We request the Government instruct it’s transport agency, Waka Kotahi, to immediately restore Te Huia’s rail access to Auckland city.
We note there are alternate means of ensuring safe rail operation, already used by other rail services, and we ask that Waka Kotahi and KiwiRail use safety measures for Te Huia that don’t penalise Waikato and Auckland rail users

Te Huia is a passenger train service between Hamilton and Auckland, and has been operating since 6 April 2021.

On Tuesday July 11th 2023, Waka Kotahi NZTA announced it had banned the service from the Auckland Metro area, meaning the train will stop at Pakaranga, and not travel on to Puhinui and The Strand.

Waka Kotahi have advised it could take more than 12 months to fit new European Train Control System (ETCS) technology, meaning those who now rely on the service will have to travel by bus and other Auckland train services, at additional cost and convenience.

The reason for the ban is because a driver failed to stop at a red light in Penrose in June. The train was fitted with an Electronic Train Protection (ETP) system, as was required to launch the service back in 2021, and approved by Waka Kotahi. Te Huia complied with all required safety technology, similar to all other trains entering Auckland from outside areas. AT Metro local services have a more advanced system that WK now wants.

For more detailed info about the issue, please read this media article:
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/493552/waka-kotahi-temporarily-bans-te-huia-train-from-operating-in-auckland

Waikato Regional Council absolutely gutted over Te Huia ban
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/493587/waikato-regional-council-absolutely-gutted-over-te-huia-train-ban