Tawa Train Commuters Will Return to a Very Different Looking Station This Monday (20 May)
A major upgrade was carried out after the Tawa Station building was found to be in a serious state of disrepair. The
roof had had been leaking for years, destroying ceiling and wall linings and causing rafters and wall studs to rot. The
building was also heavily infested with borer.
Peter Glensor, Chair of the Regional Council’s Economic Wellbeing Committee, which is responsible for public transport,
says the station has a brand new shelter structure with a range of artistic panels displaying Tawa’s unique and historic
features.
“The design is along very similar lines to the refurbishment of Naenae Station which the Regional Council did last year.
The local community had a lot of input into features of the station, particularly the artistic shelter panels.
“Similarly for Tawa Station we worked very closely with the Tawa Historical Society and the Tawa Community Board on the
design of the panels. It’s been a real community effort and has helped built the sense of ownership of this really
important asset.
“Ensuring that we maintain these assets appropriately is a top priority. When the Regional Council took over ownership
of all the station buildings, apart from Wellington Railway Station, in 2011 we carried out a thorough audit of them all
and that’s when we became aware of the condition of Tawa Station. Following on from the audit, we’ve developed a
comprehensive maintenance and repair programme. This should give us more opportunities to maintain rather than have to
replace station buildings in the future.”
As well as the new structure at Tawa Station, there’s new and improved lighting, the platforms have been reshaped and
resurfaced, platform frontages have been strengthened and substantial remedial work has been done on the pedestrian
overbridge. Brand new signage at the station is the pilot for new signage at stations throughout the region.
“Catching a train to or from Tawa Station will be a much more enjoyable and safe experience from Monday.”
Evening commuters will be invited to join in an official opening of the station on Thursday 6 June.
ENDS