The public is being asked to help name three new train stations planned for the fast-growing suburb Drury, south of Auckland.
Feedback is being sought on the proposed names for three new train stations planned for Drury (file picture). Photo: RNZ / Cole Eastham-Farrelly
The Geographic Board is inviting feedback on the proposed names Paerātā Railway Station, Ngākōroa Railway Station, and Drury Railway Station.
The board said it accepted two names gifted to KiwiRail by mana whenua but declined the third, Maketū Railway Station, because Drury has a better natural association with the railway station.
Its chairperson Anselm Haanen said the name proposals were made by KiwiRail, with the support of a mana whenua forum.
"Generally, the board's approach is to name railway stations after the destination they serve, which makes it easier for travellers. We look for names with strong links to the destination or significant nearby features that people can relate to."
A map showing the location of the three new railway stations. Photo: CC 4.0 / Toitū Te Whenua Land Information New Zealand
The board's view was that the town of Drury had a better natural association with the railway station, he said.
Ngākōroa Railway Station is named after a nearby stream and Paerātā Railway Station is named after a nearby locality.
KiwiRail said an extra 100,000 people are expected to live in southern Auckland over the next three decades, creating 40,000 new houses and the three new train stations are part of a wider government plan to make travelling by rail more accessible for those living in the area.
The three new stations will include bus interchange and park and ride facilities and are due to be built in 2025.
[www.linz.govt.nz Anyone can give feedback] on the proposed names for the stations either online or by emailing nzgbsubmissions@linz.govt.nz until 9 November.
The board will review the feedback at its hui in December.