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448 days ago

The train hidden in the Waitākere Ranges - and the fight to bring it back

Melanie Earley Reporter from Western Leader

Kia ora neighbours, a tourist train nestled inside the Waitākere ranges has been rusting away for nearly a decade – but a group of volunteers hopes to get it running again.

The Rainforest Express was a miniature railway that ran 6km through the ranges from Jacobson's Depot on Scenic Drive to the Upper Nihotupu Dam, one of the main water supply reservoirs in West Auckland.

At the end of 2014 the express was closed after a geological report found there were 20 at-risk sites across the tramlines, with nine of those posing a “significant” risk to public safety.

Since then the rainforest express and its tramlines have been “rusting away”, Waitākere ward councillor Ken Turner said.

Read the full story below.

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More messages from your neighbours
13 minutes ago

A twist on tradition

The Team from Resene ColorShop New Lynn

Whether it’s a table setting, for the tree or a shelf display, use Resene FX Metallics to create your own modern Christmas decor. Find out how to create your own with these easy step by step instructions.

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25 minutes ago

Poll: Should all neighbours have to contribute to improvements?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

An Auckland court has ruled a woman doesn’t have to contribute towards the cost of fixing a driveway she shares with 10 neighbours.

When thinking about fences, driveways or tree felling, for example, do you think all neighbours should have to pay if the improvements directly benefit them?

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Should all neighbours have to contribute to improvements?
  • 0% Yes
    0% Complete
  • 0% No
    0% Complete
  • 0% Other - I'll share below
    0% Complete
0 votes
4 days ago

Poll: When should the tree go up? 🎄

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

From what we've heard, some Christmas trees are already being assembled and decorated.

What are your thoughts on the best time to get your Christmas tree up?

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When should the tree go up? 🎄
  • 5% Second half of November
    5% Complete
  • 44.8% 1st December
    44.8% Complete
  • 16.7% A week before Christmas
    16.7% Complete
  • 32.3% Whenever you wish
    32.3% Complete
  • 1.2% Other - I'll share below
    1.2% Complete
1843 votes