Questions for KiwiRail

( The following draft is based on a list of questions compiled by the Gisborne Napier Rail Action Group in April 2011 )

It will be useful for all groups working for the preservation of our rail infrastructure to put together some questions to KiwiRail to quantify and clarify their position.

And just in case you're worried that they will not supply answers:

"Official information laws cover almost all official information and almost all government agencies, including state-owned enterprises and local government. Local government is covered by the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act, but this is largely identical to the OIA."

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1. Which businesses and organisations in Whangarei, Dargaville and the rest of Northland (and beyond) has the Kiwirail 'commercial team' been in contact with, when and what have been the barriers for those businesses utilising the rail line more frequently?

2. What does Kiwirail consider to be the 'wider social, economic and environmental considerations' that could be considered by regional and central government agencies in their decisions about the future of the North Auckland line?

3. Who is doing the 'thorough review' that is being undertaken and what are the Terms of Reference for it?

4. Do Kiwirail considerations of 'commercial viability' include factoring in the opportunity costs of externalities such as the positive impact on public safety and environmental benefits of the railway line being retained?

5. Is Kiwirail required to make a profit for its shareholder or just break even and what mechanisms are at the government's disposal if it were to consider new funding for Kiwirail to support the North Auckland Line?

6. What assumptions (particularly diesel prices) and timeframes are the current business models for the North Auckland line based on?

7. Would they consider commissioning ( outsiders ) to undertake an independent business feasibility study like the one attached?

What do you reckon ? Would you like to add or amend anything ? Please e-mail us at : thewayforward2011@gmail.com