Volunteers needed to operate Yusuf Islam's peace train when it arrives in Christchurch
British singer-songwriter Yusuf Islam, better known as Cat Stevens, announced last year he was donating an electric-powered peace train to Christchurch.
He came up with the idea while in Christchurch following the March 2019 mosque attacks, when he travelled across the world to perform his classic hit Peace Train at the memorial service held just days after the attacks. He wanted the train to bring smiles to future generations.
The train, a reference to his 1971 hit of the same name, has four carriages to carry children and families and operates without tracks. It is expected to arrive in New Zealand soon, and will be officially unveiled as part of this year’s commemorations of the attacks.
However, the city council needs to find people to drive it and organise the volunteers.
Council parks, programmes and partnership manager Kate Russell said the council planned to run the train in South Hagley Park on the second Sunday of every month – except for the winter months of June, July and August – from 10am to 4pm.
“We’re looking for a group of willing volunteers to drive the train and to act as conductors for people wanting a ride.”
It also wanted someone to co-ordinate the volunteers, organise the roster and train schedule.
“If you love trains, enjoy being around children and are willing to commit to a minimum of three two-hour shifts a year, we would love to hear from you.”
Expressions of interest can be emailed to kate.russell@ccc.govt.nz
Poll: Is the increase in disability parking fines fair?
In October, the fine for parking in a designated mobility car park without a permit has jumped from $150 to $750—a 400% increase!
The goal is to keep these spaces open for those who truly need them. Do you think this big increase in the fine is fair? Share your thoughts below.
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89.1% Yes, it's fair
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10.3% No, it's unreasonable
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0.7% Other - I'll share below
Cyclists forced to use ‘more dangerous’ crossing if cycleway closed
Closing a Christchurch cycleway to avoid an unsafe rail crossing will lead cyclists across an even “more dangerous” crossing, cycling advocates say.
Transport Minister Simeon Brown has weighed in on the issue, calling the move to shut a 1.5km section of the Heathcote Expressway for up to two years, “illogical”. He has asked KiwiRail to explain.
KiwiRail is demanding Christchurch City Council close part of the expressway until $6.5 million worth of safety improvements can be made to the Scruttons Rd rail crossing.
It said the “unsafe” crossing posed the risk of death or serious injury once every thousand years.
What do you do think? Read the full story by reporters Sinead Gill and Tina Law here and tell us what you think in the comments. (A subscription is required, but you can see two free articles a month).
House fire causing road closures
Pages Road is closed this afternoon from Breezes Road, this is due to a house that has caught fire in the area.
Coastal Ward Community Board member, Alex Hewison, shared the closure on a local Facebook page.
Fire and Emergency are at the scene but further details have not been shared at this stage.
Avoid the area where possible.
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