Published: 11 June 2026
Hutt City Council’s Senior Contracts Officer Murray Thessman is using a Council e-bike to inspect Lower Hutt’s streetlights, saving time and money while making his job quicker and more efficient.
Council’s pedal-powered inspector is responsible for checking the city’s 14,500 streetlights as part of Council’s asset management and national electricity audits.
He says the move to an e-bike started about a year ago while working in the Western Hills.
“I was using a vehicle, which worked well, but with poles every 60 metres I was often stopping and walking.
“As our software improved on mobile devices, I realised biking could be more efficient in busy areas. Cycling is often quicker, and less disruptive.”
A typical day on the bike starts with a clear plan and a colour-coded map. Thessman travels light, using his phone and a battery pack to log updates on the go.
“I’ll usually spend three to four hours riding, covering around 30 to 40 kilometres, then head back to the office to finish updates while everything’s still fresh.
Beyond efficiency, the e-bike has given Thessman a new perspective on the city’s cycleways.
“You really see how easy, or not, it is to get from A to B and how well different cycleways connect. It gives useful insight into what works for our community.”
He encourages others to consider thinking about how they can do their work more efficiently and sustainably to save time and money if this works for your role at council.
“It’s a convenient and effective way to get around and is definitely worth trying. My next challenge is to work out the best way to get the bike over the hill to Wainuiomata.”
Changes like this are helping Council deliver smarter, more practical services for Lower Hutt residents while keeping sustainability at the forefront of our work.