Media Release for Immediate Release

Kiwis Say Yes to Biofuels

Biofuels are a viable fuel alternative which the people are ready for, says survey.

Auckland, 15 June 2006 – A leading online panel of New Zealanders, called Buzz.ThePeople has strongly indicated in a study announced today that New Zealanders want the government to take action in making biofuels available.

Despite broad biofuel usage in other countries, in this June study conducted by Buzz Channel Limited (Buzz), 73 percent of New Zealand respondents knew little or nothing about biofuels. This study presented respondents with information from international sources and the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority website and then gauged their interest in the alternative fuel blend.

A significant 93 percent of the 2,000 respondents from around New Zealand want the Government to take an active role in ensuring biofuels are made available, while another 82 percent of those say that based on what they know about biofuels, they would probably use a biofuel blend if it was available tomorrow.

A staggering 9 out of 10 respondents felt that the lower CO2 emissions and lower reliance on imported fuel were the key reasons to make the change, but these same people were insistent that the blended product must be available at their normal petrol pumps.

This Buzz study presented international research material to panellists on the safety of biofuels and the experience from overseas countries that 5 – 10 percent biofuel blends won’t affect car performance or require modification, with the possible exception of older cars. The respondents confirmed these as significant factors in the decision making process and indicated strongly their desire to get more information from reliable sources such as the Automobile Association (seen as the most reliable source of information), Media and the Government.

Mary Vance, Director of Buzz Channel says the results of the survey, and how strongly participants felt, is indicative of what the motoring public of New Zealand want and their receptiveness to this proven, alternative fuel.

“We were struck in this study by people’s receptiveness to biofuel and also their desire to get more information. All participants were interested in more information, but whether they trust the information largely depends on the source it comes from. For example, 90 percent of respondents rated the Automobile Association as a trustworthy source of information on biofuels, next was the Government, with a 54 percent rating, followed by newspapers, TV and then petrol retailers seen by only 36 percent as a trustworthy source.

The biofuel study was conducted with the broad range of people who comprise the Buzz.ThePeople panel. The panel members provide regular insight on high interest topics that concern New Zealanders. The 2,000 respondents ranged in age from 12 to 85 years old, across New Zealand, in both rural areas and metropolitan centres.

ENDS

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