By Laura Cheftel
The Challenge
Iwi communities across Aotearoa New Zealand face unique challenges in accessing sustainable transport solutions. For many whānau, the cost of switching to electric vehicles has been a barrier, making it difficult to participate in New Zealand's sustainability journey. Before Hiko, many whānau were reliant on multiple ICE vehicles—some owning 4-5 petrol cars due to the multi-generational living setup and limited access to affordable EVs.
The challenge wasn't just about vehicles – it was about creating a mobility solution that would strengthen communities, reduce environmental impact, and align with Iwi values of whānaungatanga (kinship) and kaitiakitanga (guardianship) as they transition to greener mobility.
There was a clear need for a solution that would provide sustainable mobility to whānau with limited access to EVs due to cost and availability, while honouring cultural values and supporting community goals.
The Solution
Launched in June 2024, Hiko is a groundbreaking Iwi-led EV initiative developed in collaboration with Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei. The project introduced three new electric vehicles (BYD Atto 3 with 5-star ANCAP rating) to Ōrākei Marae, powered by Carbn's white-label SaaS car-sharing platform and supported by the installation of EV chargers and Carbn's keyless car-sharing technology.
Scope of the Hiko initiative:
- Advising on the project design to best utilise EECA funding awarded to the Iwi.
- Advising on EV procurement (BYD Atto 3 with 5-star ANCAP rating).
- Installation of 3 EV chargers at Ōrākei Marae, including spare capacity for existing EVs within the community.
- Deployment of Carbn's white-label SaaS solution, providing Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei with a customised Hiko booking platform.
- Integration of fleet management and reporting tools into the platform.
- Support with creation of customised training materials for users that embody the values and vision for the project.
- Ongoing in-person training and support for the community.
How it works: The Hiko vehicles or "waka" live at the Marae and are bookable by the community via the Hiko booking platform. Once booked, users collect their vehicle using keyless entry and begin their trip. At the end, they return the vehicle to the hub and plug it in at one of the EV chargers to end the booking.
By implementing a shared vehicle programme, whānau can access modern, safe, and sustainable transportation for special events and community activities, reinforcing Iwi values while transitioning to greener mobility.
The Impact
With 30 users onboarded and 31 bookings completed to date, the Hiko pilot has shown promising results:
Carbon savings:
- 0.51 tonnes of CO₂ saved – contributing to reducing Scope 3 emissions for the Iwi by replacing ICE vehicle use with shared EVs.
- 2,583km travelled – demonstrating active community engagement with sustainable transport.
- Average 47km per day – showing consistent utilisation of the shared vehicles.
The project not only helps lower direct emissions from transportation but also indirectly reduces emissions related to vehicle production and disposal. By expanding the availability of EV chargers beyond the project cars, the initiative facilitates broader community engagement with sustainable transportation, further enhancing the long-term impact on emissions.
Social good – expanding access to sustainable mobility:
Hiko is not just about reducing emissions; it's about democratising access to the EV revolution. For many low-income whānau, the cost of switching to electric vehicles has been a barrier, making it difficult to participate in New Zealand's sustainability journey. Hiko breaks down these barriers, providing greater access to sustainable transport and enabling whānau to be active participants in the fight against climate change.
The initiative also encourages wider adoption of EVs within the hapū by offering spare charging capacity to whānau with existing EVs. This is seeding long-term sustainability by removing one of the key obstacles to EV ownership – charging infrastructure.
Safe & sustainable road use:
Carbn's commitment to sustainable road use and safety is integral to the Hiko initiative. By reducing the number of vehicles on the road and replacing older, less safe cars with modern, well-maintained EVs, we contribute to safer journeys for all. The whānau receive hands-on training, ensuring they are confident in driving EVs safely and effectively. Our technology enables whānau to monitor driver behaviour and vehicle usage through real-time data, helping to mitigate risks such as speeding and harsh braking.
These achievements mark just the beginning. As the Hiko project expands to include a broader segment of the community and corporate wing of the Iwi's activities, these benefits will multiply, driving long-term environmental, social and economic gains.
Scalability & Future Growth
Following the successful pilot, we are preparing to scale the Hiko initiative to the wider hapū. As more users engage with the platform, the project will expand its reach and further reduce emissions within the community.
Moreover, the success of Hiko has opened the door to additional opportunities for collaboration between Carbn and Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei Group. Future projects under consideration include:
- A community engagement fleet to support broader participation in sustainable mobility.
- A corporate fleet solution for Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei Group's business arms.
- A shared fleet for the Group and government departments co-located in the Aecom building in Auckland CBD.
This expansion demonstrates the scalability of Carbn's white-label SaaS solution, which can be tailored to meet the diverse needs of community groups, SMEs, corporates and government entities alike.
Lessons for Others
The Hiko initiative offers important lessons for creating culturally appropriate and community-focused mobility solutions:
- Iwi-led partnerships create authentic solutions. Community leadership and input from the start ensure solutions align with cultural values and community needs.
- Shared mobility addresses multi-generational challenges. Understanding community structures (like multi-generational living) helps design solutions that reduce vehicle ownership while maintaining access.
- White-label technology enables community ownership. Customised platforms that reflect community values and branding create stronger engagement.
- Charging infrastructure is foundational. Providing spare capacity for existing EVs seeds broader community adoption beyond the immediate project.
- Training and support build confidence. Hands-on training ensures community members feel confident using new technology and vehicles.
- Pilot phases enable learning and refinement. Starting small allows for community feedback and iterative improvement before scaling.
Your Turn
The Hiko initiative offers an example of how Carbn's technology and white-label SaaS offering can be adapted to provide equitable access to sustainable transport and drive positive environmental and social change at scale. By empowering communities to embrace sustainable, shared mobility, Hiko delivers not only tangible carbon savings but also a model for broader equitable access to the EV revolution.
As we continue to work alongside Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, we're excited about the potential for Hiko to grow beyond its initial pilot phase. From expanding access to sustainable mobility within the community to exploring future opportunities such as corporate and government fleet partnerships, Hiko is positioned to deliver long-term scalable impact.
It's just the beginning. Carbn's technology is ready to support diverse communities, businesses and government entities in their journey towards a more sustainable mobility future. Through Hiko, we are redefining what's possible in the shared mobility space – delivering fewer cars, lower emissions and lasting social good, all without compromising on convenience or safety.
If your community or organisation is interested in exploring how electric mobility can align with your values and goals, Carbn is ready to work in partnership.
👉 Contact us: info@carbn.nz