Dunedin protesters calling for better rail services took to the streets yesterday in their first march in the city.
About 20 demonstrators took part in a slow march from the Octagon to Dunedin Railway Station, voicing their support for passenger rail services.
Restore Passenger Rail spokeswoman Jen Olsen said a similar march was also taking place in Auckland yesterday, and the group wanted to show their support down south.
Mrs Olsen said the group demanded the government restore nationwide passenger rail services and free urban public transport.
This would not only reduce carbon emissions but give the public more choice.
"We’re outraged at the government’s cop-out on the oil exploration.
"It’s an absolute disgrace that New Zealand is going backwards on some legislation that would be world
leading.
"We can’t say loudly enough that this is a climate emergency and they need to do something positive — not going backwards, we need to go forwards."
She said it was a peaceful demonstration with no intention of upsetting people, but it was really urgent to inform people of the issue.
"People want the railway station to be used, they want passenger transport.
"It really is a matter that the government need to step in and fund it."
tim.scott@odt.co.nz , PIJF cadet reporter
