16 July 2009

MEDIA RELEASE

Recognition for Main Trunk Line Historic Area

A microcosm – albeit on a grand scale – of New Zealand’s railway history has received national recognition by the New Zealand Historic Places Trust (NZHPT).

A 200km stretch of the central North Island Main Trunk Line (NIMT) has been approved as an historic area on the National Register by the NZHPT Board. The area extends south from the Taumarunui Railway Station to the Makohine Viaduct near Ohingaiti.

NZHPT Central Region Acting General Manager Robert McClean said the registration recognised, and celebrated, a remarkable early 20th century engineering achievement that was instrumental in creating and supporting Central Plateau communities along the Main Trunk Line.

“The Main Trunk Line is like the backbone of New Zealand – historically and practically it kept us moving, economically it made us strong and socially it linked us together. From a heritage perspective there are a number of significant landmarks that deserve to be highlighted and celebrated.

“Last year we celebrated the centenary of the Main Trunk Line’s opening. Now we are heading into the next 100 years with this Historic Area as a starting point, recognising how this stretch of rail has been so much a part of all our lives in some way.”

Mr McClean said all the public submissions expressed support for the registration. Registration is an information and advocacy tool, and in itself has no direct regulatory effect.

“It provides information about the history and importance of a place, setting out the heritage values which can then be taken into account when making decisions about a place’s future.

“The public can freely access all the information NZHPT has prepared on the Historic Area through our website (www.historic.org.nz). As well as making for an interesting and informative read it is a valuable teaching resource.”

ENDS

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