Take control of rail, says Shore

North Shore City Council yesterday called on other councils in the region to urge the Government to buy a controlling share in Tranz Rail.

The Mayor, George Wood, said the rail system was an essential national asset that should be kept intact rather than have its passenger services sold off, as proposed by Tranz Rail.

Councillor Tony Holman, who proposed the move, said it was important for the region and the country to ensure any public money spent on Tranz Rail was for real control and real and permanent assets.

"If the Government declines to pursue a controlling interest, then as elected members we will have to ask our communities, perhaps in conjunction with local authorities around New Zealand, whether they are serious about wanting to take control of their own destiny."

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