Rail rally at Tolley's office
Supporters of the Gisborne-Hawke's Bay rail line will stage a protest rally outside Gisborne MP Anne Tolley's office today.
The protest is being organised by Gisborne Rail Action Group and follows a petition with 10,480 signatures asking the Government to fix the line after major storm damage. The petition was rejected.
Rail supporters say Mrs Tolley has not supported the region, especially on the rail issue, and they want the Government to decide whether it will be fixed.
Responding to the criticisms, Corrections Minister Mrs Tolley said she "completely understood" the feelings of angst.
As the district's elected MP, she accepted the petition at Parliament. She said she was disappointed the transport select committee did not investigate it further: "I am as frustrated as everyone else but I continue to work hard, meeting and talking to ministers.
"I can assure everyone that every possible avenue is being explored before a final decision is made."
Mrs Tolley will not put in an appearance during the rally because of commitments in Whakatane.
Organisers say the protest rally, from midday outside Mrs Tolley's Gladstone Rd office, will include Gisborne Mayor Meng Foon and Deputy Mayor Nona Aston, Hawke's Bay Regional Transport Committee members, MPs and business leaders.
