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."

LISTEN ABOVE

The Green Party is pushing to reinstate passenger rail across the country - starting by connecting Tauranga and Auckland.&nbsp;
It's launched a petition targeting the Minister for Rail to get it done.&nbsp;
The party says it would cost $10 million over four years to extend the Te Huia train to Tauranga.&nbsp;
But Transport Spokesperson Julie Anne Genter says it will cost more to achieve the long-term vision.&nbsp;
"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."
LISTEN ABOVE

With a straight down the middle approach, Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive on Newstalk ZB delivers the very latest news and views to New Zealanders as they wrap up their day.

Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

Julie Anne Genter: Green Party MP on the party's push to extend the Te Huia train to Tauranga

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/1cf60eaa-0430-49c0-a466-b3240064c2a0/transcript