The last two months have seen major developments for KiwiRail, with commitments from Government to build a line to Marsden Point and the re-build of Hillside Workshops. However, one major announcement was not made - the purchase of new mainline locomotives for the South Island. The line from Oakleigh to Marsden Point has been a long time coming. The 19km line was first proposed in February 1969 when the then Northland Harbour Board planned to develop a national container port servicing all New Zealand at Marsden Point. A rail connection to the port's development was an integral part of the proposal. The plan did not have the support of the New Zealand Ports Authority, because of pressure from other harbour boards, and so did not eventuate. The concept of a deep water port at Marsden Point has been discussed ever since, but local body politics still feature strongly.
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