The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union can reveal through an
Official
Information Act request that KiwiRail has spent $87,259
on murals—including a “kitty mural” and various
cultural artworks—while Wellington commuters continue to
endure delays, cancellations, and fare
hikes.
Taxpayers’ Union Investigations
Coordinator Rhys Hurley said:“Wellington commuters
should be fur-ious that KiwiRail is prioritising
feel-good pet projects while services go to the
dogs.”
“After clawing a 10% fare hike
out of commuters in 2024, followed by another 2.2% increase
this year and cuts to off-peak discounts, KiwiRail’s focus
clearly isn’t on making life easier for commuters—it’s
apparently on painting staff members’ cats all over train
stations.”
“KiwiRail claims the murals will
‘bring colour, joy, and beauty’ to commuters and help
deter graffiti. But if they really want to bring joy, they
should cut the vanity projects and focus on delivering
reliable trains at a fair
price.”
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