G
2571 days ago

Bus To Pukekohe

Graeme from Frankton

Something interesting I saw the other day . Busit have now ( from 1 Feb 2019 ) extended the Northern Connection bus service ( it goes to Huntly ) to Te Kauwhata and Pukekohe .

It leaves Hamilton at 9.10am , departs Huntly at 10.05 , Te Kauwhata 10.30 , Meremere 10.46 , Mercer 10.53 , Pokeno 10.58 , Tuakau 11.10 and Pukekohe 11.25am . This is every day , Monday to Friday .

The return trip leaves Pukekohe at 2.30pm , Huntly 3.50 , gets to the Transport centre 4.40pm .

Cost for the 'full' trip is $10.20 each way if you have a Busit card ; $15.20 one off cash traveller . Students and over 65 etc are cheaper .

I find this interesting .

At some stage in the next 2 or 3 years , there is supposed to be a commuter train to Pukekohe . The bus service , by comparison , someone decided there is a need , so it happened .

The train will be over $30 each way , each day . The bus is around $10 . THIS bus service ( to Pukekohe ) won't suit commuters , but it shows what can easily be done .

Does it take 2 or 3 years , numerous meetings , numerous studies , numerous consultants , for Bus It to bring in this service ?

Does it take LTNZ , Government , Ham City Council and Waikato Council money to get this service operating ?

Does it take at least $78 million to get this service operating ?

Does it take new car parks and platforms to get this operating ?

Does it take $20 million to refurbish buses to get this system operating ?

Does this service operate on tracks , which need $100's of millions a year of Government money just to keep operating , or does it pay RUC and petrol taxes and fees to operate on roads that are already built , and which are more than self-funding ?

Does this 300horsepower diesel bus produce more or less harmful emissions to take 10 or 40 passengers , compared to what a 3000 horsepower diesel locomotive produces ?

It sort of makes all the crap around running a commuter train costing AT LEAST $78 million , and ongoing costs , and ongoing meetings , and ongoing time frames , all seem incredibly idiotic , doesn't it ?

Yes , I know , I go on about this , but really -- is there no-one in Government , HCC , WDC or LTNZ with the logic to go -- Woooo , this is a really stupid use of taxpayers and ratepayers money ? Presumably not .

More messages from your neighbours
4 days ago

Poll: Should the government levy industries that contribute to financial hardship?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

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?

Image
Should the government levy industries that contribute to financial hardship?
  • 59.5% Yes, supporting people is important!
    59.5% Complete
  • 25.9% No, individuals should take responsibility
    25.9% Complete
  • 14.6% ... It is complicated
    14.6% Complete
941 votes
5 days ago

A Neighbourly Riddle! Don’t Overthink It… Or Do?😜

The Riddler from The Neighbourly Riddler

Do you think you know the answer? Simply 'Like' this post if you know the answer and the big reveal will be posted in the comments at 2pm on the day!

If you multiply this number by any other number, the answer will always be the same. What number is this?

Image
12 days ago

Have you got New Zealand's best shed? Show us and win!

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

Once again, Resene and NZ Gardener are on the hunt for New Zealand’s best shed! Send in the photos and the stories behind your man caves, she sheds, clever upcycled spaces, potty potting sheds and colourful chicken coops. The Resene Shed of the Year 2026 winner receives $1000 Resene ColorShop voucher, a $908 large Vegepod Starter Pack and a one-year subscription to NZ Gardener. To enter, tell us in writing (no more than 500 words) why your garden shed is New Zealand’s best, and send up to five high-quality photos by email to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz. Entries close February 23, 2026.

Image