Call for Inquiry into Rail Services And Sea Freight

New Zealand First wants an inquiry into the performance of passenger rail, rail freight and sea freight and especially the effect of these upon regional economic development.

“Something is seriously amiss with integrated rail and sea freight,” says New Zealand First Transport spokesperson, Denis O’Rourke.

“The loss of sea container services from Port Taranaki is costing one exporter $400,000 to use road and rail instead. This lack of a container service may force exporters in the regions to consider relocating to where the scheduled services are.

“What becomes a boon for Auckland’s mad port expansion is a bust for the regions.

“Yes the Productivity Commission did look at international freight, but in the past three years, what action has this report generated aside from gathering dust?

“An inquiry could establish where we need sea container services. We should not be scared to use the word subsidy because many things are subsidised from theatres to bus tickets. Why not something that will support regional exports and jobs instead of Auckland? “

“This also becomes the ideal forum to look into the apparent mismanagement of KiwiRail – a company which has turned its back on the rail line between Napier and Gisborne while the North Auckland rail line has been run into the ground,” says Mr O’Rourke.

ENDS

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