FAST TRAIN TO AUCKLAND - This is the next step - 160Km/h
#FASTRAIL BETWEEN #HAMILTON AND #AUCKLAND IS JUST A MATTER OF TIME - One hour to Britomart Station (NZ Herald) - I suspect something similar to the train in the picture
A business case will test the feasibility of a train that could complete the 125km trip in half the current time.
It Transport Minister Phil Twyford said Cabinet approved an investigation to the viability of a rapid rail connection getting between the two cities.
The study is expected to be completed next year.
Twyford said it would look at "160km/h, modern tilt trains that would connect Hamilton with Auckland's downtown Britomart station in an hour".
"That would effectively unite these two incredibly important labour markets, opening up the growth potential in both places and that could have huge spinoffs.
"My hope is that we can work steadily towards that in the next few years."
Twyford said until the business case and costings were complete, he would not put a timeframe on it.
He said a regular train commuter service between Hamilton and Auckland, due to start in the middle of next year, was an important starting point in improving the link between the two cities.
Some Choice News!
DOC is rolling out a new tool to help figure out what to tackle first when it comes to protecting our threatened species and the things putting them at risk.
Why does this matter? As Nikki Macdonald from The Post points out, we’re a country with around 4,400 threatened species. With limited time and funding, conservation has always meant making tough calls about what gets attention first.
For the first time, DOC has put real numbers around what it would take to do everything needed to properly safeguard our unique natural environment. The new BioInvest tool shows the scale of the challenge: 310,177 actions across 28,007 sites.
Now that we can see the full picture, it brings the big question into focus: how much do we, as Kiwis, truly value protecting nature — and what are we prepared to invest to make it happen?
We hope this brings a smile!
Have you got New Zealand's best shed? Show us and win!
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.
Will these roadworks affect you?
Don’t expect a quick trip between Cambridge and Tamahere for much of this year, because major roadworks are starting.
Asphalt works on that section of Waikato Expressway will run from March through to late 2026, NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) says. Motorists are warned to plan for significant delays.
“Unfortunately the pavement, particularly in the slow lanes, has deteriorated faster than expected,” NZTA’s Roger Brady said.
Will these roadworks affect you? Tell us more in the comments (adding NFP if you don't want your words used in print).
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