Community Calls For Action Ahead Of Te Huia Funding Decision – The Future Is Rail

Community advocates are calling on the Government to move beyond “temporary fixes” and commit to a permanent passenger rail network connecting the Golden Triangle – Auckland, Waikato, and Bay of Plenty by holding a ‘Stack the Station’ rally on 1 February. The call comes as Waka Kotahi (NZTA) prepares a pivotal funding decision on whether to extend the Te Huia trial for another year.

Since its 2021 launch, Te Huia has defied early challenges to become a regional success story, boasting a 99% customer satisfaction rate and a farebox recovery rate that surpasses the national average. Despite this, the future of the service is highly uncertain.

“Te Huia isn’t just a train, it’s a lifeline for commuters, students, and families,” says Lindsey Horne, spokesperson for national advocacy group The Future is Rail. “The real question is no longer whether the service is needed, but how we scale it into the backbone of a Golden Triangle transport network that links Auckland, Hamilton, and Tauranga for the long term.”

NZTA’s upcoming funding decision will determine Te Huia’s long-term future. Waikato Regional Council is seeking a one-year extension, arguing the initial trial was severely disrupted by COVID-19, limited station access, and major City Rail Link infrastructure works.

“With over half of New Zealand’s population living in the Golden Triangle, we can no longer afford to be a global outlier in rail investment,” says Ms. Horne. “Governments worldwide are investing in modern passenger rail as a driver of economic growth, it is time for New Zealand to do the same by moving past a ‘trial’ mindset.”

Advocates argue that with the City Rail Link nearing completion, the timing is perfect to evolve Te Huia into a permanent fixture. This long-term vision includes increased frequency, better corridor access, and the essential extension of the network into the Bay of Plenty to fully connect the region’s fastest-growing hubs.

To demonstrate the depth of local backing, supporters will gather for a “Stack the Station” rally at Frankton Station on 1 February at 2pm. The event follows a similar 200-person turnout in 2024 and will mark the official launch of a petition calling for a permanent, three-way rail connection between Auckland, Waikato, and Bay of Plenty.