Dannevirke: Art Deco trains provide town welcome exposure

Dillon (left) and Jen Thompson, with Janette, James and Geoff Andrews, had taken Da1431 from Wellington and were returning home on steam-train Ja1271.

Dannevirke was open for business on Sunday as hundreds arrived on two train excursions, keen to see what was on offer here.

The Art Deco steam-train Ja1271, with nine carriages carrying 380 people, chuffed into the station first, followed soon after by the diesel Da1431, which had come through the Manawatu Gorge with 100 passengers from Wellington.

Dannevirke's Stalky Law said the last time he'd seen the platform at the town's station so busy was in 1953 when the Queen arrived by train. And for Tararua district mayor Roly Ellis, it was a great way to promote the town.

"It was an absolutely fantastic day," he said. "So many of the passengers were very surprised to see the many attractions for them here. This was good, old-fashioned rural New Zealand doing what it does with a bit of a modern flavour.

"Most of the people I spoke to said Dannevirke was by far the best stop and it made the trip well worth it. Visitors also said they'd stop in Dannevirke instead of driving straight through in the future."

Mr Ellis was delighted locals turned out to welcome the passengers. "Everyone involved put in a sterling effort."

Tararua District Council economic development and communications manager Lianne Simpkin said it was essential to seize such opportunities.

"Up until a month ago, we didn't know this stop was planned, but it's up to us to make the most of these occasions," she said. "I think we really showed we could turn it on for visitors."

For Reg and Natalie Corbett, of Hastings, who were celebrating their 25th wedding anniversary, the steam-train trip opened their eyes to what the town had to offer.

"Usually, if we drive through Dannevirke we don't stop," Mr Corbett said.

Kevin Blewett, visiting Hawke's Bay from Australia, said it was the first time he'd taken part in Art Deco festivities.

"I'm here with my 85-year-old mum, visiting friends in Taradale, and the train trip seemed like a good idea," he said.

Mr Blewett praised the trip organisers.

"The countryside is fabulous, the loco well-maintained and our carriage guides were wonderful."

Dannevirke's Galley of History was festooned with flags and bunting to welcome the visitors, volunteer Yvonne Thorburn said.

At the International Police Museum on High St, Maureen Lyon said 12 people called in.

"We didn't do as well as expected from the steam-train trip, but once people came through our doors, they were wowed."

Fantasy Cave volunteers hadn't known what to expect from the day, Cave Dweller president Ces Edwards said.

"We had 49 visitors who contributed $208 to our funds, so we were quite pleased," he said. "We all had a lot of fun, but I think there are a few lessons to be learned from the day.

"The biggest complaint we had from visitors was that they'd had up to a 40-minute wait at our town's eating houses ... if a business is going to open up for an influx of people they need to have sufficient staff, otherwise it's absolutely ridiculous."

PaperPlus owners Paul and Trina Brook said it was about promoting Dannevirke. "It was neat fun and it was great to see a lot of local people out and about too," Mr Brook said.

High St retailer and Chamber of Commerce president Suresh Patel said being open had been well worth it. "We turned over about two-thirds of our normal Saturday trading and business was steady."