A Whole Lot Of Train Stuff
Here's a few points about trains --
-- Train Drivers have been told by KiwiRail to slow , as the tracks have buckled in the current heat .
-- Auckland Train Drivers have had several strikes lately , throwing passengers in 'chaos' -- buses have been called in to get people to work and home .
-- Hamilton and Waikato Council , and the Labour led coalition , are proposing a commuter train to Papakura . This will cost at least $78 million , and at least $1 million a year in subsidies . It can carry up to 150 people , but appears likely to take 30-40 daily .
-- That is $2 million per person in 'capital' costs . A new Nissan Leaf electric car is $62,500 , a new hybrid is $37,500 , a new Tesla is around $120,000 . You could literally GIVE each commuter one of these vehicles , and be 18 to 50 times better off !
-- The $1 million a year subsidy works out at $500 per person per week subsidy . On top of the $30 trip charge ( they pay $300 a week , taxpayers and ratepayers pay another $500 a week , on top of the $78 million setting this up !
-- A new 45-50 seat bus is $400,000 to $650,000 , depending on level of luxury .
-- BusIt runs a daily bus service to Pukekohe ( it appears with no sudsidy ? ) and charges $10 each way -- less for pensioners etc . This is not suitable for commuters , but shows what can be done .
-- Air New Zealand is offering $39 fares Tauranga to Auckland , again it appears they receive no Govt subsidy , they buy mult-million dollar planes and have to make money .
-- It appears LTNZ will reduce or cancel any funding for the Hamilton to Papakura commuter train .
-- BusIt can run a daily bus service a similar distance for just over $10 .
-- Air NZ can run planes Tauranga to Auckland $39 .
-- Hamilton Council can run a daily train to Papakura , but need to spend $78 million , plus top it up by another $1 million , for 30-40 people a day ?
Will this loco loco still proceed if no-one votes for the the current Mayor ? Lets hope it is canned -- it is absolute financial stupidity IMO .
Poll: Do you think banning gang patches is reasonable?
With the government cracking down on gangs, it is now illegal for gang members to display their insignia in public places whether through clothing or their property.
This means arrests can be made if these patches are worn in places like restaurants, shops, on public transport or ferries, and on airplanes. Arrests were made recently at a funeral.
Do you think this ban is reasonable?
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76.3% Yes
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22.3% No
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1.3% Other - I'll share below
What's your favourite recipe for courgettes?
Kia ora neighbours. If you've got a family recipe for courgettes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our January 2025 issue.
Have you come across many roadworks sites recently?
The frustration of seeing a detour sign partway through your journey on the main highways possibly the new way forward when it comes to roadworks.
One of the latest areas to have a section of the road blocked off is State Highway 1 between Putāruru to Tokoroa as part of a massive renewal project that extends down to Waiouru.
Have you come across many roadworks sites recently?
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