Key Takeaways
- The New Zealand Police have implemented a programme to reuse parts from written-off police vehicles, reducing waste and saving money.
- The programme, managed by Clive Turner from First Rescue, has been successful in keeping police vehicles on the road at a fraction of the cost of normal repairs.
- Donor parts are stored in various locations across the country, including Whangārei, Auckland, Hamilton, Tauranga, Hastings, Palmerston North, Wellington, and Christchurch.
- The programme has significantly lowered the time police vehicles spend off the road, as parts are easily accessible.
- The initiative is a result of a collaboration between First Rescue and the Police National Headquarters Fleet team, with the goal of minimizing waste and reducing costs.
Introduction to the Programme
The concept of reusing parts from written-off police vehicles was born out of frustration, as Clive Turner from First Rescue witnessed numerous police vehicles being deemed a total loss and sent to damaged vehicle auctions. Turner was dismayed by the fact that many unaffected vehicle parts were going to waste, only to be replaced by second-hand parts purchased from wreckers, which sometimes turned out to be from total-loss New Zealand Police vehicles. This sparked an idea, and Turner approached the Police National Headquarters Fleet team to discuss the possibility of launching a trial programme to reuse these parts.
The Trial and Expansion
The trial was launched in 2019 in Waikato and Canterbury, and its success paved the way for expansion. Today, there are donor storage locations in multiple districts across the country, including Whangārei, Auckland, Hamilton, Tauranga, Hastings, Palmerston North, Wellington, and Christchurch. This strategic network allows for the efficient distribution of donor parts, ensuring that all districts have access to the components they need. First Rescue assesses each vehicle repair on its merit, and where donor parts are available and feasible, they are moved to the district where they are needed. This approach has not only reduced costs but also minimized the time police vehicles spend off the road, as parts are easily accessible.
Programme Management and Logistics
The Police National Headquarters Fleet team, in collaboration with First Rescue, manages the programme’s portfolio and communicates with Turner on an almost daily basis to authorize and request donor-related logistics. This includes identifying donor vehicles, opportunities to reduce repair quotes, moving donor vehicles between districts, and expanding the programme. The team also regularly monitors regional demand for donor parts against availability, seeking out new locations where possible. This close collaboration ensures the programme’s continued success and allows for adaptability in response to changing demands.
Benefits and Impact
The programme has yielded numerous benefits, including significant cost savings and reduced waste. By reusing parts from written-off police vehicles, the police can keep their vehicles on the road at a fraction of the cost of normal repairs. This not only reduces financial expenditure but also minimizes the time spent on repairs, allowing police vehicles to return to service quickly. The programme’s impact extends beyond financial savings, as it also contributes to a more sustainable approach to vehicle maintenance, reducing the demand for new parts and the resulting waste.
Conclusion and Future Outlook
The New Zealand Police’s programme to reuse parts from written-off police vehicles has proven to be a resounding success, offering a pragmatic solution to reducing waste and minimizing costs. As the programme continues to expand and evolve, it is likely to have a lasting impact on the police’s approach to vehicle maintenance and sustainability. With its focus on collaboration, adaptability, and environmental responsibility, this initiative serves as a model for other organizations seeking to reduce their ecological footprint while optimizing their operations. As the programme looks to the future, it is poised to continue making a positive impact, both financially and environmentally, and its success will likely be replicated in other contexts.
