The Budget’s failure to contribute funding for a fleet of hybrid electric trains in the lower North Island has surprised and disappointed Greater Wellington and Horizons regional councils.
The trains, which are battery powered on non-electric track, were proposed by the councils in a business case paid for by Waka Kotahi.
Greater Wellington chair Daran Ponter and Horizons chair Rachel Keedwell said the government’s decision was, “Like the lights being turned off”.
"It’s especially disappointing for commuters and surprising for our councils. But we’re not giving up,” Cr Ponter said.
“When enacted, our business case will significantly reduce transport emissions while providing for population growth and the replacement of aged rolling stock.”
Supported by Manawatū-Whanganui’s seven mayors, as well as the eight mayors of the Wellington region, the business case recommends a $762 million dollar investment in a fleet of 22 four-car, tri-mode trains, and associated infrastructure.
Greater Wellington welcomed news today that the Government is investing $1.3 billion in the national rail network over the next three years. Chair of Greater Wellington Daran Ponter says the investment news comes at a crucial time with the regional council preparing its business case for new inter-regional trains. “It’s great to see the Government putting real value back into rail network assets. We need resilient rail corridors to get value out of the new rolling stock that Greater Wellington and Horizons are planning to introduce. There’s no point having fancy new trains connecting more passengers in the Lower North Island if they are being held up by the same creaking rails and signals.
Greater Wellington is investigating rolling out Snapper payments on rail services across the region following decisions made at Council today to help pave the way for national ticketing.
Councillors from Greater Wellington appeared at Parliament’s Transport and Infrastructure Select Committee today, representing 16 regional, district and city councils along the Northern Explorer route, calling on KiwiRail to reopen and refocus the service on connecting regions as well as tourism.
Greater Wellington and Horizons Regional Councils have secured $5m in funding from Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency to pursue a detailed business case, and commence procurement for regional trains which if delivered would prevent passengers from being packed like sardines within the next five years.
In this reflective session, Sarah Hopkinson, Head of Learning at Te Papa, explores the vital role museums play within Aotearoa’s wider education ecosystem and the unique ways they nurture creativity, collaboration, and community.
Petone with the Swindale Shield on their home ground, following today’s win over Paremata-Plimmerton. Photo: Grant Wall. By Steven White & Scott MacLean Petone are the 2026 Swindale Shield champions, winning the first-round title for the 16th time with next week’s final round to spare with a 43-17 win over Paremata-Plimmerton this afternoon. Petone and...
Victoria University’s Classics Museum examines the complex afterlives of antiquities through two remarkable objects—a Roman portrait head now subject to repatriation after being identified as illicitly excavated, and a richly carved child’s sarcophagus later revealed to be a modern forgery.
