Driver illness and shortages means more bus replacements for trains across Auckland
Kia ora Neighbours,
Buses will replace trains this weekend, but on a reduced schedule to account for drivers falling sick.
All Auckland Transport trains will be swapped out with buses this weekend (starting Friday at 9.30pm on the Western Line), as KiwiRail has essential maintenance to complete.
Those replacement buses will be less frequent that normal on the Eastern, Southern and Western Lines "while driver shortage and high rates of driver sickness continue," AT says.
AT Group Manager Metro Services Darek Koper says he knows it's frustrating but drivers cannot be asked to work while ill.
“We all know friends or family members who are being knocked about at the moment by winter illnesses, whether it’s COVID-19, the flu, or a bad cold doing the rounds,” said Koper.
“We’re asking Aucklanders to be patient and understanding as we work with our operators to hire and train more drivers, but for the meantime we will unfortunately see more disruption to our services this winter.”
The best way to keep up with network changes is through the AT Mobile app or via the journey planner online.
Brain Teaser of the Day 🧠✨ Can You Solve It? 🤔💬
Make a hearty dish. Take just half a minute. Add four parts of kestrel. Then just add one. What have you made?
(Trev from Silverdale kindly provided this head-scratcher ... thanks, Trev!)
Do you think you know the answer? Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm on the day!
Want to stop seeing these in your newsfeed? No worries! Simply head here and click once on the Following button.
Tour Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi & experience Vietnam’s culture
This premium 12-day Vietnam food tour, hosted by Leanne Kitchen from 15–27 October 2026, offers an exclusive culinary journey from NZD$5,995 per person (twin share). Book via Helloworld Travel Ponsonby (09 267 6758) on a first-come, first-served basis
Itinerary Highlights
The journey includes 10 nights of accommodation in boutique hotels and a 1-night cruise in Ha Long Bay
Ho Chi Minh City & Mekong Delta: Explore floating markets, visit coconut gardens, and sample regional specialties like "elephant ear fish".
Hoi An & Hue: Participate in cooking classes, tea tastings, and salt coffee experiences in these historic centers.
Halong Bay: Experience an overnight cruise with on-board cooking demonstrations.
Hanoi: Discover the capital's food culture through a guided street food tour and a traditional water puppet show.
What’s Included:
• Return flights ex Auckland + internal flights
• 11 nights premium accommodation
• Guided culinary experiences
• Discover Mekong Delta, Hoi An & Imperial Hue
• Overnight Halong Bay cruise with activities & all meals onboard
• Airport transfers & private transport throughout
• Small group: Maximum 18 travellers
Poll: Should the government levy industries that contribute to financial hardship?
As reported in the Post, there’s a $30 million funding gap in financial mentoring. This has led to services closing and mentors stepping in unpaid just to keep helping people in need 🪙💰🪙
One proposed solution? Small levies on industries that profit from financial hardship — like banks, casinos, and similar companies.
So we want to hear what you think:
Should the government ask these industries to contribute?
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59.5% Yes, supporting people is important!
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26.2% No, individuals should take responsibility
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14.4% ... It is complicated
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