All aboard Auckland: KiwiRail celebrates 150 years of rail with travelling exhibition
KiwiRail is celebrating 150 years of rail in New Zealand with a travelling exhibition heading to Auckland – by train!
Stopping at The Strand Station in Parnell this Sunday, 29 September, ‘Keeping NZ on the Move: The Exhibition Express’
showcases the evolution of the rail industry in New Zealand.
The family-friendly free exhibition is packed with fascinating displays about rail in New Zealand and includes four
individually themed educational containers: ‘Moving through the times’, ‘Moving experiences’, ‘Moving safely and
responsibly’,
and ‘Moving the economy’.
The Open Day featuring the exhibition will run from 10am – 4pm, and there will be entertainment, giveaways and prizes
galore.
“We are really looking forward to celebrating our past, present and future in rail when the exhibition stops in Auckland
this Sunday,” says Jim Quinn, KiwiRail Chief Executive.
“The exhibition showcases the incredible history of rail in New Zealand, how far it has come, and the contribution it
has made to the development of our country during the last 150 years.
“The themed carriages provide a fun and informative journey through the history of rail in New Zealand - from the
earliest railways built by provincial governments to connect townships to KiwiRail’s brand new state-of-the-art
passenger
carriages, electric commuter trains and new DL locomotives that run across 4,000km of network,” he says.
Mr Quinn says the first passenger train journey took place on 1 December 1863, travelling from Christchurch to
Ferrymead. Now 150 years on, KiwiRail transports almost 250,000 passengers and 330,000 tonnes of freight on its trains
and
ferries every week.
“Rail has an important role in determining New Zealand’s economic future and with a $4.6 billion investment plan
KiwiRail is delivering on that future,” he says.
As part of the celebrations at The Strand Station, Aucklanders have been encouraged to turn out to do ‘The Locomotion’
with encouragement from Auckland Mayor, Len Brown, and 91 ZM and the Black Thunder crew playing Kylie’s rendition
of the memorable hit song.
“Doing ‘The Locomotion’ is a fun way to celebrate the contribution rail has made to New Zealand’s growth and evolution
over the last 150 years,” says Mr Quinn.
“We want to make a commotion about ‘The Locomotion’ and create the largest Locomotion dance – and also challenge all New
Zealanders to get involved at the other Open Days as the exhibition moves around the country.”
KiwiRail presents ‘Keeping NZ on the Move: The Exhibition Express’
Where: The Strand Station
Ngaoho Place, Parnell
Auckland
Date: Sunday 29 September
Time: 10am – 4pm (Locomotion dance at 11.30am)
ENDS