A109 Light Utility Helicopter flight with mayor Gisborne City from the air in November 2023.
Opinion
I am disappointed no progress has been made with the reopening of the Gisborne railway. The road between Gisborne and Napier continues to deteriorate with the logging trucks and all the general cargo being transported on it.
With the infrastructure already in place for the whole distance of this line
— but especially between Wairoa and Gisborne — and the minor cost of reopening it compared to the cost of roading improvements, it does not make sense that nothing is being done.
If this line between Gisborne and Wairoa is permitted to rot and decay it will never be reopened again. The cost would be prohibitive.
I see this as an ideal time for Gisborne District Council to promote this rail line with the Government, when investment in infrastructure will assist the economy as the Reserve Bank Governor is encouraging the Government to expedite such expenditure.
I cannot but wonder if the council, being the capital beneficiary of the port facility, is dragging its feet over this matter and not showing the leadership required. Perhaps the next elections will bring forth councillors who will have the foresight required.
