Both Labour and National released their transport policies in the weekend: Labour has pledged to build light rail from downtown Auckland to the airport within a decade and charge Auckland with a fuel tax, while National has promised to invest $267 million into rail. But New Zealand First says neither of the parties are “hitting the mark”. Ximena chats to Tracey to find out why the solutions aren’t enough and what New Zealand First would do differently.
The National Party have started a petition calling on the government to implement major highway projects.
National’s transport spokesperson Judith Collins has accused the government of being vague and not taking action.
Reuben McLaren spoke to Green MP and Associate Minister for Transport Julie Anne Genter for her take on the whole thing and to find out what the government's plans actually are.
We've lucky enough to have Anthonie Tonnon in the studio ahead of his very exciting upcoming tour, Rail Land. Anthonie chats to Sarah about rediscovering old Rail loops, and creating an experience that is not only magical, but a real journey as well. Chartering trains to extraordinary community venues to play gigs with songs old and new creates what can only be called a magical evening. Get your tickets here, this is a delight that's not to be missed.
KiwiRail recently signed the CEO Climate Change statement despite its plans to replace the current fleet of EF class electric locomotives with DL class diesel trains. Producer Damian Rowe spoke to Rail and Maritime Transport Union general Secretary, Wayne Butson about the issue
Earlier this week the City Rail Link reached a milestone, breaking through the end of its final tunnel.
The tunnel boring machine created space for the new rail system by breaking through fifteen metres of cement per day.
The machine was Named after Dame Whina Cooper, the Maori Rights activist who led the hikoi to parliament.
For this week’s segment of City Counselling, I had a chat with Shane Henderson about the City Rail Link milestone as well as the 2022 Mayoral conservation awards.
Earlier this month, the government outlined its plans for transport, including scrapping free public transport for children and half-price fares for young people under 25 by the end of next month.
News and Editorial Director, Jessica Hopkins, spoke to advocacy group, The Future is Rail Spokesperson, Suraya Sidhu Singh, about their opposition to this, as well as a collective protest action happening tomorrow, calling on the government to centre transport in planning and funding.
She started off the interview asking Singh for their thoughts on the government’s transport plans.
For Dear Science, Allan Blackman talks with us about DNA Sunscreen, how to get rid of pesticides from your fruit, and "fake news" allegations in science journals.
Producer Will Parsonson talks to Rick Zwaan, spokesperson for the ‘Peoples review of renting report’, about amendments to be made to the poor conditions of rental properties.
Tracey Martin of NZ First talks to Lillian Hanly about what will replace National Standards and the Government inquiry into children who were abused while in state care.
Producer Reuben McLaren speaks to the General Secretary of the Rail and Maritime Transport Union, Wayne Butson, regarding the wide scale industrial action being taken by Rail Workers in Wellington tomorrow.
Train workers in Wellington will strike for 24 hours starting early Thursday morning, over longstanding contract conditions.
This will be the largest industrial action taken on the railways of Wellington since 1994 and up to 30,000 rail passengers are likely to be effected.
This is not the first strike in recent times over this issue, with a two hour strike having taken place in during October this year.
Rail and Maritime Transport Union General Secretary, Wayne Butson, told Radio New Zealand that industrial action was the only alternative after months of negotiations..
Reuben McLaren spoke to Wayne Butson to find out more.
Maungawhau station, formerly Mt Eden station, closed in July 2020 for reconstruction as part of the City Rail Link. Delays during the COVID-19 lockdowns extended the construction process, and the station is now expected to reopen in early 2024.
Starting on October 14th, Western line trains have been running at reduced frequency to allow for testing at the station, indicating that the station may be almost completed.
Trains across the city have also been affected by unplanned disruptions over the past few months, most recently on the Western line with a series of power outages.
For City Counselling this week I asked Councillor Julie Fairey about the timeline on Maungawhau station, the upcoming Te Waihorotiu and Karanga-ā-hape stations, and power outages across the rail network.
Producer Laura Kvigstad talks with Rail and Maritime Transport Union Spokesperson, John Kerr, about a petition to Auckland Transport cutting staff on trains and buses
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