24 August 2012
Green Party Comment On Kiwirail

The Key Government is deliberately running down the rail network and trying to hide the truth from the public, Green Party transport spokesperson Julie Anne Genter said today.

“It is economic sabotage to run Kiwirail down to the point that it is forced to lay off hundreds of workers, abandon track maintenance, and close critical regional lines such as the Gisborne-Napier line,’ said Ms Genter.

“Rail is essential to future-proof our transport system and help our exporters, as well as providing for an alternative to heavy duty trucks. Greater rail use makes our roads safer and saves on wear and tear.

“The Government’s mismanagement of the transport budget is instead seeing billions wasted on low value motorways,” said Ms Genter.

“It is also very concerning that Kiwirail attempted to use the courts shut down media coverage this issue of major public interest. It is a continuation of a pattern of heavy-handed behaviour by this government towards the media.
“A smart, green transport plan that treats rail as core public infrastructure, not trying to run it as a stand-alone business, will be better for our economy.”

ENDS

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