is us tangibly taking climate action," she said.
Te Kounga Paparangi has set targets to be met by 2030-35 which include a 17% methane reduction from farm animals, reducing water and synthetic fertiliser use at Ngai Tahu Farming sites, exercising active sovereignty over freshwater, instituting ecosystem enhancement plans and introducing 100% biodegradable/recyclable packaging on all its consumer products.
Before Covid, 53% of Ngai Tahu Tourism’s carbon footprint was comprised of fuel emissions from its four commercial jet-boat ventures, company general manager Jolanda Cave said.
"To our knowledge, it’s the first commercial jet-boat operation to turn into electric ... so it’s a significant step for us to say this can be done," she said.
The prototype has faced battery storage challenges — it currently takes 15 hours to charge in exchange for two trips on the water — and commercialisation is still several years away.
