Category: Public Media

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Some urgent care clinics extend hours

Source: Radio New Zealand

Eastcare and Local Doctors Ōtara in Auckland will both extend their hours next year. 123RF

A number of urgent care clinics will extend their opening hours in the new year.

Minister of Health Simeon Brown said Local Doctors Ōtara in south Auckland had already extended its hours until midnight this week, and would shift to full 24/7 care from the 19th of January.

He said Eastcare in east Auckland would also push its closing time from 11pm to 1am in March.

“These changes mean people can get help for urgent health issues any time of the day or night, without going to hospital unless it is a genuine emergency,” Brown said in a statement.

Brown said the changes were a result of the government’s national “Urgent Care and After Hours Framework”, which was pushing for all New Zealanders to have a clinic within an hour’s drive.

He noted that recent progress under the framework included a new 24/7 urgent care service in Dunedin, which also opened this week.

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Australian company Santana Minerals push for quicker decision on its fast-track application

Source: Radio New Zealand

Santana Minerals chief executive Damian Spring. RNZ / Katie Todd

The Australian company planning an open-cast gold mine near Cromwell is pushing for a quicker decision on its fast-track application after government officials suggested it might need to wait until next September.

Santana Minerals is seeking consent to tap into what it believes is a $4.4 billion gold deposit between Bendigo and Ophir, in a proposal that has resulted in fierce backlash from some locals.

The company submitted its fast-track application in November, which under the rules at the time was to be processed within either 30 working days or a timeframe set by the panel convenor.

In early December, panel convenor Jane Borthwick sought the company’s views on a proposed decision date “in the range of 110-120 working days”, which would result in a decision between August and September 2026.

A visual simulation released by Santana Minerals showing what the mine would look like from Māori Point Road, Tarras. Supplied

Santana Minerals, through its New Zealand subsidiary Matakanui Gold Limited, rejected the time extension, insisting that officials aim for the “shorter range of the decision-making timeframe”, towards the default timeframe of 30 working days.

Chief executive Damian Spring told RNZ the application was “deliberately comprehensive”, with more than 9400 pages of evidence and technical material.

He said the documents were submitted so the panel had everything it needed to assess the proposal efficiently, not as a reason to slow the process down.

“Robust applications are meant to support faster, better decisions, not justify extended consideration periods,” he said.

“We respect the panel process, but it’s important to maintain fidelity to the Act as parliament designed it. Moving away from the statutory timeframes risks undermining the very purpose of a fast-track regime.”

If approved, the project would carve out a 1000×850-metre open pit, plus three smaller satellite pits and a tailings dam.

Santana previously told shareholders that the company planned to extract its first gold by about March 2027.

Spring said that timeline remained unchanged.

“The pathway outlined earlier this year, including a first gold target in 2027, is subject to regulatory outcomes and planning continues on the basis of the statutory timeframes set out in the Act,” he said.

In early December, the government backtracked on a proposed 60 working-day time limit for fast-track decisions, opting instead for a 90-day limit with the ability to extend, that was due to come into force at the end of March 2026.

Sam Neill warns of ‘toxic’ legacy

Hollywood star Sir Sam Neill said a decision within days was not suitable for something he believed would have “enormous” effects on the region for centuries.

“It’s an Australian company which has never dug a mine before but our children and their children will be stuck with this horrible, toxic thing for forever,” he said.

Neill, who has been staunchly opposed to the mine, told Nine to Noon the proposal had been imposed on the community too quickly.

“The last thing that you should do, with a mine that will have serious ramifications for our area for hundreds of years, is be fast-tracked,” he said.

While Resources Minister Shane Jones was championing the mine as a potential source of well-paid jobs, Central Otago already had plenty of jobs, Neill said.

“It’s hard to find labour. I wonder, if they introduce this absurd mine, how many of those jobs will be affected. I’m, sure they’ll be seriously affected by a toxic mine,” he said.

Neill, who has lived in Otago since 1985, said the region was flourishing.

“We have great orchards, a great tourism industry and vineyards of course … I’d hate to see any change to that,” he said.

Other people in Cromwell and Tarras have raised concerns about the environmental impacts of the mine, possible damage to the tourism industry and their limited ability to have a say under the fast-track regime.

In November, New Zealand Petroleum & Minerals, part of the Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment, granted the company a 30-year mining permit, giving it legal rights to extract gold at the site.

Santana Minerals and the Environmental Protection Authority, which administers the fast-track regime, have been approached for comment.

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Goldsmith unlawfully appointed Human Rights Commissioner and Race Relations Commissioner

Source: Radio New Zealand

The minister appointmented Derby and Rainbow in August 2014. RNZ / Samuel Rillstone

The High Court has ruled Human Rights Commissioner Stephen Rainbow and Race Relations Commissioner Melissa Derby were appointed unlawfully by the Minister of Justice Paul Goldsmith.

Goldsmith says he’s taking advice on the judgment and considering “next steps”, including a possible appeal.

Human rights advocate Paul Thistoll had challenged the minister’s decision to appoint Rainbow and Derby, making four key arguments.

Two of those were upheld, that the minister failed to apply the correct legal test, and failed to take into account mandatory considerations. That the minister breached a “legitimate expectation” and “made an unreasonable decision” were not upheld.

The minister opposed the argument, but Justice David Gendall found the appointments were unlawful.

The appointment of Rainbow in August 2024 had prompted concern from some quarters – including Labour and the Greens – given his staunch pro-Israel views and previous comments about “a trans agenda”.

Derby had also come in for some criticism for sharing a tweet in 2023 which said the “trans movement” could not be tolerated in civil society.

The Judge explained in his ruling neither Rainbow or Derby were part of the initial shortlist of candidates for either role. A briefing was provided to Goldsmith, seeking approval for the shortlist of candidates proposed an assessment panel.

That panel included former Court of Appeal judge Sir Terence Arnold and former Attorney-General Christopher Finlayson KC.

After considering the briefing, Justice Gendall said the minister requested the panel remove two names from the shortlist for the role of Chief Commissioner and add two names, including Rainbow, and did the same with the shortlist for the Race Relations Commissioner role.

After the candidates were interviewed, the panel’s assessment of Rainbow resulted in “not recommended.” The panel observed his strengths, describing him as “articulate and engaging” and as having the ability to “build bridges across the political divide”, but noted his lack of legal experience.

The Judge also noted the applicant, Thistoll, contends there’d been “concerns raised by the ACT party” after Rainbow was initially unsuccessful, with its leader speaking directly to Goldsmith.

Derby was also interviewed, and while it considered she met a number of the criteria, the panel also found Derby “lacked depth and experience”, concluding it was unable to recommend her for appointment as Race Relations Commissioner.

The minister went on to appointment Derby and Rainbow in August, with them both commencing their roles in November 2024.

Thistoll’s lawyer Monique van Alphen-Fyfe argued the minister didn’t “expressly consider” the Commission’s detailed functions and whether Rainbow or Derby were capable of assisting in performing those functions.

The minister’s lawyer, Peter Gunn, argued saying it can reasonably be concluded that it is unlikely any candidate will have knowledge, skill or experience in all areas.

“Accordingly, the minister must assess the weight to give to the varying knowledge, skills and experience of each candidate.”

The Judge largely accepted van Alphen-Fyfe’s argument, but also agreed no one candidate will have skills in all areas. He ruled the incorrect legal test had been applied, “therefore, narrowly, this ground of review is made out”.

Thistoll took the case as a private citizen, “the Human Rights Commission exists to protect the rights of all New Zealanders, particularly the most vulnerable”.

“It is vital that those appointed to lead it are selected through a lawful, robust process that respects the statutory criteria set by Parliament.”

He told RNZ “coalition dynamics were definitely in play” in these appointments. He said ACT seemed “very keen” to have Rainbow appointed even though he “didn’t meet the statutory requirements”.

“The Court has confirmed that the minister cannot simply bypass the legal requirements of the Crown Entities Act and the Human Rights Act.”

Goldsmith told RNZ he’d received the judgment and was taking advice on next steps, “including a possible appeal”.

“The Court found that there was evidence to support both appointments, and it rejected arguments that my decisions were unreasonable.

“It also found I do not have to accept appointment panel recommendations, and could place different weight on the appointment criteria in the Human Rights Act.

“The two grounds that it did uphold by a narrow margin, could be described as technical.”

Neither Commissioner will be removed from their roles as a result of the ruling as Thistoll didn’t argue for this.

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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

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Police examine toilet block in homicide investigation in Hamilton

Source: Radio New Zealand

RNZ / Marika Khabazi

Police are examining a toilet block at a yacht club as they investigate a homicide in Hamilton.

Police were called to a home in Lake Crescent at around 6.15pm on Thursday, where they found two people seriously injured.

One of the victims died at the scene and the other was taken to Waikato Hospital.

Officers are conducting scene examinations at the home and also at a toilet block at a yacht club several hundred metres away.

Police believe the people involved travelled on foot between both locations and are asking anyone who may have seen them to contact police.

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Two men arrested after shooting in Gore

Source: Radio New Zealand

Police said one of the victims was still recovering in hospital, while the other had been discharged. 123RF

Police have charged two men after a shooting in Gore that left two people injured.

The men, aged 36 and 54, were due to appear in court in Invercargill on Friday after being arrested on Thursday afternoon.

They have been charged with burglary with a weapon and two counts each of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

Two people were flown to hospital, one with serious injuries and another with moderate injuries, after the shooting in Aparima Street on Wednesday night.

Police said one of the victims was still recovering in hospital, while the other had been discharged.

Southland area commander inspector Mike Bowman said investigators were following a number of lines of enquiry but information from the public had proved invaluable.

“We want to thank the community for their help so far, the support we’ve had from the public shows people aren’t willing to tolerate violence like this,” he said.

“The arrests are the result of excellent work across the team involved and help from the public.”

Bowman said investigators were still keen to speak with anyone with information.

He said police officers would have a visible presence in Gore as they carried out reassurance patrols.

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Meet Loki: The Harley Davidson-riding service dog

Source: Radio New Zealand

When Stevin Creegan gets on his Harley Davison to go on a ride, his best mate Loki is always along for the journey.

Loki is a six-year-old black labrador – and a service dog for former Air Force Sergeant Creegan – who was the sole survivor of the 2010 ANZAC Day Iroquois helicopter crash near Wellington.

Creegan lives with PTSD and chronic pain from the spinal and leg injuries he sustained in that accident.

Loki has been Stevin Creegan’s constant companion since he was a pup.

Supplied

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Villagers who watched Manawanui sink still waiting for compensation

Source: Radio New Zealand

The HMNZS Manawanui, aground in Samoa. Profile Boats / supplied

More than a year after the New Zealand navy vessel HMNZS Manawanui sank off the south coast of Samoa’s island of Upolu, affected locals have yet to be compensated.

Information showing a compensation payment from the New Zealand government to the Samoa government of SAT$10 million – about NZ$6m – made as far back as May this year has also raised concerns over the process in Samoa.

The NZ Navy vessel crashed into the Tafitoala reef on 6 October 2024, and spilled diesel and rubbish into the surrounding water. It eventually sank into the reef, where it remains today.

Residents from the village of Tafitoala in the district of Safata watched the ship crash and burn less than two kilometres from their homes.

Fagailesau Afaaso Junior Saleupu, a matai of the village, has been helping co-ordinate the Tafitoala compensation claim to the government of Samoa and New Zealand High Commission over the incident. He said the wreckage continued to cause problems for families who have long depended on the ocean for sustenance and income.

“So many sea resources we [rely] on for food, not only for food, but for selling [so we] get money – it’s gone.

“We don’t know why, and that’s the only thing we [can think] of. Since the Manawanui grounding, all these issues start coming up.”

A ‘disappointing’ process

When the ship ran into the reef, a five kilometre precautionary zone was placed around the wreck, preventing locals from fishing and using the waters in front of their homes.

After five months, the no-go zone was reduced to two kilometres, which Fagailesau said remained in place today.

Locals were initially pleased at the development, returning to the ocean surrounding their village to fish and gather seafood, only to find – even after more than a year – much of the regular marine life was missing.

Seasonal fish like igaga and lupo, and sea cucumbers – harvested as a delicacy – had been scarce, which had significantly affected families who sold seafood often at roadside stalls along the coast, he said.

“That’s the other source of income for us.”

The whole process had been disappointing, Fagailesau said.

Documents released to RNZ Pacific under the Official Information Act show the SAT$10 million compensation payment was requested by Samoa’s Ministry of Foreign of Affairs and Trade.

Then-Samoa Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata’afa made a formal request for the money to New Zealand’s Foreign Minister Winston Peters in May.

Peters agreed and the exchange of letters between the leaders facilitated the “immediate” payment of the SAT$10 million, according to the documents.

However, seven months after the transaction, locals from the villages most affected by the Manawanui wreckage remain unsure about what has happened with the money.

Transparency over information has been difficult, with the compensation amount only disclosed publicly in October when the New Zealand government announced it at the one-year anniversary of the wreckage.

Fagailesau said it simply was not good enough.

“That money is from the government of New Zealand for our village. The money is the compensation for Safata, so they should distribute the money now for the district for us,” he said.

“We’ve already [given] our request to the government.”

Maninoa chief says payment delays due to govt change

Despite the delay, not everyone has lost faith in the process.

Atanoa Tusi Fa’afetai, the paramount chief from the neighbouring village of Maninoa in the district of Si’umu, believes delays in compensation are due to a change in government.

Laaulialemalietoa Polataivao Schmidt took over from Fiame in September following the general election.

Atanoa said the government was working on the distribution process.

“We know that we’re supposed to be compensated, and we are expecting payment, but because of the new administration, the new government, I think they are trying to make sure that they iron out all the details from the previous administration and New Zealand government to get some understanding of how the funds [are] being released.”

Like Fagailesau, he believed the New Zealand government had not paid enough for the damage caused by the Manawanui.

“It’s not sufficient,” he said.

Atanoa, an engineer, drew comparisons to the Rena ship, a commercial vessel which crashed into a reef off the coast of Tauranga, New Zealand in 2011. An estimated 350 tonnes of oil spilled into the sea and significant damage and pollution to the environment occurred.

Maritime NZ, which led the response, said the clean-up cost NZ$47 million, of which more than $27 million was paid for by the ship’s owners. The salvage of the vessel came to $700 million, which was paid by the ship’s owners but overseen by the New Zealand government.

Atanoa said if the Manawanui wreckage remained on the reef, then the New Zealand government would need to contribute more.

“If they cannot remove the vessel, they have to compensate for the vessel’s displacement here in our ocean, and also the fishery loss.

“People depend on consuming the fish and marine life… [and] tourism losses.

“Those are the things that New Zealand has to look into for the liability of what’s been happening.”

A New Zealand Defence Force Court of Inquiry into the Manawanui incident also found multiple failures of the crew, the ship and the New Zealand Navy. It also showed the ship grounded after it was left in autopilot and could not turn.

Peters had no comment following the release of his correspondence about the SAT$10 million compensation payment.

Fiame said she signed off on what was recommended by her officials, and did not have access to the relevant files to look at while speaking to RNZ Pacific.

Laaulialemalietoa has not yet responded to requests for comment, nor has the chief executive of Samoa’s Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, which is the Samoa agency leading the compensation process.

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New Zealand’s busiest airport days and tips for flying this summer

Source: Radio New Zealand

Auckland Airport on Friday, its busiest day of the year for domestic departures. RNZ / Kim Baker-Wilson

Whether it’s Christmas with family, or a New Year’s Eve event with friends Air New Zealand figures show 2.7 million New Zealanders and international visitors will be flying this summer.

The busiest days for domestic air travel in Aotearoa are Friday 19 December with up to 32,000 travellers flying, followed by Sunday 21, Monday 22 and Tuesday 23 December, with around 31,000 customers taking to the skies on each of those days.

Air New Zealand’s domestic network will transport around 1.6 million passengers. Three of its most popular destinations are located in the South Island.

“Queenstown will see 260,000 customers travel to and from the region while Nelson is gearing up for 150,000 customers, and Dunedin 110,000. Napier and the Bay of Plenty are also in hot demand this summer,” Air New Zealand general manager airports Kate Boyer said.

Internationally, around 1.1m passengers will be flying in or out of New Zealand.

A passenger at Auckland Airport today said it was already busy.

Dan Yee who was on his way to Napier had had some interruptions.

“Our flight got cancelled, so that’s why it’s been a lot busier… Engine failure, I hear,” he said.

“Definitely today has been a lot busier than usual. I was surprised to be caught up in a very long queue.”

“Yeah, it’s probably a good idea to get here early.”

Michael Gallagher was waiting for his flight to Tauranga, but said he felt well looked after.

“Don’t stress, the staff are always really good and they’ll always get you where you need to go,” he said.

“We’ve had a few issues over the journey with flights delayed, etcetera, but everyone looks after you and everyone’s trying to get you home safely so just relax, you’ll get there.”

Corina Warren, on her way to Nelson, remarked that the airport felt busy but “quite organised”.

Air New Zealand’s most popular regional destinations from 1 December 2025 to 31 January 2026 are Queenstown Lakes District with 260,000 travellers, Nelson at 150,000, Bay of Plenty at 120,000, Dunedin at 110,000 and Napier at 100,000.

While internationally the top contenders are Sydney with 195,000 travellers, Melbourne at 185,000, Brisbane at 120,000, Pacific Islands countries at 170,000 and Los Angeles at 56,000.

“Three Australian cities are firm favourites with 195,000 customers travelling to and from Sydney, 185,000 to and from Melbourne, and 120,000 to and from Brisbane.

“Around 170,000 customers will be crossing the Pacific with Tahiti and Fiji clear go to getaways,” Boyer said.

There will be 56,000 passengers flying to or from Los Angeles from New Zealand on the airline.

Saturday 20 December and Saturday 3 January are the busiest international travel days with up to 20,000 passengers travelling each day.

Auckland Airport’s departure board on Friday. RNZ / Kim Baker-Wilson

Auckland Airport

An estimated 2.5 million travellers are expected to pass through Auckland Airport between 8 December 2025 and 18 January 2026.

Unlike other New Zealand airports, the majority of its travellers will be international with 1.5m international travellers arriving or departing, an increase of 7.5 percent on last year.

“We’ve been working closely with border agencies, airlines and their ground handlers to make sure travellers get away smoothly. It will be busy, so our advice is simple: plan ahead, arrive with plenty of time and pack smart,” Auckland Airport chief customer officer Scott Tasker said.

There’s capacity for as many as 5.8m travellers to arrive or depart in Auckland, from 43 destinations.

Domestic and international travel numbers will peak at different points through the Christmas and New Year period.

The busiest day for international departures from Auckland is expected to be 4 January, while 15 January is forecast to be its busiest day for international arrivals.

In terms of domestic departures from Auckland 19 December is tipped to be the busiest day, while 16 January is the busiest for domestic arrivals.

Passengers killing time at Auckland Airport on Friday. RNZ / Kim Baker-Wilson

Wellington Airport

Nearly half a million travellers are expected to pass through Wellington Airport over the Christmas and New Year period.

The busiest single day being Thursday 18 December with around 18,000 travellers.

Flights in and out of Wellington between 15 December and 11 January have the capacity to fly 350,000 domestic passengers and 90,000 international.

Wellington Airport’s head of operations Matthew Palliser said as well as the possibility of seeing Air New Zealand’s first ever electric aircraft on the tarmac, it also claimed to be the country’s most festive.

“We’re proud to be the most Christmassy airport in the country with over 65 individually decorated Christmas trees raising funds for cystic fibrosis. We’ve also got live music and Christmas carol singing,” Palliser said.

Christchurch Airport

Christchurch Airport’s capacity between 25 November and 26 March has increased 11 percent compared to last year, with an additional 236,000 domestic seats and 139,000 international seats in and out of Christchurch will be available during that period.

Popular destinations out of Christchurch include Adelaide, Cairns, Gold Coast and Fiji.

Dunedin Airport

Close to 150,000 passengers will be travelling on flights in and out of Dunedin over the December and January period.

As many locals head off for a break over summer, the airport’s chief executive Daniel De Bono is also ready for some downtime.

“It’s been a big year for Dunedin Airport with the Gold Coast direct service starting and winning Medium Airport of the Year being big highlights amongst many. While the airport never closes, many of our people will now get some well deserved time with their families,” De Bono said.

Queenstown Airport

New Zealand’s tourism capital will see around 150,000 passengers passing through its airport between 20 December and 4 January, with nearly 57,000 of those heading to or from Australia.

Around 10,000 passengers a day will be flying in or out on 20, 27 and 28 December, and 2, 3, and 4 January.

“Summer is always a special time in Queenstown. We love the excitement in the terminal as people fly in to spend Christmas with whānau or head off on adventures,” head of operations, compliance and safety Juliet Breen said.

The number one piece of advice for those flying this summer is to ensure that items containing batteries are packed in carry-on luggage. RNZ / Kim Baker-Wilson

Advice for flyers

RNZ spoke to a number of airlines and airports in the lead up to the holiday season to find out what tips they had for people travelling over the summer period. Almost all of them listed ensuring items with batteries were dealt with correctly as their number one piece of advice.

Before you pack your luggage, make sure any item that may have a battery in it is packed in your carry on luggage, that includes anything powered by lithium batteries such as hearing aids, vapes or headphones. Anything that is checked in will be removed and cannot be returned. Aviation Security has extensive information on its website.

Arriving at the airport with plenty of time and ensuring you’re at your gate in time will also help ensure a less stressful trip.

While some airports no longer need laptops and liquids to be removed at security, for most this is still the norm. So pack accordingly and be ready to remove these items when you get to security. This includes liquids, aerosols and gels such as perfume.

Make sure you drink plenty of water before and during your flight, and remember alcohol can hit you harder in the air than it does on the ground.

Check in online, and use the time that saves you to get through security earlier so you’re at your gate with plenty of time to spare should there be any issues.

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Sam Neill: ‘Retirement it’s like a swear word to me’

Source: Radio New Zealand

“The last thing I would ever, ever do is retire,” Sir Sam Neill says.

Recently named Screen Legend at this year’s New Zealand Screen Awards, the 78-year-old actor says his 54-year long (and counting) career still excites him.

“I love being able to go away, go home again too, but I love to go and work with some new people on new material.

Sam Neill at Two Paddocks in Central Otago.

RNZ / Cole Eastham-Farrelly

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Fate of Hamilton-to-Auckland Te Huia train to be decided next year

Source: Radio New Zealand

Te Huia provides an interregional passenger rail service between the regions of Waikato and Auckland. Supplied / Waikato Regional Council

The future of the Hamilton to Auckland train, Te Huia, looks set to be decided in the first half of next year.

The Waikato regional council voted on Thursday to ask the New Zealand Transport Agency board in February to keep funding steady at a 60 percent funding assistance rate for a one-year extension.

If NZTA would not keep funding steady for an extra year, council asked for a formal decision on what permanent support the agency will give the service by April.

Te Huia was launched in April 2021 for a five-year trial ending in June 2026. It provides an interregional passenger rail service between the regions of Waikato and Auckland.

It had faced several issues, including covid delays, being temporarily banned from operating in Auckland, and being impacted by repeated line closures on the Auckland network.

The coalition government had a history of negativity about Te Huia, and last year NZTA decided to progressively reduce its contribution to the funding assistance rate from 75.5 in 2024 to 51 percent by 2026.

Councillor Chris Hughes said there was no point in the council continuing its plans to run the train until it knew it had NZTA support.

“Once we’ve got it, we’ve got a commitment, and we can move forward. At the moment there’s too much uncertainty and I don’t believe our ratepayers should be wearing the cost,” he said.

Other councillors echoed this need for certainty from NZTA.

However, councillor Jennifer Nickel pointed out that NZTA had put more money into Te Huia than anyone, and although the council should be strong in its request for certainty it should also be flexible to allow NZTA to “say what it wants to say.”

“We are a partner with them,” she said.

Councillor Tipa Mahuta also said council had a long relationship with NZTA and should be thinking in terms of a partnership.

“It’s not in our role to tell NZTA what their job is, we can express a preference and our key timelines, but I’m pretty sure they know their remit… it’s not our jurisdiction to direct them to do anything,” she said.

Hamilton city council, Waipa district council and Waikato district council told the regional council they supported their request for an extra year of steady funding.

Hamilton city councillor Sarah Thomson spoke at today’s meeting and said the city had been a very supportive partner of Te Huia.

She said the city had brought forward public transport investment to support the train, particularly around the Rotokauri transport hub where most passengers get on and off the train.

“That transport hub was in a master plan, but it would still not be built to this day, most likely, if it was not for the need to support the Te Huia service,” Thomson said.

Hamilton councillor Sue Moroney also spoke and said the city had “significant skin in the game”.

“The city council has seen the importance of having a really fit-for-purpose transport network between the largest city in the country and the fourth largest – but the fastest growing city – in the country,” Moroney said.

She said she regularly used the service for meetings in Auckland.

“Importantly I use it because I can get a lot of work done on the way up and the way back, I can get all my emails done, it’s great for productivity, I can’t do that in a car, I can’t do that in a bus, I can only do that in the train,” she said.

After discussions, the letter tabled in the council’s agenda and the final letter being sent to NZTA were slightly different.

Regional councillor Liz Stolwyk said it was important that the surrounding district and city councils were fully aware of what was being asked for and were taken along on the journey.

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