Lets build the electric trains for Auckland. Lets have them Kiwi made out of Cardboard and paper, We can't use steel,tin, or copper now can we.
Economies of Scale. Fuel costs what it does in this country because of the number of cars per household and road users at any one time. Any Government seen to be encouraging the use of public or non-fossil fuel burning transport, will be held directly responsible for the resulting petrol-price rise from the fall in demand. We can't afford to subsidise petrol (mind you, nor can the US!), so what is the answer?
"Yes we can" if a Kiwi can Ceo the IMF all those years, a Kiwi invent the infinite battery (ie electic cars), a Kiwi Ceo Microsoft here, and our own war hero Kiwi return home,not to metion our scientists many discoveries either.Its about time we Kiwis stood up and said Yes we have the technology the resources the pwople and skills to do anything. That is our true wealth our country Kiwi has to offer the world. Otherwise the downside is were financially broke but we have the potential to be self supporting. So what are we waiting for?
Bob the Builder "Yes we can" (about damn time our own came first) If our Mr Wheeler could CEO the IMF for all those years and a Maori create the infinite battery(electric cars) and our war hero Mr Apiata return home the Man now- what does that say about our Kiwis? Of course we can! The resources and engineers are here too. Pacific Steel? Otahuhu-Alcan? Wiri- Glenbrook- Steel and Tube? Wellington. Dont even worry about cars the greatest mechanics that travelled the world are from here too. We are at the Top so what are we waiting for?
It's rubbish to suggest we can't develop these trains. The design can use the best features of the NZ-built diesel multiple units and the Wairarapa trains. The electric motors, control gear, and some other parts would be purchased from specialist component manufacturers. This is exactly how they have designed and built other trains.
Of course they should be built here. In fact if there not the bubberment should be sacked. If they can't be bothered with NZ made then why should anyone else?
This is the problem with allowing governments to screw things up as they have done from post WW2. Muldoon made the railways run at a loss to under cut trucking. The truckers screwed up a piggy-back system (same as use in the states, for moving truck-trailer units) by physically destroying the wagons to carry the trucks trailer units. When the private entrepreneurs do get to run the railways they haven't got a clue how to operate a rail system and the rail operations are further run down.Other countries can run a good rail system. Don't give me the crap -"that it's NZ geographic nature and small population that's the problem" Mp Joyce doesn't want the likes of Hillside building freight,and passenger cars as he knows there will be no track in the SI to run them north, why, because in the next few years National intends removing track-age from the SI. Good bicycle track for PM Key...eh!
Yes without question we should build these here. Why should everything in this country be made in China our country is not called New China Zealand it is New Zealand so make them here create jobs here and let our government set an example for companies like Cadburys and Fisher Paykel. Keep it NZ made. We have a month to promote NZ made music why not a month to promote NZ made stuff.
It is a pipe dream to build these units in NZ. Where would we get the the creative ability to design a new age train and carriage system? The cost of designing and trialing a new product would add exhorbitant cost. It is just not the cost of manufacturing an old technology system.
Dale, I think you're missing the point of the article...we DO have the skills! Unfortunately, there just isn't the political will to make it happen. Typically blinkered NZ approach, where those in charge can't see past any short term savings.