Latest News
Auckland’s City Rail Link goes into action for first rush hour after ‘incredible’ opening day
After decades of waiting, delays, cost blowouts and disruption, Aucklander commuters finally got to ride on the new City Rail Link on Sunday.
And today commuters see try out brand new rail link in morning rush hour.
The $5.5 billion project has brought two new underground train stations, and turned Waitemata station from a dead-end into a two-way thoroughfare.
It has been touted as a game-changer for Auckland, helping to move more people around the city and reduce car dependence.
On opening day, more than 400 people turned out at Ōtāhuhu station Before 5am to be on the first train to travel through the City Rail Link.
Politicians, train nerds, and advocates alike were crammed in to the carriages, and as the new tunnel drew nearer, the excitement was growing.
Chants of “tunnel, tunnel, tunnel” rang out through the train, and a cheer went up as it entered.
RNZ / Edward Gay
Taylor Parker, 23, arrived at 3.40am in Ōtāhuhu to be the first person in the queue.
“This is incredible. It is like the harbour bridge opening but for the younger generation. It’s truly a once in a lifetime.”
As the day drew on, thousands travelled through the new tunnels and stations at Karangahape road and Te Waihorotiu in mid town, which had entrances on Victoria and Wellesley streets.
Bryce Ongley was checking out the new stations with his two kids.
“Yeah nah, they’ve really enjoyed it. It’s kind of like space age – out of this world when you come down here and see it, eh? All lit up.”
His daughter Frankie was also impressed.
“They’re very cool and very big, and I love them and I think it’s my favourite one. Because it’s in the city and I love the city.”
RNZ / Luka Forman
Cyclist Sarah Woodfield said the new stations and tunnels would help her get more places on her bike, and give people more options for getting around.
“No city ever solved its traffic problems by building more roads. So public transport being a good option is really great for everyone.”
Kate Millington lived in Mount Eden, and said the new stations reminded her of Sydney where she used to live.
“It’s bloody amazing. I use the trains a lot, and I timed myself from home to the Maungawhau station, and rather than taking 20 minutes to get to Kingsland it took me seven.”
Manukau Ward Councillor Alf Filipaina said the CRL would help connect South Auckland with the rest of the city.
“It’s a matter of getting off the roads, using the train when they can. And having the ability from south-side to come all the way into town.”
RNZ / Lucy XIa
Patrick Reynolds – director of advocacy at charity Greater Auckland – said despite the excitement, a more joined-up rail network would become the new normal.
“Instead of a train full of very tired nerds. This will just be every day, it’ll be completely ordinary. Getting the train is just a thing you’ll do.”
The opening day was not without an issue – a small fire at Waitemata station caused by a lighting cable early in the day created delays and cancellations across the network – but things were back on track by about noon.
Auckland Transport chief executive Stacy van der Putten said the disruption was disappointing, but she was impressed with how crews responded.
Time will tell whether there are any other kinks to iron out in the first days and weeks of the new network.
rnz
The chief executive of the Parliamentary Service is confident there will be enough room to accommodate the increased number of MPs and their staff coming into Parliament.
On current numbers, up to 131 MPs could be sitting in the Chamber following the election, brought on by a record overhang result.
Clerk of the House of Representatives Dr David Wilson told the Spinoff that currently the debating chamber had enough chairs to seat 124 MPs – including the Speaker of the House – and work was being done to accommodate more by altering the seating arrangement.
In a statement, Parliamentary Service chief executive Rafael Gonzalez-Montero said planning for a larger Parliament had been going for “some time”.
“Now that the election results have confirmed an increase to the number of members we are looking at several options.
“We are confident we will be able to accommodate all members within the Chamber.”
VNP / Phil Smith
Gonzalez-Montero said office accommodation for members and their staff would be “stretched” for a short time, but the new Members’ Building was only a few months away from “practical completion”.
That building – located behind Parliament – was due to be ready to occupy in April next year and had capacity to accommodate around 30 backbench MPs.
“All members should be in fit-for-purpose accommodation from that point,” Gonzalez-Montero said.
Following the 2023 election, 123 MPs sat in the Chamber – a record number at the time. That decreased to 122 following the resignation of National MP Judith Collins.
Collins held the seat of Papakura and stepped down in May and Parliament voted against holding a by-election because it was too close to the election.
The election result also meant high-ranking National Party MPs like Chris Bishop, Paul Goldsmith, Nicola Willis and Gerry Brownlee – Speaker of the House and an MP for 30 years – would likely not make it back into Parliament.
Only resigning or retiring MPs were permitted to give a valedictory speech meaning none of them would get the chance to give a valedictory statement.
Asked if their would be special allowances for valedictories, Wilson said in a statement that normally only MPs were allowed to speak in the House but the House could suspend its own rules or temporarily alter them.
“It could do so to allow former members to address the House.”
Wilson said no such arrangements could be made until the next Parliament opened and members sworn in.
rnz
Police say person who fired gun at officers still at large
New Zealand sides named for RLWC finals
Parliamentary Service working on extra chairs and offices for increased number of MPs
-
Latest News2 months ago‘Chilling’: Business groups speak out against National’s supermarket break-up plan
-
NZ News2 months agoTom Phillips report: The missed opportunities to find the children
-
Politics2 months agoNational vows to try to split Pak’nSave and New World
-
Latest News2 months agoCars bearing Chinese police markings stir unease in Auckland
-
Fiji News2 months agoPlans to have new Constitution by Dec 24th 2026
-
NZ News2 months agoCop who stole $68,000 can now be named as champion Muay Thai fighter Haimona Tamati-Te Paki
-
Politics2 months agoMBIE confirms botched biometric projects costs blown out to $50.7 million
-
Latest News2 months agoFive Karangahape Road venues lose their liquor licences after police intervention