The Waikato-Auckland Te Huia passenger train trial will continue another year, Waikato Regional Council has decided.

The decision was made in an 11-2 vote, with one abstention, during the February council meeting and followed extensive discussion by councillors.

It comes one week after the NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) board decision to support the trial extension to the end of June 2027 with 60 per cent central government funding.

It means full engagement on the future of Te Huia will occur as part of Waikato Regional Council’s 2027-2037 Long Term Plan process.

Waikato Regional Council Chair Warren Maher said the extension of the service would give Te Huia time to prove its success.

“While the service is generally tracking well against its performance measures, councillors agree that it’s critically important for Te Huia passenger numbers to grow. We need to see more bums on seats.”

A report to council said it is expected the opening of the City Rail Link mid-year will enable Te Huia patronage to rebound and grow after significant service disruptions from railway line closures over the past year.

During debate, councillors noted letters of support for the extension of the trial from Auckland, Hamilton city, Waipā and Waikato district councils. Advocates of the service had also signalled their support for the 12-month extension in writing to the NZTA board.

The council meeting was recorded and livestreamed. You can find it online at: https://youtube.com/live/5lC-yYvkqDI?feature=share

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