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It’s been a long time coming, but the Te Huia Sunday service between Waikato and Auckland stations is finally up and running.
Prior to the Sunday afternoon/evening service launch on July 27, Waikato Regional Council
Regional Transport Connections director Phil King said this was a significant step forward for the Waikato to Auckland rail service as it enters the final year of its trial.
“It will strengthen connectivity, support tourism, and make the service better for workers,
students, and families travelling between both regions. It will especially provide an alternative travel option to large sporting and cultural events and provide connections seven days a week to Auckland Airport.
“Just as importantly, it comes in time for us to assess its success ahead of a decision being made early next year on the future of Te Huia by the NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi Board.”
In August 2023, the Waikato District Council completed an indicative business case for railway stations in northern Waikato, focused on Tuakau, Pōkeno and Te Kauwhata.
Waikato District Mayor Jacqui Church said inter-council and government collaboration is
needed to meet the needs for a passenger rail service, particularly in key growth towns.
“The majority of residents here work north and are stuck commuting in the Auckland traffic or have difficulty with their travel to secondary or tertiary [education] and healthcare in South Auckland.”
Last year, the council purchased strategic land beside the railway line in Pōkeno, Church said, in anticipation of future-proofing the public transport options as the town continues to grow.
“Te Kauwhata, with its lakeside development, also continues its growth towards being a
significantly large town in the future that needs robust public transport connectivity. Tuakau has a high socio-economic deprivation rate, meaning that public transport is critical for connection and the opportunity of work, education, and health.”
All three towns have passenger rail services passing through their communities, she said.
