Press release

Save Northland Rail

21 June 2011

Plankers wanted for Save Our Rail rally

The public is being invited to a “low-energy ground-level planking event” to help save the Northland rail line.

The rally with a difference in a Whangarei park is part of a nationwide day of action in support of sensible transport solutions on Wednesday July 6.

People are invited to gather in Mander Park in the Avenues at noon for a picnic and to help form a “human sleeper” line between the children’s playground and the oak trees marked for removal if the road widening project goes ahead.. A photograph will be taken and there will be an open microphone.

Save Northland Rail spokeswoman Vivienne Shepherd said the idea was to highlight the link between massive spending on road projects for truck freight and the running down of the rail network.

“The Prime Minister is already familiar with planking, and we hope he’ll join the dots between strong public opinion on cutting carbon emissions, and backing the track.”

It was also being held at noon to mark the fact that it will be high noon for rail – and for road safety - if KiwiRail goes ahead with plans to mothball the northern line, she said.

The National Day of Action in Support of Sensible Transport Solutions will see groups around the country organising events to highlight local transport issues, with a rally at Parliament to support alternatives to the Government’s cutting of public transport budgets and the super-funding of roading projects.

The day has been coordinated by a group in Kapiti supporting their local two-lane road and an upgrade of SH1 and rail, instead of a proposed ‘Road of National Significance' through the heart of the Kapiti coast. This is one of seven schemes, including the Puhoi four-laner, which will cost $23 billion.

Ms Shepherd urged people to bring their lunch and if wet something to lie on for the photo shoot at 12.30pm. The photograph will be sent to KiwiRail CEO Jim Quinn, Transport Minister Stephen Joyce, and the Prime Minister. Copies of the petition will be available for signing.

Where: Playground, Mander Park, Central Avenue

When: 12 noon, Wednesday July 6

What: Photo shoot of human rail track

Why: To support freight on rail not roads: transport change, not climate change!

Who: You, your family and friends.

Contact: Vivienne Shepherd

021 656605 vivshepherd@clear..net.nz

View Larger Map