This weeks article is from the New Zealand Railway Observer Volume 30, No 2, Winter 1973 and is: Fifty Years of the Otira Tunnel – Its Conception and Construction as Reported in 1923 with an introduction by T.A. McGavin  Article 38, Volume 30, No 2, Winter 1973 Each week a new Article from early issues… Read more »

In the King’s Birthday Honours announcements at the end of May, our in-coming President , Grant Craig, was awarded a King’s Service Medal for services to rail heritage. Grant is a Past President of the Federation of Rail Organisations of New Zealand and has been a driving force within Dunedin Railways for many years. His… Read more »

Designed to transport produce from the productive hinterland farms, plus limestone and coal deposits to the port and beyond, North Otago’s numerous branch lines successfully fulfilled these tasks through the decades. Author Arthur De Maine covers in detail the features and operation of each line. Branches covered are: Kurow, Waitaki dam extension, Ngapara, Tokarahi, Dunback… Read more »

The refreshment branch of New Zealand Railways was a significant undertaking. Over many years the department made available refreshment room leases throughout the railway system, some being replaced when NZR commenced dining car operation on key services.  Dining cars were eventually superseded as a war time economy measure, with those lines reverting back to refreshment… Read more »

Two papers have been added to the 2025 NZRLS Annual General Meeting Papers under the Members Menu. These documents are the Audited (Financial) Performance Report for the year ended 30 June 2025 and the NZRLS Constitution V14. This is the new NZRLS constitution filed as part of the Society’s re-registration as an Incorporated Society.  … Read more »