A critical step towards a return Sunday Te Huia service has been taken, with Waikato Regional Council today approving the reallocation of reserve funds to cover the cost.

Customer satisfaction surveys since the Waikato to Auckland passenger rail service started in 2021 have consistency indicated demand for a Sunday return service. However, it had not previously been possible due to engineering works across the Auckland network and budget.

While some weekend works connected with the City Rail Link project will continue into 2026, as well as scheduled track maintenance, Waikato regional councillors heard at their 29 May meeting that a Sunday service time slot had been requested.

Formal approval had since been received from the Auckland Timetable Committee, which comprises representatives of Auckland One Rail, KiwiRail, Auckland Transport and Waikato Regional Council.

However, a decision is still to be made by KiwiRail’s National Timetable Committee.

Until this final tick of approval is received, a date for the start of the Sunday service cannot be set, councillors heard. However, timings have been considered if the service goes ahead, with Te Huia departing from Frankton approximately 3pm and from The Strand approximately 6pm on Sundays.

“Te Huia started as a commuter service but has evolved to enable more people to enjoy leisure and tourism activities in both Waikato and Auckland. A Sunday service would not only be a gamechanger for Te Huia, but for both regions too,” said Waikato Regional Council Chair, Pamela Storey.

“We are committed to giving this service every chance of success beyond the end of the trial, because we know there are many workers and tertiary students who have come to rely on it, as well as people visiting whānau and friends.”

Councillor Angela Strange, deputy chair of the Future Proof Public Transport Subcommittee, said: “Ever since the inception of Te Huia, Sunday services are what our public and community have been calling for.” She said the subcommittee has unanimously supported Sunday services.

The $456,000 service cost is expected to be offset by fare revenue of almost $100,000, with the balance of the operating costs to come from the existing Te Huia budget reserve.

The reserve was accumulated due to the delayed launch of the passenger rail service and other factors, including COVID-19 lockdowns and driver shortages.

In a unanimous vote, councillors approved the reallocation of reserve funds.

“Using the reserves will have no rating impact and will provide certainty for planning. The introduction of a Sunday service is also a necessary stepping stone to improved services and demonstrating the value of Te Huia to central government,” Cr Storey said.

A regional council submission on the Auckland Council’s annual plan for $223,000 co-funding of the service appears to have not been supported, a staff report said.

“We will continue to pursue a contribution from Auckland Council in support of the service, because there is the potential for significant economic benefits for both regions,” she said.

© Scoop Media