The train hidden in the Waitākere Ranges - and the fight to bring it back
Kia ora neighbours, a tourist train nestled inside the Waitākere ranges has been rusting away for nearly a decade – but a group of volunteers hopes to get it running again.
The Rainforest Express was a miniature railway that ran 6km through the ranges from Jacobson's Depot on Scenic Drive to the Upper Nihotupu Dam, one of the main water supply reservoirs in West Auckland.
At the end of 2014 the express was closed after a geological report found there were 20 at-risk sites across the tramlines, with nine of those posing a “significant” risk to public safety.
Since then the rainforest express and its tramlines have been “rusting away”, Waitākere ward councillor Ken Turner said.
Read the full story below.
Poll: When should the tree go up? 🎄
From what we've heard, some Christmas trees are already being assembled and decorated.
What are your thoughts on the best time to get your Christmas tree up?
-
4.7% Second half of November
-
43.7% 1st December
-
17.4% A week before Christmas
-
33.1% Whenever you wish
-
1.1% Other - I'll share below
What's your favourite tomato recipe?
Kia ora neighbours. We know your tomato plants are still growing, but we're looking ahead to the harvest already! If you've got a family recipe for tomatoes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine to share with our readers. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our February 2025 issue.
I am looking for someone who wants to renovate or refresh their kitchen
Makeover your kitchen the easy way!
Dear group,
I hope you are all doing well! I posted a few days ago and I wanted to check again to see if anyone is interested in refreshing their kitchen without removing any furniture or appliances.
I am offering to renovate the kitchen with high-quality vinyl wrap. Which costs about $100 per meter. You only pay for the materials. I would be happy to receive a small credit for my work at the end. This way we can work together to find a cost-effective solution that will make your kitchen look fresh and modern.
If you are interested or have any questions, it would be great if you could send me pictures of your kitchen cabinets. This way I can better estimate how much material we will need and give you a more accurate cost estimate.
I am still gaining experience in this area and hope that with your help I can continue to improve my skills. I look forward to your feedback and to creating something great together!