The decision by NZTA Waka Kotahi to continue funding for the Hamilton-Auckland Te Huia train service, although at a reduced level, is a victory for the Waikato community who have fought so hard for the train.
Although it could mean higher fares, service reductions or rate rises, to make up the Government shortfall, it does show that it’s worth communities fighting for services they value.
Te Huia is the passenger train between Auckland and Hamilton launched in 2021, on the basis of a 5-year trial, to help connect the two growing cities.
Campaign Spokesperson, Georgie Dansey, said the decision to partly retain funding for Te Huia shows the strength of community action. “Our campaign to protect Te Huia mobilised thousands to write to MPs, the Minister of Transport and sign and share our petition,” says Dansey.
A petition asking the government to fund the full 5-year Te Huia train trial has gained more than 5000 signatures. The petition can be found at: https://bit.ly/SignTeHuia
“We saw aggressive campaigning and misinformation against Te Huia, but in the end, the decision shows that NZTA understands the broad benefits of rail,” says Dansey. “But those benefits cannot be fully realised on the smell of an oily rag.”
Dansey says the reduced funding for Te Huia will hit the back pocket of many people in the Waikato. The drop in funding will need to be made up through a mix of increased fares, rate rises, or reduced services.
The Future Is Rail national spokesperson, Suraya Sidhu Singh says “Te Huia is not out of the woods yet. We need to see a funding increase. The timetable is simply not sufficient to achieve optimum patronage. Currently, Auckland contributes no funding to Te Huia, but around 1 in 5 passengers come from Auckland. Auckland must play fair and pay their share.”
Suraya Sidhu Singh says “There is enormous public support for bringing back inter-regional passenger rail across the motu. People know this will be a huge undertaking that will need significant public funding, but the benefits in reduced road accidents, reduced costs of living and better access to work and education will be immense. We must achieve this, and Te Huia is just one step.”
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