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Rail protesters close State Highway 1 in Wellington

Author
Vita Molyneux, NZ Herald,
Publish Date
Thu, 27 Apr 2023, 8:34am
Photo / Restore Passenger Rail
Photo / Restore Passenger Rail

Rail protesters close State Highway 1 in Wellington

Author
Vita Molyneux, NZ Herald,
Publish Date
Thu, 27 Apr 2023, 8:34am

For the fifth time in a month, Restore Passenger Rail protesters have disrupted traffic in Wellington.

The group has closed State Highway 1, south bound, after they stepped on to the motorway this morning. The Terrace southbound off-ramp is closed.

Waka Kotahi New Zealand Transport Agency is asking motorists to avoid using the off-ramp and use the Terrace Tunnel.

Restore Passenger Rail spokesperson James Cockle urged people in the capital to join the movement.

鈥淚f you want to see a livable future, this is the way to make it happen, get out, get out on the streets, join us and force the government to make the changes we know it needs to make in order for us to be able to survive.鈥

The Government has ruled out meeting with the protest group entirely, with Prime Minister Chris Hipkins saying yesterday the protesters are 鈥渋diotic and irresponsible鈥.

Speaking on AM, Hipkins said whatever point the group is trying to make 鈥渢hey鈥檙e not making it鈥.

鈥淎ll they鈥檙e doing is creating massive disruption to people, and that comes with financial cost with people who can鈥檛 afford it, and it鈥檚 just simply irresponsible and idiotic.鈥

Transport Minister Michael Wood now also refuses to meet with the group after they flung paint across various Labour MP鈥檚 offices following a meeting with him.

Wellington Mayor Tory Whanau has also聽聽with the group after she offered to assist them and they chose to continue blocking roads instead.

鈥淭hey have not moved forward in good faith, they have disrupted Wellingtonians, they have disrupted the lives of normal people instead of the Government鈥檚.鈥

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