What a great idea about reigniting a passenger rail service between Tauranga/Auckland. Though there does seem to be a prevailing 'unlikely” attitude - this will guarantee that the idea will be just that, wishful thinking and nostalgia.
Instead, there should be positive self belief. Our well paid CEO of Tourism Bay of Plenty could be head banging Tourism Auckland, then bringing on board Inbound Tourism Operators and Hotel Operators and putting together marketing packages. There needs to be gung-ho self belief in what the Bay has to offer to give confidence to Kiwi Rail of buy-in. It could be that a service runs from Labour Weekend to Easter and marketed overseas as a Great NZ Rail Journey across rolling farmland, through the Kaimai Ranges to the sunny Bay of Plenty.
Think of the big economic impact. It will happen if there is a belief that it will happen because then all the players will make it happen. Come on local Leaders, provide the leadership - this City and the Western Bay is ready.

Tim Short, Ohauiti.