• The devil is in the detail of the Rail Network Investment Programme 2024-2027 and often such documents are written in a coded way where you need to read between the lines. And look out for what is not included.
• But clearly this is not good news for the secondary lines in the New Zealand rail network, and for the bulk of the South Island rail network in particular. It’s hard to read this as anything other than a return to the bad old days of “managed decline” of the secondary rail network of the privatisation era.

Oh yay. A lack of investment in infrastructure, what a surprise.

• Northland appears to be the exception that proves the rule, aided by its position in the Upper North Island. People cognisant with the political dynamics of the current New Zealand coalition government may wish to speculate on why Northland appears to find such favour.

What have I missed?