‘Green’ plane takes off in Christchurch
New Zealand’s first passenger battery electric aircraft has taken flight from Christchurch.
Christchurch-based ElectricAir has brought the aircraft to the city to highlight zero exhaust-emission technology.
Launched at Christchurch International Airport on Friday, the plane will be used for trial flights, training and will be available for hire to qualified pilots.
The Pipistrel Alpha Electro can fly for an hour, plus half an hour reserve, which is the ideal duration for training flights.
Operators can recharge the aircraft, which will operate from both Christchurch and Rangiora, in under an hour, using a dedicated charger at Christchurch International Airport.
Along with the low-cost maintenance, the aircraft is about 70 per cent quieter than normal aircraft.
The project has been supported by a $40,000 grant from the Christchurch City Council Innovation and Sustainability Fund and a $19,000 grant from the Christchurch Agency for Energy Trust.
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Poll: Does grocery bagging affect where you shop?
There's only a few differences between our larger chain supermarkets here in New Zealand. Having someone bag your groceries is one of them.
Does having your groceries packed for you at the checkout influence where you do your grocery shop? If so, tell us why.
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23.9% Yes
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75.3% No
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0.7% Other - I'll share below
What workplace change would you like to see most?
This coming Monday is Labour Day in New Zealand. This public holiday marks when the eight-hour workday and 48-hour workweek became law in 1899. The idea started with Samuel Parnell, a carpenter in Wellington, who in 1840 refused to work more than eight hours a day. Since skilled workers were in short supply, his employer had to agree.
As more skilled workers arrived, employers tried to change working conditions, but Parnell and others kept pushing for better rights. In 1890, Parnell led a Labour Day parade of 1,500 people to promote the eight-hour day. He passed away shortly after, and nine years later, Labour Day became an official public holiday.
Do you feel that we have reached the ideal in working environments yet? What rights are you passionate about relating to employment? Share your thoughts!
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