Latest news with #RogerBlakeley
Scoop
5 days ago
- Business
- Scoop
All Aboard For Passenger Rail In The Golden Triangle
New Zealand's national passenger rail advocacy group, The Future is Rail, has announced its strong support for the Green Party's proposal to establish a new passenger rail service connecting Auckland and Tauranga. The group is calling the service a vital link that would serve nearly half of the nation's population and build on the proven success of inter-regional rail. 'This service is a logical and vital next step for New Zealand's transport network,' said Dr. Roger Blakeley, Chair of The Future is Rail. 'By linking Auckland, Hamilton, and Tauranga via the existing rail corridor, the train would serve up to 2.5 million people. It's time to connect our country's most significant economic and population centres with modern, efficient transport.' The proposed service would complement and extend the existing Te Huia train, which connects Hamilton and Auckland seven days a week. 'Te Huia's ahead-of-schedule ridership growth is evidence that Kiwis will embrace inter-regional rail when it's provided,' Spokesperson, Lindsey Horne, said. 'We see this as completing a critical missing link in our national transport system.' The Future is Rail highlighted the significant advantages passenger rail has over current travel options between the two cities. 'Currently, the 225km journey between Tauranga and Auckland forces people onto roads or into expensive flights,' Ms Horne stated. 'Passenger rail offers a better alternative that is safer, greener, more affordable, and more comfortable. It allows for a productive journey with significantly lower carbon emissions, where passengers can work or relax instead of facing the stress of driving.' South Island Spokesperson, Dave Macpherson, noted that the project aligns with a growing 'passenger rail renaissance' in New Zealand, citing broad public and political support. 'There is a growing public demand for passenger rail, from campaigns to re-establish the Southerner train between Christchurch and Invercargill to upgrades for the Capital Connection and Wairarapa rail services. Investing in passenger rail has wide and growing support from across the political spectrum, and this project is a perfect opportunity to deliver what New Zealanders are asking for.' About The Future is Rail: The Future is Rail is a national advocacy group dedicated to promoting the benefits and expansion of passenger and freight rail services throughout New Zealand.
Scoop
06-05-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
New ‘GLOW' Programme Launched To Boost Diversity In Local Government Across Aotearoa
Press Release – GLOW The GLOW programme is a non-partisan partnership initiative developed by public interest groups The Future is Rail and Climate Club Aotearoa, alongside members from other public interest groups nationwide. [6 May 2025] – A pioneering new initiative, GLOW (Governance for Local Wellbeing), has officially launched to empower those passionate about making a difference in their communities, particularly regarding climate change, by equipping them with the skills, confidence, and networks needed to successfully stand for local government. GLOW responds to the critical need for local councils that truly reflect their communities and are equipped to tackle urgent issues like climate change. The 12-week programme provides participants with essential professional development on local government functions, practical campaigning tips, and fosters a crucial support network to help new candidates thrive in local politics. Dr. Roger Blakeley of the GLOW Coordinating Committee highlighted the programme's purpose, stating, 'The programme comes in response to a gap in resources and encouragement for potential candidates, particularly in the regions, resulting in under-representation from our diverse communities.' He added, 'We need to do a lot more before our elected members of Councils are fully representative of our communities.' Emily Mabin Sutton, General Manager of Climate Club emphasised the climate imperative and accessibility. 'The climate crisis is here, and we need to act with urgency. To make great decisions, we need representative local and central government. We're proud to be part of making GLOW fully accessible to potential candidates across the country so we have designed an online 12 week programme at convenient times. The programme is free or low-cost thanks to support from donors and the volunteer time of session facilitators and participants.' 'You don't need to be a political insider to run for council—you need to care about your community and want to shape the future we'll inherit. GLOW exists to help you turn that care into real impact,' said Mabin Sutton. The GLOW programme is a non-partisan partnership initiative developed by public interest groups The Future is Rail and Climate Club Aotearoa, alongside members from other public interest groups nationwide.
Scoop
05-05-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
New 'GLOW' Programme Launched To Boost Diversity In Local Government Across Aotearoa
[6 May 2025] – A pioneering new initiative, GLOW (Governance for Local Wellbeing), has officially launched to empower those passionate about making a difference in their communities, particularly regarding climate change, by equipping them with the skills, confidence, and networks needed to successfully stand for local government. GLOW responds to the critical need for local councils that truly reflect their communities and are equipped to tackle urgent issues like climate change. The 12-week programme provides participants with essential professional development on local government functions, practical campaigning tips, and fosters a crucial support network to help new candidates thrive in local politics. Dr. Roger Blakeley of the GLOW Coordinating Committee highlighted the programme's purpose, stating, "The programme comes in response to a gap in resources and encouragement for potential candidates, particularly in the regions, resulting in under-representation from our diverse communities." He added, "We need to do a lot more before our elected members of Councils are fully representative of our communities." Emily Mabin Sutton, General Manager of Climate Club emphasised the climate imperative and accessibility. "The climate crisis is here, and we need to act with urgency. To make great decisions, we need representative local and central government. We're proud to be part of making GLOW fully accessible to potential candidates across the country so we have designed an online 12 week programme at convenient times. The programme is free or low-cost thanks to support from donors and the volunteer time of session facilitators and participants." 'You don't need to be a political insider to run for council—you need to care about your community and want to shape the future we'll inherit. GLOW exists to help you turn that care into real impact,' said Mabin Sutton. The GLOW programme is a non-partisan partnership initiative developed by public interest groups The Future is Rail and Climate Club Aotearoa, alongside members from other public interest groups nationwide.
