MEDIA STATEMENT

October 17th, 2012

Chamber supports independent review of KiwiRail report

The Hawke’s Bay Chamber of Commerce is supporting the BERL peer review of the KiwiRail report and will be providing data to be used in the review.

Chamber president Katja Williams said it was important that accurate freight potential data was provided to the review, to get a true picture of the rail line’s viability.

“We hope this data will contribute to the case to retain the Gisborne/Napier rail service for the future.

“It is incredibly important for our region to offer all business another alternative in transporting goods, especially as we face higher road transport freight charges in future.

Ms Williams said any Hawke’s Bay businesses wishing to contribute to the review with freight data could contact the Chamber of Commerce.

“While KiwiRail have provided data and argue a lack of rail use, the Chamber concludes that this decision is based on short-term thinking and we are not confident that the numbers produced are correct.

“Needless to say, closure of this line will be of significant detriment to our region and so we cannot simply ignore this decision.”

Ms Williams emphasised the importance of the East Coast region’s export capability.

“The region produces about 3.7% of New Zealand’s exports, mainly in heavy commodities, which is roughly the same as the Wellington region and equivalent to nearly half of the exports of Auckland.”

Ms Williams said the positive implications for tourism operators in both regions should also be considered with the possibility of an East Coast scenic rail link giving a much needed boost to the future of local tourism.

ends

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