State owned enterprise, KiwiRail, has announced the\u00a0[permanent end of same-day intercity services](https:\/\/www.newshub.co.nz\/home\/new-zealand\/2021\/12\/urgent-calls-for-long-distance-passenger-services-to-stay-as-kiwirail-cuts-operations.html)\u00a0 between Auckland and Wellington and Picton and Christchurch. It will be replaced by a multi-day rail cruise. \\
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\nThis effectively means the end of most of Aotearoa New Zealand’s national passenger rail network after more than 100 years of service. \u00a0 \\
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\nThis announcement comes at a time when the Government has said it is committed to climate action and reducing inequality.\u00a0 \\
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\nPassenger trains connect communities, friends and families for graduations, weddings, holidays and business for generations. They have connected towns with the cities, and bought our country together.\u00a0 \\
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\nBut a period of privatisation and decades of underfunding has limited the development and use of our national rail network.\u00a0 \\
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\nTrains have an important place in our future but it requires investment and planning from Government as they –<\/p>\n
* Rail provides a more sustainable and climate considerate method of transport across the country.
\n* Rail can invigorate the social and economic life of small communities by making them accessible to remote workers and tourists.\u00a0
\n* Trains can bring our diverse country together by connecting people and landscapes across wide distances.\u00a0
\n* Trains provide an accessible method of point-to-point transport for the elderly and disabled.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Save our Trains are not opposed to rail tours. They are far better for the economy and environment than flying to Hawaii, however, they are not an appropriate replacement for a national passenger rail network. It should not be one or the other.\u00a0 \\
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\n**Rail is an important part of our past, but it should also be part of our future. Join the campaign to support the retention and growth of a national passenger rail network.** \\
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\nIf you are interested or keen to save our national rail network and build a better one, please sign [Save our Trains petition](https:\/\/www.allrailways.co.nz\/petition.html). \\
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\nFor information concerning Save our Trains, visit\u00a0[allrailways.co.nz](https:\/\/www.allrailways.co.nz\/)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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