PRESS RELEASE

The Bay of Island Vintage Railway Trust’s plans to redevelop the railway station and yards at Kawakawa have been given a shunt in the right direction with a $176,500 grant from ASB Community Trust.

 

The funds will go toward upgrading the maintenance shed, part of a plan to turn the historic rail line into a focal point for Northland tourism by restoring and operating a vintage steam railway experience between Kawakawa and Opua.

Trust CEO Jennifer Gill said her organisation’s support is based on the project’s potential to strengthen Kawakawa’s tourism industry, which in turn will advance the economic and social well-being of the area.

“The Trust hopes this grant will be a catalyst to enable this project to move forward,” she said.

Meanwhile, at the other end of the vintage railway trust’s line, a $206,050 Trust grant will help the Opua Cruising Club build new clubrooms.

The funds will also help the club buy three new sailing dinghies and a safety boat to help supervise the club’s 50 young sailors while they are out in the club’s fleet.

(ENDS)