Only rail projects with bipartisan support are likely to see the light of day, conference hears

(Left to right) Dunedin city councillor Jim O'Malley, National MP Chris Bishop, Green MP Julie Ann Genter, Waikato Regional councillor Angela Strange at the June 28 Future is Rail Conference in Wellington. (Image: BusinessDesk)

Greg Hurrell

Thu, 29 Jun 2023

Upgrading and expanding New Zealand’s passenger rail services will require bipartisan agreement among political parties because of the length of time needed to complete new projects, a Wellington rail conference heard.While that was a common refrain at the June 28 Future is Rail conference, there was a considerable gap between Labour and the Green parties, and the National’s position on passenger rail – at least outside Auckland and Wellington.Around 200 people attended, with a good number that appeared to be representing rail...

Subscribe to BusinessDesk

Stay informed on business, government and financial developments across New Zealand.

Stay informed on business, government and financial developments across New Zealand.
Deeply researched, twice-edited and fact-checked news
Annual subscribers also receive a complimentary subscription to The Wall Street Journal
Personalised email news alerts, plus gift up to 5 stories a month to non-subscribers

You can cancel anytime with two clicks, an email or a phone call.
Find out more.

We are serious about journalism.

Name {{ registerForm.errors.get('name') }}

Email address {{ registerForm.errors.get('email') }}

Phone Number {{ registerForm.errors.get('phone') }}

Job Title {{ registerForm.errors.get('title') }}

Password Minimum password length of 8 characters.
Require at least one upper and lowercase, numeric, and special character. {{ registerForm.errors.get('password') }}

Repeat password {{ registerForm.errors.get('password_confirmation') }}

We had trouble validating your card. It's possible your card provider is preventing us from charging the card. Please contact your card provider or customer support.

Credit Card

Cardholder's name

{{ __(plans[index].interval) | capitalize }} {{ plans[index].attributes.old_price | currency }} {{ plans[index].price | currency }}

All subscriptions auto renew but are easy to cancel.

I Accept The Terms Of Service

{{ registerForm.errors.get('terms') }}

Tax: {{ taxAmount(selectedPlan) | currency }}

Total Price Including Tax: {{ priceWithTax(selectedPlan) | currency }} {{ selectedPlan.type == 'user' && spark.chargesUsersPerSeat ? '/ '+ spark.seatName : '' }} {{ selectedPlan.type == 'user' && spark.chargesUsersPerTeam ? '/ '+ __('teams.team') : '' }} / {{ __(selectedPlan.interval) | capitalize }}