MPs and rail activists clash on protest tactics

MPs and rail activists clash on protest tactics
Restore Passenger Rail’s submission was described as emotional and evidence-free. (Image: NZME)
Greg Hurrell
Restore Passenger Rail activists swapped motorway asphalt for more comfortable parliamentary chairs to argue their case for better passenger rail on Thursday last week.But the more peaceful surroundings didn’t prevent running clashes between the submitters and National and Act MPs. Parliament’s transport and infrastructure committee heard verbal submissions on its inquiry into the future of inter-regional passenger rail in New Zealand. A count on parliament’s website indicated some 1,700 written submissions have been...

More Policy

Labour’s tax plan by the numbers
Policy

Labour’s tax plan by the numbers

Labour has chosen a small target CGT and a popular health target.

Pattrick Smellie 28 Oct 2025
Labour's CGT: 'the moderates have won'
Economy

Labour's CGT: 'the moderates have won'

A 'first step' policy that may not raise much revenue.

Pattrick Smellie 28 Oct 2025
Online gambling receipts balloon amid efforts to regulate sector
Policy

Online gambling receipts balloon amid efforts to regulate sector

Offshore online gambling providers filed $290.3m of GST receipts in six months to July.

Gregor Thompson 28 Oct 2025
How Pharmac's set-up risks higher health costs
Economy

How Pharmac's set-up risks higher health costs

Pharmac's fixed budget discourages use of cost-saving medicines common elsewhere.

Pattrick Smellie 23 Oct 2025