That’s the question that has been posed to myself and other locally based MPs via a recent impressive 12,600-strong petition.
While there is plenty that New Zealand First, Labour and the Greens disagree on, one area where we have alignment in is that we are all parties that are pro rail.
That my leader, Winston Peters, has taken on the Rail Portfolio to reinvigorate rail and sort out the Cook Strait ferry fiasco is proof positive of New Zealand First’s ongoing commitment.
We are very proud of the investment via the original Provincial Growth Fund (PGF) that was the catalyst for the rebuilding of the Hillside Railway Workshops.
The backdrop is that there is widespread concern about the affordability and regularity of domestic air connectivity out of Dunedin Airport.
Others are focused on having low emissions and disability passenger-friendly travel options.
Passenger rail also broadens the tourism portfolio offerings in the South.
Any return of regional passenger rail needs to be economically feasible and carefully thought out.
I have found the Save Our Trains group promoting this proposal to be sensible and realistic about the challenges and hurdles to overcome.
They are not simply train enthusiasts driven by nostalgia, demanding trains at any cost. Neither central nor local government have the funds available to underwrite that.
So where to from here?
As I see it the opportunity lies in a major investment in new rolling stock for both the Wellington and Hamilton to Auckland passenger rail network.
Can we convince the powers that be that there is financial merit in adding to that order?
The Dunedin to Christchurch route would service a population base of 800,000 people — more when you add in tourists. But how many would regularly use it?
It’s much easier to sign a petition than actually book a ticket.
That said, the ball is in our court as politicians to represent the interests of the local community and find ways to get the option explored.
Could The Southerner ride again? Lets find out.
