Fans from rival ethnic groups are backing their national side for the Euro 2012 playoffs.

KiwiRail, the state-owned railroad, has proposed writing down its assets by $6 billion, halving their current value which is too high given the commercial realities of the business.

Passengers may soon be able to board a luxury Orient Express-style train to travel the length of New Zealand - at a cost of up to $1500 a day.

Prime Minister John Key has poured cold water on Auckland Mayor Len Brown's plans for a $2.4 billion inner-city rail loop.

Thousands of fans who took the train to last week's 'family friendly' Rugby World Cup opening celebrations had a horrifying night they would rather forget.