A request for continued Government support of the Te Huia passenger train between Waikato and Auckland has been strongly backed by national rail advocacy group, The Future is Rail.

Waikato Regional Council, the body responsible for public transport in New Zealand’s fastest-growing region, has written to the Government requesting a one-year extension of Te Huia’s trial period, citing a number of hurdles that have been placed in the train’s track over recent years, including

• The pandemic, with lockdowns closing down transport services for long periods shortly after Te Huia commenced operation
• Closure of Auckland railway tracks on multiple lengthy occasions for maintenance, track rebuilding, electrification works and public holidays
• Lack of access into central Auckland stations in the early part of the trial
• The flow-on effects of the CRL construction programme, slated to end with its opening in six months

"Despite these many obstacles, Te Huia has become a well-used and much-loved part of Waikato and Auckland’s transport network, and deserves ongoing Government support,” said the group’s spokesperson, Lindsey Horne.

“While we understand Waikato Region’s request for a trial extension, repeated and miserly short-term Government support doesn’t really cut the mustard,” she said.

“We’re talking about the 'Golden Triangle’; New Zealand’s growth engine. Hamilton is New Zealand’s fastest growing city, and Auckland is the country’s largest centre. Anywhere else in the world, governments would be investing in modern, efficient and sustainable rail transport between such centres.”

“Just like the Government has committed long-term to Auckland and Wellington metro passenger rail, and to the purchase of new rail units for expanded lower North Island rail services, we call for the Government’s transport agency to back a sustainable future for Waikato rail services.”

Ms Horne pointed out that there is strong community support with for the service, with support groups like the Friends of Te Huia and TRON (The Rail Opportunity Network) coming out in force for Te Huia’s last trip of 2025 on Dec 24th, along with strong interest in the Bay of Plenty in extending the Te Huia service through to Tauranga.

“When you have half the population living in this area, we need to be able to provide them with transport options - especially train services that are safe. SH2 and the Kaimais are both dangerous roads, people don’t want their teenagers on those roads, they struggle travelling with young children on those roads and many older people also avoid those roads. Long distance trains are a safe, comfortable and sustainable option”

“We urge the Government, through NZTA, to support Te Huia’s extension and sit down with all important partners to plan for its long-term future.”

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