Community to celebrate Te Huia and its future at “Stack the Station” rally – The Future Is Rail

Community members, rail advocates, and supporters will gather at Frankton Station on 1 February for a celebratory rally highlighting the growing public support for Te Huia and the vision of a Golden Triangle passenger rail network connecting Auckland, Waikato, and the Bay of Plenty.

The event, titled “Stack the Station”, comes at a critical moment for the service, with Waka Kotahi NZTA preparing to make a decision later this month on whether Te Huia’s trial will be extended. Organisers say the rally is about more than one decision, it’s about celebrating what Te Huia already represents and showing what’s possible next.

“Te Huia has become part of people’s lives,” said Lindsey Horne, spokesperson for national advocacy group The Future is Rail. “This event is about celebrating the service, the people who use it, and the growing community support for a connected rail future in the Golden Triangle.”

Since launching in 2021, Te Huia has steadily built a loyal user base, serving commuters, students, families, older people, and people travelling for work, study, healthcare, and leisure. Advocates say the service has shown how passenger rail can provide a safe, accessible, and sustainable alternative to long car journeys in one of the country’s fastest-growing regions.

“With the City Rail Link nearing completion and major rail investment already in place, this is a moment of opportunity,” Ms Horne said. “Rather than continuing to treat Te Huia as a temporary experiment, communities are calling for confidence in rail and a clear pathway for growth.”

Supporters attending the rally will gather as Te Huia arrives at Frankton Station, bringing colour, signs, and celebration to show the strength and diversity of people backing the service. The event will also mark the launch of a new petition calling on decision-makers to commit to the long-term future of Te Huia and progress toward a three-way rail connection linking Auckland, Waikato, and the Bay of Plenty.

A similar public event in 2024 drew more than 200 people, underscoring the depth of local support.

“Stack the Station is a chance for people to come together, be visible, and show pride in a service that’s already making a difference,” Ms Horne said. “It’s hopeful, it’s positive, and it sends a clear message that communities want rail to succeed.”