Rail freight between Whangārei and Auckland is being put on trucks after the rail network between the two cities sustained significant damage during Cyclone Gabrielle. KiwiRail said there were about 50 slips on the line between Swanson and Whangārei which require detailed geotechnical assessments to help ensure repairs, prevent any further slips, and a number of bridges have been affected by floodwaters. KiwiRail runs a daily return freight service between Auckland and Whangārei every weekday. The company transports milk powder from Fonterra’s plant at Kauri, dairy goods, cement and high-quality clay for export, among other things. At times, KiwiRail also carries containers for ships that unload at NorthPort and are then taken to the Whangārei rail depot. Since the North Auckland line closed after the cyclone, KiwiRail has been moving Fonterra’s freight by rail between Kauri and Whangārei and then taken to Auckland by road.
Firearm found
Police are making inquiries into an incident where a firearm was found inside a vehicle on the driveway of a Kaitāia home. Police made the discovery around 7pm on Thursday on Allen Bell Dr. A police spokesperson said officers secured the vehicle.
Flood debris dumping extended