274 days ago

Poll: Should The Southerner passenger rail service be reinstated?

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from The Press

The Southerner passenger train will be resurrected if The Opportunities Party (TOP) wins a seat at the general election, its leader says.

TOP’s transport policy, released on Wednesday, pledges support for a five year trial of The Southerner, the passenger rail service between Christchurch and Invercargill which ended in 2002.

TOP leader and Ilam candidate Raf Manji said the trial would operate between Christchurch and Dunedin, stopping in towns like Timaru and Ashburton along the way.

Depending on demand, it could operate five to seven days a week and do two or three return journeys a day. TOP has estimated the cost at $100 million, based on the costings of the Hamilton to Auckland train service, Te Huia.

What do you think? Should the service be reinstated? Read reporter Sinead Gill's full story here (subscription required) and let us know what you think in the comments below.

Should The Southerner passenger rail service be reinstated?
  • 85.9% Yes
    85.9% Complete
  • 10.7% No
    10.7% Complete
  • 3.4% I'm not sure/something else (tell us in the comments)
    3.4% Complete
609 votes
More messages from your neighbours
10 hours ago

Do you know the answer?

Riddles from The Neighbourly Riddler

What has one eye but cannot see?

Do you think you know the answer to our daily riddle? Don't spoil it for your neighbours! Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm.

Want to stop seeing riddles in your newsfeed? No worries! Simply head here and click once on the Following button.

Image
8 days ago

Where do you find the best bargains in Canterbury?

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from The Press

The first South Island edition of the Reduced to Clear outlet store opened in Christchurch’s South City mall this month. It sells end-of-the-line products, cancelled exports or short-dated items - similar to other discount grocers in the city such as Save More and BargainMe.

We're keen to hear from you - where do you find the best bargains in Canterbury? Who has the cheapest veges, the best deals on spices and nuts, the lowest price for petrol etc? What are your tips for dealing with cost of living increases? Comment below or email reporters@press.co.nz

Image
1 day ago

Stay healthy for them this winter.

Ministry of Health

Get the best protection you can before winter. The flu vaccine is free if you’re over 65. It’s also free for pregnant people and for many others with certain underlying health conditions, including diabetes, heart and lung diseases, and mental health conditions.

To book your flu vaccine contact your doctor, pharmacy or healthcare provider, or visit our website.
Find out more

Image