1. The Rimutaka Incline Railway Heritage Trust
Rimutaka Incline Railway Heritage Trust Annual Report 1 July 2004 – 30 June 2005
1.1 About Us
The Rimutaka Incline Railway Heritage Trust is a Charitable Trust established to plan, fund, reinstate and operate a heritage railway on former railway route between Upper Hutt and Featherston, which will be an internationally significant tourist attraction.
1.2 Our mission
The Railway’s mission is to reinstate and operate a heritage railway as a self-sustaining business. The Railway will operate between Wellington, Upper Hutt and Featherston, including the Fell-worked Rimutaka Incline.
By planning and constructing a heritage railway between Maymorn and Featherston the Trust will be: ‘Building a Sanctuary for Steam’
Route of the Rimutaka Incline Railway, 40km north-west of Wellington, New Zealand.
1.3 Objectives
The Rimutaka Incline Railway has identified the following long-term objectives:
- To plan, fund, reinstate and operate a tourist heritage railway on former railway route between Upper Hutt and Featherston, and any other directly or indirectly connected railway;
- Acquire by agreement, lease or purchase such lands as are required to allow the reinstatement of the former railway route between Upper Hutt and Featherston and any other such lands as will further the objectives of the Trust;
- Acquire by agreement, lease or purchase such items of railway rolling stock, tools and material to facilitate the construction and operation of the tourist heritage railway;
- Raise funds for and facilitate the conservation and protection of the former railway route and heritage structures and features hereon;
- To plan, fund and construct appropriate buildings, structures, infrastructure and facilities that facilitate the construction and operation of the tourist heritage railway;
- To arrange interpretative displays for the public, to promote knowledge and education of heritage railways, and in particular the Rimutaka Incline Railway, the historic factors that lead to its creation and raise awareness of the personalities involved;
- To create a service provider for the operation of the tourist heritage railway with a level of service that realises the potential of an internationally significant tourist attraction;
- Facilitate research, discussion, education and interchange of information on topics related to the Rimutaka Incline Railway and environs.
1.4 Contribution
The Rimutaka Incline Railway will make a significant and ongoing contribution to New Zealand’s tourism sector. It will make a major contribution to growth of tourism in the Wellington Region, to the mutual benefit of existing tourist attractions.
The Railway will, through its own efforts and by collaboration with other heritage railway operators, make a significant contribution to New Zealand's railway heritage. Overall visitation numbers to New Zealand heritage and commercial railway operations will increase as a direct result of the Railway and its international significance. Existing heritage locomotives and rolling stock will have additional purpose and revenue-earning opportunities, increasing confidence in the long-term sustainability of heritage railways.
1.5 Partnerships
The Rimutaka Incline Railway will collaborate with the tourism sector, other railway operators or other parties where this enhances the heritage railway experience or yields increased revenue. Partnership opportunities with suitable organisations have been explored, and discussions initiated.
The Rimutaka Incline Railway project is currently included in the Upper Hutt City Council’s Long-Term Council Community Plan as a no-cost partnership.
1.6 Treaty of Waitangi
The Rimutaka Incline Railway is committed to the Principles of the Treaty of Waitangi. We seek to work with Maori in the spirit of partnership embodied in the Treaty of Waitangi. We accept our responsibility to bring that commitment to all aspects of the work of the Railway. To assist in meeting different needs in an acceptable way, we have initiated consultation and will continue to consult and where appropriate form alliances with urban and Iwi Maori organisations, Maori corporations and consultancies.
Royal train ascending the Rimutaka Incline, hauled by Fell locomotives H 203, H 199 and H 201. Photo: New Zealand Railways E-597, courtesy Springburn Digital Museum.
2. Chairperson’s Report
The Rimutaka Incline Railway Heritage Trust was established in 2003 with the vision to reinstate a railway over the Rimutaka Range — a heritage railway that will be an internationally significant tourist attraction in its own right. The Wellington Region will benefit greatly from the addition of such an authentic cultural heritage attraction. Recognising of the potential of the attraction, the Upper Hutt City Council has included the project as a no-cost partnership in its Long-Term Council Community Plan.
Colin Craddock assisting with surveying work, Maymorn yard, July 2005. Photo: Hugh McCracken.
As the 2004-2005 year drew to a close, two years of planning and consultation were about to bear fruit — securing a long-term licence to occupy railway land at Maymorn, 6km northeast of Upper Hutt. The Trust plans to develop a railway heritage precinct at Maymorn, which will form the operational base for heritage train operations between Upper Hutt and Summit. A heritage station building is also planned, faithfully replicating an early 20th Century design of former NZR designer George Troup. An information and discovery centre will be housed within the station building, enhancing educational outcomes for the Trust.
The Trust has been participating in the Upper Hutt community, educating the public of its vision to establish a heritage railway between Upper Hutt and southern Wairarapa. It has also educated the public of the significance of the former railway route, and in particular the unique Fell-worked Rimutaka Incline. By having a presence at public events in Upper Hutt and the wider Wellington Region, the Trust has also been able to consult with the public on its plans, and to learn what uses the Pakuratahi Forest land has been put to in the half-century since the line was closed.
Membership of the Trust has grown at a steady rate since it was first available in December 2003, and at the end of the financial year there were approaching 50 members, both individual and corporate. The Internet has been used to deliver information to members, stakeholders and the public in general, including newsletters, press releases, and research topics. The information is distributed to a community much wider than the immediate membership — newsletters are sent to twice as many stakeholders as the Trust has members, prior to publication on the Trust’s website for general consumption.
In December 2004 the Trust welcomed Colin Craddock onto the Board of Trustees, increasing the number from six to seven. Colin brings with him a wealth of steam railway experience from Zimbabwe, complimented by hard-working, dependable attributes that have strengthened the work of the other Trustees.
A great deal of planning work has gone on behind the scenes during the year. One of the highlights of the year was the completion of the Business Plan for 2004-2008 on 21 September 2004, a comprehensive document detailing outcomes, strategies and milestones for a staged development of the heritage railway. The Trust has presented the plan to major stakeholders, including the Department of Conservation and Greater Wellington Regional Council for their study and consideration, a process that presents challenges and opportunities to all involved.
In closing I would like to extend my thanks to members of the Board and those who have been co-opted to assist in running the Trust. The achievements of the past year are testimony to their commitment to the Trust.
Hugh McCracken, Chairperson.
3. Core deliverables
A business plan for 2004-2008 was completed on 21 September 2004, providing an overall framework for the operation of the Trust. This was the result of months of planning, consultation and analysis work. Recommendations from an Economic Feasibility Study undertaken on the tourist-heritage railway proposal by BERL (Business Economic Research Limited, an independent Wellington consultancy) were incorporated into the plan.
Outcomes and strategies were determined for a number of key activities for the Trust. Progress towards achieving these outcomes, and discussion of strategies is incorporated in this report.
3.1 Reinstating and operating tourist-heritage railway
The Trust has the objective “to plan, fund, reinstate and operate a tourist heritage railway on former railway route between Upper Hutt and Featherston, and any other directly or indirectly connected railway”.
The Trust has concentrated its efforts on planning the reinstatement and subsequent operation of the tourist-heritage railway during 2004-2005.
3.1.1 Planning
Progress has been made on the following planning areas:
- A meeting was had with Historic Places Trust to determine likely requirements to obtain archaeological authority to reinstate a railway on railway formation that has been registered, or otherwise protected by law or statute. An archaeological investigation will be required to be undertaken by a suitably qualified archaeologist.
- Consultation with neighbouring landowners has continued, particularly with neighbours adjoining the Maymorn railway yards and proposed connecting routes between Maymorn and the heritage route.
- New Zealand Railways Corporation (Ontrack) was consulted with regard to the following issues at Maymorn, which were either resolved, or agreement in principle reached:
- Operation of heritage rail vehicles in proximity to the national network
- Utilising currently unused rail infrastructure — including much of the Maymorn railway yards, and the Maymorn Road underpass
- Pedestrian access between the Tranz Metro railway station and Rimutaka Incline Railway facilities at Maymorn
- Route capacity and potential pathways for operation of an extension of heritage train services from Maymorn into Upper Hutt
3.1.2 Planning — railway infrastructure
The Trust is grateful for the ongoing support from Bob Nixon of Planit Associates, Christchurch with advice on Resource Consents and other legislative and regulatory requirements for the railway.
More detailed planning work was also undertaken on exploring route options, where these exist, investigating the heritage route between Tunnel Gully, Kaitoke and Summit, connection to the national rail network, structures, sources of suitable track materials and a new walkway.
3.1.2.1 Route options
Progress has been made in the following areas:
- Location of a connecting route between the Maymorn railway station and the heritage railway route some 40m above the Rimutaka Tunnel. A number of options have been identified and a select number have been explored in more detail, including surveying and exploratory engineering work.
- Initial consultation has been had with owners of land relevant to selected connecting routes at Maymorn.
- Exploratory work has identified a potential by-pass route to avoid residential properties, State Highway 2 and a number of public and private level crossings at and near Kaitoke.
- Route options for a new walkway have been explored.
- Finalising and securing land for the rail corridor remains a high priority for the Trust.
Trial connection route ‘C’ between Maymorn and heritage formation.
3.1.2.2 Heritage route investigation
Heritage route investigation work has been identified and categorised, but has a lower priority than work associated with the Maymorn railway heritage precinct and the connecting routes.
3.1.2.3 Connection to mainline
Approval in principle has been obtained from Ontrack for a future mainline connection at Maymorn.
3.1.2.4 Station facilities
Maymorn railway heritage precinct plans and project plan have been developed and were near finalisation at the end of the financial year. Prime requirements for the precinct include the provision of rail facilities capable of handling initially 6-coach, and later 12-coach trains, crossing movements, interchange between the Rimutaka Incline Railway and other rail operators, rail vehicle storage, maintenance and servicing facilities. The requirements for a medium-sized heritage station building have also been identified.
3.1.2.5 Construction Sites
Railway land at Maymorn will be used as a temporary construction site, amongst other uses outlined in this report.
3.1.2.6 Track materials
Sources of suitable railway track materials were researched, short-listed and quotations received. Reliable, available, maintainable and safe materials have been identified from both Australia and New Zealand. Quotes were received for initial track requirements at Maymorn station.
Portion of new walkway proposal at Ladle Bend. Graphic: Gerald Arthur.
3.1.2.7 Walkway and forest access requirements
A Walkway Committee worked on developing and consulting on a new walkway. The Trust is grateful for the work put in by Gerald Arthur in proposing and drafting a route plan and specification. Reference is being made to New Zealand Standards NZS 8630:2004 “New Zealand Handbook: Tracks and Outdoor Visitor Structures”.
The new walkway will be required to be in place prior to the Trust occupying those portions of the heritage railway formation used as the Rimutaka Rail Trail, and/or for forest access.
Greater Wellington Regional Council officers were consulted on the new walkway proposal. Uses and access points were identified and clarified, and minor alterations to the proposal were suggested.
3.1.3 Funding
Funding for the railway has come from the following sources:
- Subscriptions
- Donations from members and the public
- Income from sales of merchandise to public and members
Applications for donations / grants were made to four organisations:
- The Trusts Charitable Foundation (Inc) for 500m of railway track materials to be used for initial Maymorn developments (declined)
- Community First Foundation for RIRHT / Ontrack boundary fencing contracts at Maymorn (declined)
- Trust House (Rimutaka Trust) for the preparation of architectural drawings, specification and planning documents for a heritage station building at Maymorn (approved)
- Goodwood Trust for trees to be planted at Summit (approved).
3.1.4 Reinstating
None of the heritage route was yet available for reinstatement.
3.1.5 Operating
Whilst not having built any railway infrastructure, nevertheless the Trust is actively working towards securing a Rail Service Licence.
- Work continued on the Safety Case, Safety System and supporting codes that are required under the Railways Act 2005. The Trust is grateful to a number of rail organisations that assisted the Trust by providing copies of Safety System documentation.
- A Land Transport New Zealand (LTNZ) “road-show” was attended, to discuss the workings of the Railways Act.
- Representative of the Trust attended the Federation of Rail Organisations of New Zealand (FRONZ) Annual Conference at Greymouth during Queens Birthday Weekend 2005. Attendance at the conference provides valuable networking opportunities with rail operators throughout the country, sessions on relevant and pertinent rail-related issues and developments, and visits to rail-related tourist attractions.
3.2 Land acquisition
Good progress was made towards securing the railway corridor between Maymorn and Summit during the year.
- Negotiations to secure much of the Maymorn station yard through a “licence to occupy” were nearing completion at the end of the year.
- A connection between the Maymorn rail precinct and the heritage formation high above the Rimutaka Tunnel has received attention during the year, and will be given top priority during 2005-2006.
- Consultation with neighbouring landowners continued through the year, including a number of individual meetings with people neighbouring the Maymorn station yard. Contact was maintained with current and future neighbours through the Trust’s newsletters.
3.2.1 Land agreements
The Trust has reached “agreement in principle” with New Zealand Railways Corporation for locating and operating on its rail corridor in the vicinity of the Maymorn Road underpass. A limited number of matters remain to be addressed to secure the first 500m of rail corridor northwards from land leased at Maymorn station.
3.2.2 Land leases
Access to most of the railway formation will be by way of lease or “licence to occupy”, including railway land at Maymorn, and that held by Greater Wellington Regional Council and the Department of Conservation.
3.2.2.1 Maymorn Railway Heritage Precinct
Maymorn rail yard “licence to occupy” nearing finalisation at the end of the financial year. Negotiations with New Zealand Railways Corporation continued throughout the year, much of it involving consultation with Infrastructural Engineers on matters relating to safety and capacity matters:
- Determining the portion of the Maymorn yard that was surplus to current and future rail network requirements, arriving at a boundary 6.75m from existing Wairarapa mainline, making allowance for reinstating a loop should it be required in the future.
- Ensuring that evacuation procedures for the Rimutaka Tunnel were unaffected.
- That pedestrian access from Parkes Line Road to the Tranz Metro station could continue.
- Approval in principle to cross Maymorn Road underpass via the currently unused second road alongside Ontrack.
- Approval in principle of interoperability arrangements where the Trust would be in close proximity to Ontrack.
- Approval in principle of a mainline turnout to the south of the station yard, which would provide mainline access for heritage trains and delivery of rail vehicles and other equipment and materials.
- Greater Wellington Regional Council was consulted, and subsequently approved the Lease.
- Upper Hutt City Council was also consulted, and had no opposition to the Lease.
3.2.2.2 Greater Wellington Regional Council
The Trust’s Business Plan and the BERL Economic Feasibility Assessment were submitted to GWRC for consideration in September 2004, during consultation on the Draft Forest Lands Management Plan: Future Water Catchments. A presentation to the submission was made to a subcommittee of the Landcare Committee on 18th March 2005. Councillors stated that in their opinion the heritage railway proposal could be accommodated within the plan under the “cultural heritage” provisions, in that it would support the “protection” of the railway formation. In addition the term “motorised recreation” was defined, specifically excluding heritage train services from its coverage.
A meeting was held between the Trust and GWRC Officers to explore the business plan and economic feasibility assessment in more detail. Key areas that would have to be addressed in order for the proposal to be progressed were identified.
3.2.2.3 Department of Conservation
The Trust’s Business Plan and Economic Feasibility Assessment were submitted to the department for information in September 2004.
The new walkway proposal was submitted to the department for information.
A detailed proposal for walkway replacement at Siberia Gully was submitted in April 2005, which remains to be discussed with officers.
3.2.3 Purchases
The Trust did not purchase any land during 2004-2005.
A proposal to establish a separate land purchasing company is being explored.
3.3 Rail vehicles
In order to construct and operate the railway, the Trust must “acquire by agreement, lease or purchase such items of railway rolling stock, tools and material to facilitate the construction and operation of the tourist heritage railway”. The Trust proposes to acquire rail vehicles by agreement, lease, purchase or other acceptable mode.
3.3.1 Agreements
Discussions continued with rail vehicle owning groups and individuals with a view to forming railway vehicle agreements.
3.3.2 Leases
The Trust made a bid for a rail heritage lease of former Northerner sleeping carriage “A” 1320 from the Rail Heritage Trust of New Zealand, but was unsuccessful.
3.3.3 Purchases
Attempts to purchase a “TR” shunting tractor from Toll Rail in July 2004 did not come to fruition.
3.4 Conservation and protection of former railway route and heritage structures
A further objective of the Trust is to raise funds for and facilitate the conservation and protection of former railway route and heritage structures associated with the Rimutaka Incline Railway.3.4.1 Fundraising and facilitation
- The Trust contributed to a Department of Conservation workshop for project to redesign interpretation on the Rimutaka Rail Trail on 22 February 2005
- The Trust raised funds to purchase and subsequently plant native trees at Summit in November 2004. The planting is symbolic of environmental reinstatement that the Trust wishes to facilitate at Summit and other portions of the route.
Members of the Upper Hutt branch of Forest & Bird and the Rimutaka Incline Railway Heritage Trust planting native tree seedlings, former Summit railway yards and Rochfort Pass in the background. Photo: Hugh McCracken.
3.4.2 Heritage Conservation Management Plan
- A Rimutaka Incline Railway Heritage Management Plan will be devised in order to provide policies and principles that will guide the long term reinstatement, restoration, preservation and protection of historic sites and structures that form or are associated with the Railway.
- An as-built survey of the heritage route was undertaken in 1884, records of which have been located at Archives New Zealand (ABJP - Acc W4423, PWD 9491 Wellington-Napier Railway, Upper Hutt-Featherston). Copies of selected sheets have been obtained for lengths relevant to the Maymorn connection route, and relationships to current land boundaries and datum established.
3.5 Buildings, structures, infrastructure and facilities for construction and operation of heritage railway
The Trust has the objective to plan, fund and construct buildings, structures, infrastructure and facilities for the construction and operation of a heritage railway. This includes construction sites, operational areas, station precincts, communications and rail operational systems.
3.5.1 Planning
Consultation has continued in the following ways:
- Information is available on the Trust’s web site;
- Articles in newsletters sent out to members, stakeholders and subsequently available on the Trust’s web site;
- Inclusion in displays at public events and speaking engagements;
- Meetings and continued information sharing with management and organisers of recreational and sporting facilities and events;
- Consultation has been initiated with Greater Wellington Regional Council and Department of Conservation in order to better determine requirements for the new walkway.
3.5.1.1 Buildings and structures
Working drawings and specifications are being prepared for a heritage station building at Maymorn, faithfully replicating a George Troup design of 1907 built at Waimate. From a postcard in the Colin Dash collection.
The following structure designs for the Maymorn railway heritage precinct have been prepared:
- A replica station building design of the notable designer George Troup, incorporating an information and discovery centre. The building will be in keeping with those historically associated with the Wellington to Masterton Railway. The former Waimate design has been selected, having adequate floor area for future requirements, and containing key features of a “Troup” design, including a pitched verandah, gabled wings and heavy corbels. It is hoped to reduce the extent of new design work by selecting an existing design. A design brief for a heritage station building was prepared, recommending the former Waimate station design, fulfilling most criteria, including period, capacity, functionality and style.
In mid-2005 the Trust commissioned Chris Cochran, a renowned conservation architect, to prepare working drawings and specifications in order to satisfy regulatory requirements for construction.
- Requirements were determined for rail vehicle sheds, and a design brief was prepared based on a two-road engine shed design of 1911 (NZR drawing CCE18858). Windows and smoke chutes were omitted to improve security and reduce complexity. Quotes for design and build were received from three contractors.
- The requirements for a security fence were identified, providing for the safety of rail personnel passengers and the public, and providing a reasonable level of security. Quotes for construction of the fence were received.
- A pedestrian accessway from Parkes Line Road to the Tranz Metro station is required, which crosses both the mainline and future Trust railway lines. A pedestrian level crossing design has been prepared, incorporating fencing, mazes, signage and pavements. Quotes for construction of fences associated with the level crossing were received.
Structure plans have been obtained from Ontrack, including:
- Rimutaka Tunnel, providing information relating to selected connection route options
- Culverts under the Maymorn railway yard
- Bridge and culverts, for reference in future connection route design work.
3.5.2 Funding
$19,200 grant was secured from the Rimutaka Trust towards the preparation of working drawings and specification of the Maymorn heritage station building.
3.5.3 Construction
The Trust was not yet in a position to commence construction of buildings, structures, infrastructure or facilities.
3.6 Promotion, knowledge and education of the Rimutaka Incline Railway
The Trust promoted the Rimutaka Incline Railway in a number of ways, including interpretative displays, press releases leading to news items, advertisements, guest speaking appearances and through its newsletters and web site.
3.6.1 Interpretative displays
A number of interpretative displays were carried out during the year, including:
Colin Craddock and Barry Timms setting up the Trust’s display at Rail-Ex 2004, Wellington. Photo: Glenn Fitzgerald
Trust display at International Jousting Championships, Harcourt’s Park, Upper Hutt, 15-16 January 2005. Photo: Hugh McCracken
- RailEx 2004 at the Events Centre, Wellington, 9-10 October 2004. Predominated by model railway layouts, club and trade stalls, the Trust joined a small number of rail heritage groups participating in the exhibition. First public display of demonstration section of Fell Incline track.
- Outdoor Expo and Race Weekend, Poets Park, Upper Hutt, 30th, 31st October
- International Jousting Championships, Harcourt’s Park, Upper Hutt, 15-16 January 2005.
- Orongomai Marae, Waitangi Day celebrations, 5th February 2005
- Mangaroa Country Fair 19 March 2005
3.6.2 Promotions
The Trust was mentioned in the following promotions:
- Sponsored advertisement in NZ Railfan June 2004 edition.
- “Elements”, GWRC newsletter #26, June 2004
- NZ Geographic, mention in Fell Museum article, #73 May-June 2005
- Good publicity commenced in July 2005, with press releases regarding plans for heritage station building at Maymorn, having secured a grant from Rimutaka Trust for $19,200.
- Plans were taking shape for events to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the closure of the Rimutaka Incline and opening of the Rimutaka Tunnel and associated deviation.
It is proposed to have an exhibition at Expressions Arts and Entertainment Centre from 22-28 October; a cocktail and fundraising evening; and an “Official Turning of the First Sod” at Maymorn, followed by a coach trip from Maymorn to Summit via Tunnel Gully and Kaitoke.
3.6.3 Knowledge and education
Interpretative displays, guest speaking appearances, the Trust’s newsletter and web site were used to promote knowledge and education of the Rimutaka Incline Railway.
3.7 Research, discussion, education and interchange of information relating to the Rimutaka Incline Railway
3.7.1 Web site
The web site at www.rimutaka-incline-railway.org.nz is the Trust’s primary mechanism for the dissemination of information, and research outputs. This was of benefit to both membership and the general public.
3.7.1.1 Search engine relevance
Search engine relevance (as returned by www.google.co.nz on 8 August 2005):
- #1 result for “Rimutaka”
- #1 result for “heritage railway”, restricted to New Zealand domain
- #6 result for “tourist railway”, restricted to New Zealand domain
- #8 result for “Upper Hutt attractions”, restricted to New Zealand domain
3.7.1.2 Number of hits to web site
The web site attracts on average 11 unique visits per day, with the highest day being 15th December 2003 of 1327, with an article being placed in an Xtra newsletter.
311 web sites provide links to the Trust’s web site, as wide-ranging as New Zealand and world-wide railfan sites, private and public forums, through to National Library’s Te Puna Web Directory.
3.7.2 Guest speaking
In addition to promotional displays, the Trust was invited to provide a guest speaker for a number of club and society meetings. These provide opportunities to inform the wider community about the Rimutaka Incline Railway, its history, and the Trust’s objective to reinstate it as a heritage railway.
Guest speaking appearances included:
- Lions Club of Rimutaka, 18th October 2004
- Upper Hutt Stroke Association, 22nd April 2005
- Royal Forest and Bird Kapiti, 22nd June
- Märklin Club, 24 June 2005
4. Trust Board
A Board of Trustees governs the Rimutaka Incline Railway Heritage Trust, meeting for both Board and Committee meetings to further the aims and objectives of the Trust.
4.1 Board composition
At 1 July 2004 the Trust Board comprised the following Trustees (positions noted where applicable):
| Trustee | Position |
|---|---|
| Hugh McCracken | Chairperson |
| Steve Porter | Secretary |
| Cr Barry Timms | Treasurer |
| Glenn Fitzgerald | - |
| Cr Howard Phillips | - |
| Clark Simmonds | - |
4.2 Additional Trustees and vacancies
An additional Trustee was added to the Board in December 2004, being Mr Colin Craddock of Pauatahanui. Colin brings steam railway operating experience to the Board, along with experience in the New Zealand railway heritage sector.
4.3 Officers — honorary, non-voting
The Trust is grateful for the work of Jean Fitzgerald throughout the year, assisting the Trust in the capacity of Minutes and Membership Secretary.
4.4 Trust meetings
Three Trust meetings were held during the year, the bulk of the work of the Trust being conducted in committee.
4.5 Committee meetings
Committee meetings were held every fortnight throughout the year, with the exception of a four-week break over the Christmas-New Year holiday season.
5. Accounts
Accounts for the financial year are attached to this report.
6. Membership
Membership of the Trust has been available since the 17th of December 2003. At the end of the financial year membership stood at 47, an increase of 19 from the start of the year, including one body corporate.
6.1 Newsletters
Newsletters were distributed to members by both electronic and paper delivery methods, detailing Trust proposals, progress on key objectives, reporting on events and achievements, and advising of future member meetings, walks and future event attendence. Five newsletters were published:
Colin and Dee on Kaitoke to Summit walk, 1 May 2005. Photo: Hugh McCracken.
Bowstring truss footbridge at Trentham, one of many rail heritage remnants visited in the Hutt Valley on 6 February 2005. Photo: Hugh McCracken.
6.2 Membership events
A number of memorable outings were arranged for members during the year including:
- 4 July 2004
- Maymorn connection walk, exploring some of the connection options between the main line and the heritage route high above the Rimutaka Tunnel.
- 1 August 2004
- Formation walk from Maymorn to Tunnel Gully, utilising the morning Wairarapa service as far as Maymorn, providing a glimpse of proposed future operations out of Upper Hutt via NZRC track
- 7th November 2004
- Summit Native Tree Planting, involved members of Upper Hutt Forest and Bird
- 5th December 2004
- Formation walk to Cross Creek, mimicking the proposed third stage of the railway, we followed the route of the railway formation from Featherston to Cross Creek (carpark) by car, stopping at points of interest on the way.
- 6th February 2005
- Sight-seeing tour of Wellington – Upper Hutt railway remnants
- 3rd April 2005
- Formation walk from Maymorn to Kaitoke.
- 1st May 2005
- Formation walk from Kaitoke to Summit.
- 5th June 2005
- Formation walk from Maymorn to Kaitoke.
6.3 Members’ meetings
A number of members’ meetings were held during the year, to discuss matters relating to the Rimutaka Incline Railway and progress the Trust had made towards its reinstatement:
- 21st July 2004
- Maymorn connection options were explored, the challenge of designing and building 1.6km of new railway in the 21st Century.
- 10th November 2004
- An examination of the Fell patent centre-rail system, including diagrams and historic photographs, and the full-size demonstration track was on display.
- 2nd January 2005
- A members’ barbeque where the Trust saw in the New Year with an informal event for members, partners, family and friends at the residence of Glenn and Jean Fitzgerald, Maymorn.
- 16th February 2005
- An exploration of the notable railway stations designed for NZR between 1902 and 1925 by George Troup (1863-1941). Historical photographs, plans and contemporary photographs of surviving Troup stations were shown and discussed, including examples in the Wellington District.
- 11 May 2005
- The Maymorn rail heritage precinct project was outlined and explored. Aspects covered included site maps, facilities, plans for replica station building, locomotive and carriage shed, fencing, platforms, future mainline connection and use of second track formation over the Maymorn Road underpass.
Rimutaka Incline Railway Heritage Trust, 24 August 2005.