The RMTU has mobilised in support of the Green Parties "Save The Overlander" petition and the combined actions of the 4 regional councils (Auckland Regional Council, Environment Waikato, Greater Wellington Regional Council and Horizons Regional Council) to lobby central Government for a funding subsidy to preserve the train for the next two years.

The RMTU is committed to fighting to retain the train as it is seen as being essential to small communities in the central north island. Esential on the basis of the national interest, maintaining a transport option during times of inclement weather in the central north island which frequently closes roads and also on the basis of regional development. Many small business rely on the daily passenger train service in each direction for their survival and local jobs. The RMTU urges all New Zealanders to get in behind this campaign and get signatures on the petition. If every RMTU member went out and got just 10 signatures that is a whopping 40000 voices calling for the preservation of the sole remaining north island long distance passenger train. Please download a copy of the petition now and gather signatures as fast as you can so that we can demonstrate to Government that it is the will of the people that the The Overlander be saved!

Downloads:

Letter To The PM (PDF)
Overlander Retention Proposal Final (PDF)
Press Release 26 July 06 (PDF)
Overlander Background (PDF)
Overlander Petition (PDF)
Greens Campaign Launch (PDF)