Media Release
4 November 2014

United Support for Napier-Gisborne Rail Corridor

The Mayors of Napier, Hastings, Wairoa and Gisborne met today and agreed to fully support and endorse Hawke’s Bay Regional Council’s position to secure a lease for the Napier to Gisborne rail corridor.

The end use of the corridor has not been decided, but full agreement has been reached that it is imperative to secure access. There was also support for the process so-far conducted by HBRC in leading a proposal to reinstate the operation of a rail business carrying freight on the line, before any other ideas could be entertained for the use of the corridor.

HBRC Chairman Fenton Wilson says, “We all support the process to secure access to the rail corridor, whatever its use, as soon as possible.”

He adds, “A decision to lease the Napier-Gisborne rail corridor is now urgent. The Mayors have agreed united support of our resolve to secure that lease for the benefit of the East Coast.”

Earlier this year, HBRC considered investing close to $5.5 million to re-establish the Napier-Gisborne rail line as a viable alternative to the transport of freight by road. Mothballed in December 2012, HBRC considered this investment, with private sector partners, in its Draft Annual Plan 2014/15 and has resolved to retain this interest and explore options.

The Mayor’s supportive stance is based on opportunities for development for the East Coast from Southern Hawke’s Bay through to Gisborne. Today’s decision specifically supports HBRC securing a lease, with options for the use of the rail corridor still to be covered in depth.

© Scoop Media