A petition on Action Station is calling on the government and KiwiRail to commit to maintaining existing intercity passenger rail services. It also asks for a comprehensive national strategy for future passenger rail services built around concern for climate action and economic development. 

KiwiRail, has announced the permanent end of same-day intercity services between Auckland/Wellington and Picton/Christchurch, to be replaced by a luxury multi-day rail cruise. This effectively means the end of most of Aotearoa New Zealand’s national passenger rail network after more than 100 years of service.