City Rail Link: 'Dame Whina Cooper' tunnel-boring machine poised for action
Auckland’s City Rail Link is another step closer to completion today with the launch of Dame Whina Cooper, the tunnel-boring machine, at the project’s Mt Eden site.
The machine, named in an ode to the Māori land rights activist, will start cutting into Auckland soil in mid-May.
It will excavate the first of the two underground train tunnels as part of a project that involves constructing two new underground stations, a 3.45km twin-tunnel underground rail link and a redeveloping of Mount Eden station.
Auckland’s City Rail Link is another step closer to completion today with the launch of Dame Whina Cooper, the tunnel-boring machine, at the project’s Mt Eden site.
The machine, named in an ode to the Māori land rights activist, will start cutting into Auckland soil in mid-May.
It will excavate the first of the two underground train tunnels as part of a project that involves constructing two new underground stations, a 3.45km twin-tunnel underground rail link and a redeveloping of Mount Eden station.
Wood described the event as an “exciting milestone” that is “helping our economic recovery and supporting jobs”.
“Building infrastructure like the City Rail Link is part of our Covid-19 economic plan. This project is providing real jobs and opportunities for thousands of Aucklanders.”
“It will give us a step-change in our public transport and cultivate a diverse and highly-skilled workforce,” he said.
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Poll: Are Kiwis allergic to “exuberance”? 🥝
In The Post’s opinion piece on the developments set to open across Aotearoa in 2026, John Coop suggests that, as a nation, we’re “allergic to exuberance.”
We want to know: Are we really allergic to showing our excitement?
Is it time to lean into a more optimistic view of the place we call home? As big projects take shape and new opportunities emerge, perhaps it’s worth asking whether a little more confidence (and enthusiasm!) could do us some good.
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41.2% Yes
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34% Maybe?
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24.8% No
Auckland Transport----Free weekend travel for kids Making family outings easier
Did you know kids aged 5 to 15 can ride buses, trains, and ferries for FREE every weekend and public holiday with an AT HOP card?
But wait, there’s more! Load a child concession onto your child’s MyAT account and unlock 40% off weekday travel too. Managing their HOP card is super easy: create an AT HOP profile under your MyAT account, enter their birthday, and you’re good to go.
So, grab those HOP cards, tag on, and start exploring, because family adventures shouldn’t come with a price tag!
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Great news for Auckland’s tertiary students!
From 14 December, tertiary students will enjoy even bigger savings! The tertiary discount is increasing from 20% to 40% off AT HOP adult fares on buses, trains, and most ferries.
If you already have a tertiary concession loaded on your AT HOP card, there’s nothing you need to do, the increased discount will be applied automatically.
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Summer Rail Upgrades
27 December 2025 to 28 January 2026
We’re upgrading your rail network this summer as we get closer to more trains, more often, when City Rail Link opens up in 2026.
27 December – 18 January: Full rail network closure.
9 – 26 January: Partial rail network closure.
27 – 28 January: Full network closure for City Rail Link testing.
Rail replacement buses will be available throughout the summer rail upgrades to keep you moving.
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IKEA Sylvia Park – What to Expect Now That It’s Open
If you’re planning a visit to IKEA Sylvia Park, consider taking public transport.
Train: Eastern Line - it's about 19 minutes from Waitematā to Sylvia Park.
Bus: Six routes serve the area. Five stop directly at Sylvia Park shopping centre, and another stops on Carbine Road, close to IKEA.
For bulky purchases, home delivery is available to help reduce congestion and parking queues.
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Enjoy the festive season without the fuss.
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Scam Alert: Fake information regarding December Bonuses from MSD
The Ministry of Social Development is reporting that fake information is circulating about new ‘December bonuses’ or ‘benefit increases’
If you get suspicious communication, please contact Netsafe.
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