A Whole Lot Of Train Stuff
Here's a few points about trains --
-- Train Drivers have been told by KiwiRail to slow , as the tracks have buckled in the current heat .
-- Auckland Train Drivers have had several strikes lately , throwing passengers in 'chaos' -- buses have been called in to get people to work and home .
-- Hamilton and Waikato Council , and the Labour led coalition , are proposing a commuter train to Papakura . This will cost at least $78 million , and at least $1 million a year in subsidies . It can carry up to 150 people , but appears likely to take 30-40 daily .
-- That is $2 million per person in 'capital' costs . A new Nissan Leaf electric car is $62,500 , a new hybrid is $37,500 , a new Tesla is around $120,000 . You could literally GIVE each commuter one of these vehicles , and be 18 to 50 times better off !
-- The $1 million a year subsidy works out at $500 per person per week subsidy . On top of the $30 trip charge ( they pay $300 a week , taxpayers and ratepayers pay another $500 a week , on top of the $78 million setting this up !
-- A new 45-50 seat bus is $400,000 to $650,000 , depending on level of luxury .
-- BusIt runs a daily bus service to Pukekohe ( it appears with no sudsidy ? ) and charges $10 each way -- less for pensioners etc . This is not suitable for commuters , but shows what can be done .
-- Air New Zealand is offering $39 fares Tauranga to Auckland , again it appears they receive no Govt subsidy , they buy mult-million dollar planes and have to make money .
-- It appears LTNZ will reduce or cancel any funding for the Hamilton to Papakura commuter train .
-- BusIt can run a daily bus service a similar distance for just over $10 .
-- Air NZ can run planes Tauranga to Auckland $39 .
-- Hamilton Council can run a daily train to Papakura , but need to spend $78 million , plus top it up by another $1 million , for 30-40 people a day ?
Will this loco loco still proceed if no-one votes for the the current Mayor ? Lets hope it is canned -- it is absolute financial stupidity IMO .
Scam Alert: Fake information regarding December Bonuses from MSD
The Ministry of Social Development is reporting that fake information is circulating about new ‘December bonuses’ or ‘benefit increases’
If you get suspicious communication, please contact Netsafe.
Giant tui takes flight on Te Awa River Ride Art Trail
Spotting a tui is usually enough to make anyone pause what they are doing to behold its beauty - but this one will definitely stop you in your tracks.
The tracks in this case are on the Te Awa River Ride, the new cycle and walking trail that runs alongside the Waikato River. A section of the route, between central Cambridge and the Grassroots Trust Velodrome, is in the process of becoming a grand outdoor art gallery.
Poll: Are Kiwis allergic to “exuberance”? 🥝
In The Post’s opinion piece on the developments set to open across Aotearoa in 2026, John Coop suggests that, as a nation, we’re “allergic to exuberance.”
We want to know: Are we really allergic to showing our excitement?
Is it time to lean into a more optimistic view of the place we call home? As big projects take shape and new opportunities emerge, perhaps it’s worth asking whether a little more confidence (and enthusiasm!) could do us some good.
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41.6% Yes
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31.8% Maybe?
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26.6% No
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