Can we wait six years for new trains?
The regional council has announced it will seek $415 million in funding for new trains to help increase capacity on the Hutt and Kāpiti lines - the busiest in the region.
Trains running longer distance services between Wellington and Masterton and Wellington and Palmerston North need refurbishments or replacements and patronage growth on these services has already exceeded the available capacity for both fleets, the council said.
Fifteen four-car Dual Mode Multiple Units would replace the current fleet and run on electricity from overhead power wires, switching to alternative energy sources north of Waikanae and Upper Hutt.
The earliest date for the first of the new trains being put into service is 2025.
What do you think? Just how crowded are the trains currently?
We'd love to hear from you and please remember to mark your post NFP if you don't want us to use it in print.
Poll: Do you think NZ should ban social media for youth?
The Australian Prime Minister has expressed plans to ban social media use for children.
This would make it illegal for under 16-year-olds to have accounts on platforms including TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and X.
Social media platforms would be tasked with ensuring children have no access (under-age children and their parents wouldn’t be penalised for breaching the age limit)
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Do you think NZ should follow suit? Vote in our poll and share your thoughts below.
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84.5% Yes
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14.3% No
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1.3% Other - I'll share below
Got a Minute? Prove You’re the Smartest Neighbour!
What is it that when given one, you’ll have either two or none?
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What's your favourite recipe for courgettes?
Kia ora neighbours. If you've got a family recipe for courgettes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our January 2025 issue.