Rail decision an indictment on Government

The Alliance Party has denounced the decision of Kiwirail management not to bid for the contract to build Auckland's new electric trains.

Alliance Party transport spokesperson Trevor Hanson says New Zealanders must resist a National Government that is "pulling New Zealand down."

Mr Hanson says the work should be done in New Zealand.

He says at a time when New Zealanders are suffering from the highest unemployment in many years, the responsibility was on Transport Minister Steven Joyce and the National Government to take action.

"National is stealing jobs from New Zealanders as they have the ability to turn this incredibly bad decision around – if they wanted to."

"The current National Government and Kiwirail senior management have let New Zealand down badly."

Mr Hanson says unless the decision is reversed, it will result in higher unemployment, worsen New Zealand's balance of payments, and reduce our ability to manufacture advanced industrial products.

He says high quality studies have shown the potential benefits of building the new electric trains locally.

ENDS

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