The Architectural Centre supports New Zealand First on Wellington Light Rail

On Friday Denis O'Rourke, New Zealand First Spokesperson for Transport, promoted better public transport options in a media release. He asserted that:

“In New Zealand’s three largest cities, as in many other parts of the world, there are very significant transport efficiency benefits, and social environmental and economic benefits, with installing light rail /modern trams on routes with high user potential. Trams can carry many more people than buses, and they are cleaner, quieter, more environmentally friendly and more complementary to the urban environment than cars and buses, while freeing up more road space for cars, especially at peak times. Powered by electricity, this form of transport is also more sustainable, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and lowering the large contribution to ‘greenhouse’ emissions which transport activities make in New Zealand."

The Architectural Centre strongly supports Denis O'Rourke's view that Wellington would benefit from light rail as part of a comprehensive and sustainable transport option for our city.

"New Zealand First's endorsement of light rail demonstrates the commonsense which has been lacking in the Transport Committee which is throwing out electric trolley buses in preference for diesel-powered public transport. A light rail network from Wellington railway station to the airport is especially important" President Christine McCarthy said. "Imagine visitors' impression of Wellington as they travel a light rail route around our beautiful coast and into the city."

Light rail would support the very recently approved Wellington Conference Centre, reduce road congestion and enable planned intensification of the eastern and southern suburbs, especially along Adelaide Road, supporting the council's Adelaide Road framework. It would also demonstrate to tourists and other overseas visitors on their arrival, that Wellington is a world-class city.

The Architectural Centre was formed in 1946, and has been advocating for good design of our built environment ever since.

cc.
Denis O'Rourke, Transport Spokesperson, New Zealand First
Simon Bridges, Minister of Transport
Phil Twyford, Transport Spokesperson, Labour Party
Julie Anne Genter, Transport Spokesperson, Green Party
Marama Fox, Co-leader, Māori Party
Peter Dunne, Leader United Future
David Seymour, Leader, ACT Party
Grant Robertson, Wellington Central Member of Parliament
Fran Wilde, Chair, Greater Wellington Regional Council
Celia Wade-Brown, Wellington Mayor
Andy Foster, Chair, WCC Transport and Urban Development Committee
Brent Efford, Light Rail Transit Association
Ellen Blake, National Committee, Living Streets Aotearoa
Carol Comber, Secretary, Mt Cook Mobilised
Claire Pettigrew, President, Newtown Residents Association
Brian Jameson, Chair, Trams-Action
Gus Chateris, President, Wellington inner City Residents and Business Association,
Alan Smith, Chair, Wellington Civic Trust

ENDS

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