ECan to push for commuter train from Rangiora and Rolleston to Chch
The idea of a commuter train taking passengers from Rangiora and Rolleston into Christchurch is gathering steam, but not everyone is on board.
Environment Canterbury (ECan) voted to approach KiwiRail to assist in preparing a business case for a Rangiora to Rolleston passenger rail service.
Councillor Joe Davies moved the motion, which was passed unanimously by councillors at a meeting on Tuesday.
He said a Rangiora to Rolleston service would be ''an easy win'', compared to the proposed mass rapid transit rail service in Christchurch, as the infrastructure is already in place.
''We can't wait 20 or 30 years, we need it in five to 10 years.
''There's a corridor already in place so there would be significantly lower set up costs compared to the mass rapid transit proposal and this is an opportunity to link Rangiora and Rolleston to the city.''
The proposed route covers 54.7km and links Rolleston and Rangiora with central Christchurch and serves 13 stations.
As housing developments have grown, so has the commuting time to the city.
Cr Davies said once the service was in place, a mass rapid transit service could be built off it.
The service could easily be extended to link with towns like Amberley, Ashburton and Timaru, and into Otago and Southland using existing rail infrastructure.
''Greater Christchurch is the population centre so that's where it needs to start,'' Cr Davies said.
Under the proposal, chairperson Craig Pauling, deputy chair Deon Swiggs and Cr Davies will meet with other councils to prepare a position statement before meeting with KiwiRail's board in September.
ECan would fund the business case and has set aside funding in year four of the 2024/34 Long Term Plan for a possible rail project.
Waimakariri Mayor Dan Gordon said he is interested in the idea.
''We regularly get submissions from residents who like the idea of rail from Rangiora to Christchurch.
''I will be interested to hear the response from KiwiRail.''
KiwiRail executive general manager passenger, Tracey Goodall, said there is a clear process for considering the viability of passenger rail.
''It starts with the local councils, who understand their communities' public transport needs best, and talking to Waka Kotahi New Zealand Transport Agency.
''KiwiRail is happy to provide rail expertise into any business case, including rolling stock (carriage) availability and costs.''
Waimakariri MP Matt Doocey said previous reports have indicated commuter rail on the main trunk line is unworkable due the Addington station not being close to where the majority of people work these days and the lack of a passing lane to accommodate freight.
''Rather than coming up with pie in the sky motions, ECan should focus on reducing rates which have rapidly increased - putting more pressure on ratepayers in a cost-of-living crisis.''
Rail Minister Winston Peters is overseas and unavailable for comment.
Opposition transport spokesperson Tangi Utikere said Labour supports the use of rail as ''an environmentally friendly'' option for passengers and freight.
''If a business case provided strong rationale Labour would be open to supporting passenger rail from Rangiora to Rolleston.''
Longtime rail advocate John McCaskey said the service could easily be extended into the Hurunui district.
''Count the number of people travelling in a car on their own. If they could park up at Waipara and take the train you would be on to a winner.
''Waipara is sitting there waiting to be used with the infrastructure and the terminus, and we have the feeder lines from Hawarden and Scargill - everything is still there.''
Christchurch Mayor Phil Mauger said he supported looking into any public transport options that would assist the region as it continues to grow.
Selwyn Mayor Sam Broughton backed any conversation that advances the potential for a Mass Rapid Transit solution connecting Rolleston, Rangiora and Christchurch City.
"It is important that all MRT options, including rail and other transport modalities, be thoroughly weighed against each other in terms of costs, benefits, and long-term viability.
The work on this is currently underway with the Greater Christchurch Partnership (GCP).
"I look forward to Canterbury Regional Council coming back to GCP members with options and intel they gain through their kōrero with KiwiRail. This will help inform our wider thinking about public transport in the region."
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
■ LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
RNZ News
18 hours ago
- RNZ News
Why drivers don't stop at train crossings
Nearly half of motor vehicles fail to stop, or prepare to stop when approaching level crossings in research commissioned by Kiwirail. They were least likely to do so where there were just Give Way signs in place. The engineering and professional services consulting firm WSP observed more than 3600 drivers - 47 per cent failed to stop at crossings with Stop signs, or were ready to stop at Give Way signs. Earlier research had found more than half of the deaths in serious level crossing collisions over a ten-year period occurred at crossings with Stop or Give Way signs. There have been 25 collisions at crossings in the last two years. The report says 'Look for Trains' signs had significantly higher success getting drivers to stop and look - and a major recommendation of the review was to remove all Give Way signs for Stop signs. Paul Ashton is chief operations officer at Kiwirail. Photo: Supplied by Kiwirail
Scoop
19 hours ago
- Scoop
Canterbury's Regional Council Moving Forward In The Face Of Change
The Chair of Canterbury's regional council says the Council is taking every opportunity to advocate for the region, amidst significant reforms and changes being made by central government. Canterbury Regional Council (Environment Canterbury) Chair Craig Pauling said the proposed changes to freshwater, primary sector and infrastructure national direction were just the latest example of government reforms impacting the region. 'The changes being made by central government will impact on the way local and regional governments operate, and how natural resources are managed under the RMA (Resource Management Act 1991). As Councillors, we want to ensure Canterbury can enjoy the opportunities – and avoid the pitfalls – that these changes may present.' Chair Pauling said while clear national standards support greater regulatory certainty, consistency and improved compliance, there are unique issues in Waitaha Canterbury that justify a more sophisticated, locally informed and evidenced approach. 'Waitaha is unlike any other region in Aotearoa. We have about 70 per cent of the country's groundwater, braided rivers, coastal environments, and highly productive farmland. We also have a unique partnership with Ngāi Tahu as mana whenua. 'We want to make sure that any decisions made by central government value existing land uses, such as food production, and enable new opportunities and resource uses, while safeguarding the region's environmental and cultural health for future generations.' Chair Pauling also referenced Council's recent strategic work. 'We have a set of shared positions that we agree on as a Council, that cover a range of issues impacting the region. The Council's positions relate to managing environmental effects, managing natural resource use, economic prosperity, structure of local, regional and central government, and Treaty Partnership.' 'Our Council is clear about what outcomes we want to achieve for the region. Alongside Te Uru Kahika and our partners, with a view across Te Waipounamu, we welcome the opportunity to inform central government decisions and, together, make these outcomes a reality,' he said. Canterbury Regional Council Deputy Chair Dr Deon Swiggs outlined how the national direction package is one example of Government's work programme that puts increased pressure on regional government and ratepayers. 'Resource management system reforms, Local Government Act amendment, changes to legislation around Te Tiriti partnership and transport funding decisions — these are all changes coming our way from central government. Whether you think they're good or bad, these reforms all impact on elected members' ability to make decisions for our community. 'The current structure and funding of local government across Aotearoa New Zealand is unsustainable and we all agree that change is needed. We look forward to having some crunchy conversations over the coming months, within the Council and with others in the region, to develop a collective vision of what might work best for Waitaha Canterbury,' he said. Deputy Swiggs reaffirmed that the council was united in its position and agreed that change was needed. 'We need greater regulatory clarity and certainty, as well as better alignment between central, regional, and local government. We are taking a strategic approach so that we can be clear, to government and our communities, about what we need and want for Waitaha Canterbury. 'We need to strike an approach that values our community and environment's needs, that allows us to adapt and explore exciting opportunities for the region such as tourism, aerospace, renewable energy, and other emerging innovations,' he said. Chair Pauling and Deputy Swiggs reinforced Canterbury Regional Council's commitment to proactively work with its partners to improve economic and environmental outcomes for the region. Environment Canterbury Councillors endorsed a range of public positions relating to central government reform and issues impacting the region at the May 2025 Council meeting.
Scoop
a day ago
- Scoop
Nelson City Council Adopts Annual Plan 2025/26, Confirming 6.5% Rates Increase
Nelson City Council has formally adopted its Annual Plan 2025/26, retaining the forecast average rates increase of 6.5%. The Annual Plan was adopted by Elected Members in a Council meeting on 5 June 2025, confirming it will proceed without significant changes from what was consulted on as part of Year Two of the Long Term Plan 2024-34. Nelson Mayor Nick Smith says the Annual Plan strikes a deliberate balance between financial prudence and investment in the city's long-term prosperity. 'This Annual Plan is about maintaining the services and infrastructure that underpin our lifestyle while facing up to the financial squeeze that's affecting households, businesses, and councils alike. 'Cost pressures have been considerable, with electricity costs up 20% and a new government water levy adding $290,000 a year. We've had to make difficult choices to stay on track, but we've delivered a 6.5% rates increase that is among the lowest of New Zealand's 78 councils.' In the Annual Plan, Council has also agreed to reduce the proportion of commercial rates from 22.6% to 22.3%. Project timing and budgets have been adjusted to manage inflation and revenue impacts. These include deferring the $2.6 million Civic House roof and ceiling tile upgrades to 2026/27, and postponement of the $1.3 million joint cemetery capacity purchase to 2027/28. Council has also re-phased funding to respond to storm recovery needs and upgrade the city's infrastructure to enable new development. This includes $778,549 in 2025/26 for the Haven/St Vincent culvert renewal, with additional funding carried forward from previous budgets, as well as $1.65 million for stormwater improvements on York Terrace and $773,000 for resilience works on Cleveland Terrace. In support of the local economy, Council has approved a $40,000 grant to the Nelson Tasman Chamber of Commerce to continue business mentoring services following the closure of Business Assist. Mayor Nick says the Plan highlights a shift in Council's priorities from storm recovery and repairs, to plans that advance revitalising the city. 'Over the past two years, our focus has been on recovery from the August 2022 storm — the most severe natural disaster in Nelson in over 50 years. With much of that repair work now well advanced, our attention is turning to city revitalisation. This includes projects like Bridge to Better, the new bus hub at Millers Acre, a new playspace at Rutherford Park, the Marina Promenade, and the launch of a new Arts Development Agency. 'These projects are more than just infrastructure — they are about preparing Nelson for the next generation, attracting investment, strengthening our links with the sea, and enriching community life.' The final Annual Plan 2025/26 will be published online and made available at Council's Customer Service Centre and local libraries from 1 July 2025.
