In the mid-1980s New Zealand sold its national rail assets to private industry in hopes of developing a profitable, efficient rail network. With deteriorating infrastructure and a desire for greener transit, the government has decided to buy it back.
"Initial reaction to the Government's decision to buy back the rail and ferry business from Toll NZ has been positive:"
"The National party are the exception."
"The party says it won't sell Toll's rail and ferry business if it wins the election but says the buy-back decision is reckless given pressures households are facing."
"National think the purchase will end up costing many hundreds of millions more once rolling stock costs were added to the $665m purchase price."
"The National party opposed the purchase but recently announced it would sell no state assets. Previously deputy leader Bill English said it would consider selling it but that has been ruled out."
FULL STORY: Reaction to Government's rail purchase
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