Napier – Gisborne Rail Link Must Not Be Forgotten

New Zealand First says Kiwi Rail’s rejection of the Hawkes Bay Regional Council’s quest to lease part of the Gisborne to Napier rail line is a sad day for Hawkes Bay, and a backward step for the future of rail freight in New Zealand.

“It is particularly bad for Gisborne that it will have to continue to rely solely on the road link, which can only get more congested with heavy trucks as time goes on and as the forestry industry expands its export efforts,” says Spokesperson for Transport Denis O’Rourke.

“But New Zealand First will never give up and offers re-assurance that we continue to back reinstatement of the line. This would give transport choices and end reliance on the geologically unstable roadway. It would open the line for international tourists from the cruise ships at both Gisborne and Napier, and give a much needed heavy freight facility.

“The washouts that were used as an excuse to mothball the line, are estimated to cost $3 million to $5 million to repair. The line from Napier to Wairoa could be reopened for much less and in only a few weeks, as this section has no major areas of repair required.

“The section from Wairoa to Gisborne would probably take about 8-12 weeks to repair. The whole line is still a good investment in regional development, and the government cannot afford to forget it,” says Mr O’Rourke.

ENDS

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