Mataura community welcomes restoration boost

The Mataura community has welcomed today’s announcement that Government funding will boost restoration efforts of a significant landmark at the heart of the town, the Mataura Railway Station.

Minister for Rail, Rt Hon Winston Peters, today announced that KiwiRail will increase its annual contribution to the Rail Heritage Trust of New Zealand for the restoration of rail heritage buildings to $500,000.

With discussions underway to transfer ownership of the Mataura station from KiwiRail to the Trust, this funding increase would enable restoration of the station with the support of local volunteers and donors, Mr Peters said.

Mataura Community Board chair Nicky Coats said the restoration of the railway station is a milestone for the community.

"It's fantastic for the Mataura community to see this historic building on our main street being brought back to its former glory, restoring and preserving a piece of our local history for future generations."

Long-standing community advocates and elected representatives Neville Phillips and Laurel Turnbull said there had been a lot of conversations with KiwiRail over the years about the railway station.

“We’re all happy that something is being done at last,” Mrs Turnbull said.

Their comments were echoed by Gore District Mayor Ben Bell, who said the announcement was long overdue.

"It's great to see something finally happening with the railway station. This historic building has been deteriorating in the centre of our town, becoming an eyesore for anyone living or passing through Mataura."

Mayor Bell acknowledged the tireless efforts of the community in achieving this outcome.

"We have been advocating strongly for action on this site for years, working with local groups and putting pressure on KiwiRail to find a solution, so I am thankful for the Minister's announcement today."

The restoration of the Mataura Railway Station will not only preserve a building of national heritage value but also provide a boost for the town’s sense of identity and pride, he said.

The Mataura Railway Station, designed in 1921 by renowned New Zealand Railways Department Architect George Troup, is a “Vintage style” station that represents an important chapter in New Zealand’s railway history.