Groups to meet over future of iconic Woodville station

Locals want to stop the possible demolition of Woodville Railway Station. From left: Robin Winter, Jim Worboys, Warren Jones, Don Selby and Alan Brabender.

Woodville's iconic railway station is likely to be demolished by KiwiRail unless good reasons can be found to prevent that happening.

It is believed to be the last surviving junction railway station in New Zealand.

Woodville has been a railway junction since 1897 and until about 1980 the Station was traditionally the town's largest employer.

The present station building was built in the 1960s and is a familiar landmark to everyone in the area. Staff withdrawals and termination of regular passenger services led to it gradually becoming derelict.

There are some very good reasons to save it. This facility is a district asset. KiwiRail are the owners but they are no more than caretakers for the NZ Government (their owners).

We should be very concerned about the prospect of yet another rural facility being destroyed by the decisions of people who have no real stake in the area.

While the building needs a lot of repairs it is, along with its lengthy veranda and sizeable platform, in fairly regular use by a number of heritage rail excursion operators.

These groups bring hundreds of passengers annually, who until now have frequently been provided with refreshments and meals by local groups who use it as a valuable fundraiser. Sometimes the passengers come into town.

Until recently one operator dropped off a large contingent for the January Woodville races.

For some reason the races date was changed, so that stopped but could be reinstated.

The station's future is important to at least one of these heritage groups who are looking at the possibility of regular local tourism trips.

So what can be done?

An effort is being made to save it with potential involvement by a number of interested local parties and the NZ Rail Heritage Trust, which is also concerned about possible demolition.

They have arranged a meeting with a senior KiwiRail manager on the station platform at 10am on Thursday October 6. The organisers would like concerned members of the public to come along and show KiwiRail that the people trying to save it have your support.

This is an informal meeting between KiwiRail, the Rail Heritage Trust, various rail operators and the nucleus of a group interested in ensuring the survival and future use of this Woodville asset.

You will not be able to speak at this meeting but please come along and by your attendance make it clear to KiwiRail, the Rail Hritage Trust and your local leaders that there is plenty of support for the concept.

If this demolition proceeds there is every chance that Woodville will die as a destination for the volunteer rail operators who have been, and will in future bring many visitors to Woodville. Your support to try and prevent this is vital.