321 days ago

Poll: Should The Southerner passenger rail service be reinstated?

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from The Press

The Southerner passenger train will be resurrected if The Opportunities Party (TOP) wins a seat at the general election, its leader says.

TOP’s transport policy, released on Wednesday, pledges support for a five year trial of The Southerner, the passenger rail service between Christchurch and Invercargill which ended in 2002.

TOP leader and Ilam candidate Raf Manji said the trial would operate between Christchurch and Dunedin, stopping in towns like Timaru and Ashburton along the way.

Depending on demand, it could operate five to seven days a week and do two or three return journeys a day. TOP has estimated the cost at $100 million, based on the costings of the Hamilton to Auckland train service, Te Huia.

What do you think? Should the service be reinstated? Read reporter Sinead Gill's full story here (subscription required) and let us know what you think in the comments below.

Should The Southerner passenger rail service be reinstated?
  • 85.9% Yes
    85.9% Complete
  • 10.7% No
    10.7% Complete
  • 3.4% I'm not sure/something else (tell us in the comments)
    3.4% Complete
609 votes
More messages from your neighbours
1 day ago

For a bit of fun...

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

What old products do you miss? Some products do become part of your life, whether it's just a treat you have at the cinema or your favourite breakfast spread.

Do you have a childhood memory to share? Let us know below what products you still think of fondly!

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2 hours ago

Power outages across Christchurch

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Early this morning, a power outage affected parts of Christchurch.

What you need to know:
- Over 1500 homes in Christchurch lost power.
- Power company Orion showed 1576 properties across Avonhead, Broomfield, Burnside, Hyde Park, Ilam, Russley, Upper Riccarton were affected at 6.28am.
- Some 889 properties had had power restored by 7.45am, but the rest could be waiting up until 9am, Orion’s website showed.
- An investigation is under way into what caused the outage.
- Temperatures in central Christchurch were about minus 1.8C, according to MetService.

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3 hours ago

Free lessons for women to learn how to ride a bike

The Team from Citizens Advice Christchurch Area

Bike Bridge will be offering a series of 4 daytime bike lessons for women during the July school holidays.

Location: Addington School
Wednesday 10th July, 11am-1pm
Thursday 11th July, 11am -1pm

Wednesday 17th July, 11am-1pm
Thursday 18th July, 11am -1pm

As usual, lessons are free and there is no need to register - just turn up on the day. All equipment is provided, just please wear closed shoes. All abilities are welcome, from complete beginners who have never sat on a bike before, to those that can ride but want to learn to ride safely on the road.

For more information see link under 'Read More' for their Facebook page.

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