The Rail and Maritime Transport Union says the Waikato town is one of several trouble spots for train drivers.
A viewing platform and a water theme park, along with pleas to slow trains were touted at a Ngaruawahia community meeting last night as residents rally to make the town safer before another young life is lost.
Moareen Rameka, 11, died playing on the town's railway bridge on March. Up to 36 trains motor through the North Waikato every day, passing over the bridge, which is also a popular swimming spot for children.
About 100 people attended the public meeting on Tuesday night. It was organised by the community board to address safety concerns after Moareen's tragic death.
Her family stood at the front of the meeting wearing T-shirts printed with a photo of the little girl as they were comforted by the community.
Tribal Huk leader Jamie Pink's concept for a "waka platform" near the rail bridge in Ngaruawahia to keep children away from the rail bridge. Photo / Nikki Preston
Some residents had witnessed a death from the rail bridge and said they wouldn't wish it on anyone.
Colourful post-its were stuck up around the wall of the memorial hall full of ideas of how to make the area safer.
Tribal Huk leader Jamie Pink, supported by other gang members, produced an elaborate artist's impression of a waka platform beside the rail bridge - although he declined to discuss his idea with media out of respect for the family.
Tribal Huk leader Jamie Pink, right, suggested building a “waka platform” near the rail bridge. Photo / Nikki Preston
Ashley Turner, a caretaker at Ngaruawahia and Taupiri Schools, was driving past the bridge when Jayden Turner died in 2002 and still recalls it vividly.
He believed building a viewing platform using poles from the old rail bridge would move children away from the dangerous area.
Ngaruawahia resident Rangita Wilson said ongoing education was needed and called on the Government to introduce new legislation requiring trains to slow to a walking speed as they passed through the town.
"No one has got any chance [getting off a track]. Even if it was an adult - your chances are limited of trying to get the hell off there."
Ngaruawahia community board chairman James Whetu addresses the meeting. Photo / Nikki Preston
Ngaruawahia resident Pokaia Nepia said it was about the third community meeting about the bridge over the years. After the last one three years ago fences were erected, but Nepia said it just created another challenge for the young people to get over.
"It was a good idea for a start."
He said any idea that would stop children jumping from the bridge had merit.
School caretaker Ashley Turner has witnessed a death at the bridge and said another viewing platform should be built to keep kids away from the trains. Photo / Nikki Preston
KiwiRail acting group general manager of network services Henare Clark acknowledged the family had been in touch with the train driver. The company would also meet the family in due course.
"We are all family people, so understand that."
Clark said Tuesday's meeting had been positive and the message he had received from the community was there was a whole culmination of things that needed to be done.
Ngaruawahia resident Rangita Wilson wants the Government to introduce new legislation to stop the trains motoring through the town. Photo / Nikki Preston
Ngaruawahia Community board chairman James Whetu said the board could "only go as far as the resources we have".
