The Green Party is pushing to reinstate passenger rail across the country - starting by connecting Tauranga and Auckland. 

It's launched a petition targeting the Minister for Rail to get it done. 

The party says it would cost $10 million over four years to extend the Te Huia train to Tauranga. 

But Transport Spokesperson Julie Anne Genter says it will cost more to achieve the long-term vision. 

"Total budget for all the projects, including a transformational improvement to the rail network - which would mean a two and a half hour train journey between Tauranga and Auckland - is about five and a half billion."

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