Memorial Park Railway was forced to close ahead of schedule for the first time in 40 years, due to a shortage of volunteers earlier this month.

The miniature railway at Tauranga's Memorial Park is a place enjoyed by many of the city to get some fun locomotive action.

Last year, the railway celebrated their millionth ride and at just $2 per 10 minute ride, it's easy to see why the railway is a popular weekend pick. For the first Sunday of this month, the railway's vice president, Bruce Harvey says: 'We did about 750 rides and that's not uncommon”.

While the public are keen and ready to ride the railway, it appears there are not so many keen to volunteer for running the railway.

'People have other interests these days so our [volunteer] numbers have been waning probably over the past three to four years as the more senior members retire or aren't able to continue,” says Bruce.

The railway usually operates from 10am-12.30pm and 1-3pm on Sundays. However, on Sunday, July 10, the railway had to close at 12.30pm due to a lack of volunteers, says Bruce. This is something the railway has never had to do.

'That's the first time in 40 years –the weather wasn't great but the team are quite happy to stay down there, but Covid has reduced our numbers immeasurably,” says Bruce. 'We're fighting for people's time.”

Bruce says the railway team are there to give the public enjoyment and to give back to the community.

'Parents in the 40s and 50s age range and grandparents have fond memories of riding on that train or other trains in towns they've lived in… it's always been a part of Kiwi culture,” says Bruce.

'[Children] get off the train and they're wanting to shake your hand and ask questions about how it goes.

'[The railway] has been in the park for so long now that we wouldn't want to see it, either due to lack of volunteers, or interest to close down.”

Since the early Sunday closure, Memorial Park Railway have called on the community to rally behind the railway.

'Each and every person has something they can offer – for those who are not keen on driving trains they can sell tickets… they can become station master, guard or ticket collector and it doesn't have to be all day.”

On Saturday, July 23, at 10am the railway will hold a meet and greet for people keen to volunteer. For more information go to their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/memorialparkrailway