Mathers Mojo: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume 
Mathers Mojo: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
[Sitting date: 26 February 2013. Volume:687;Page:8164. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.] 
10. 
MOJO MATHERS (Green) 
 to the  
Associate Minister of Transport 
: What steps if any has he taken to ensure that KiwiRail does not skimp on safety for people with disabilities? 
Hon MICHAEL WOODHOUSE (Associate Minister of Transport) 
: 
 KiwiRail is responsible for developing initiatives to improve safety across the entire rail network. Specific initiatives when improving or constructing infrastructure include ensuring pedestrian mazes and ramps are wheelchair-access compliant the installation of bells and signs for those who are hearing and visually impaired at higher-risk crossings and the installation of tactile ground surface indicators. KiwiRail has an established track record of engaging with representatives of the disabled community when new and upgraded infrastructure is planned and investing in improvements to help the disabled community. 
Mojo Mathers 
: Does he have any concern that cutting $200 million from KiwiRail’s spending will have a negative impact on the safety and accessibility of our rail transport system for disabled users; if not why not? 
Hon MICHAEL WOODHOUSE 
: The Government has invested considerably in KiwiRail almost three-quarters of a billion dollars in this 3-year period as part of a $4.6 billion Turnaround Plan. I am satisfied that safety initiatives have a high priority in that Turnaround Plan. 
Mojo Mathers 
: I seek leave to table KiwiRail’s  
Infrastructure and Engineering Business Plan 2013-2015 
 which says that KiwiRail will be cutting $200 million in spending over the next 3 years. 
Mr SPEAKER 
: Leave is sought to table that document. Is there any objection? 
Hon Gerry Brownlee 
: It’s previously tabled. 
Mr SPEAKER 
: It is previously tabled I am advised. I take that as an objection. No? It can be tabled. 









Document by leave laid on the Table of the House. 
Mojo Mathers 
: Does he believe that amending the Land Transport Management Act so that regional transport committees are no longer required to have access and mobility representatives to advocate for safety and disability issues will make our rail system safer? 
Hon MICHAEL WOODHOUSE 
: I am very satisfied that the engagement with the disabled community remains high. KiwiRail in conjunction with the New Zealand Transport Agency has developed the traffic control devices manual part 9 of which concerns level crossings. That plan includes the specific requirement to progressively improve disabled access at level crossings. 
Mojo Mathers 
: Will he ask KiwiRail to work with representatives from the Disabled Persons Assembly to ensure that everything that can be done is being done to make our rail transport network safe for all New Zealanders? 
Hon MICHAEL WOODHOUSE 
: I am advised that that engagement is under way but given the tragic events at the Morningside Railway Station yesterday morning I am sure that KiwiRail will be redoubling its efforts to engage with the disabled community to ensure that identified risk areas for them are addressed. 
Brendan Horan 
: Will he release the KiwiRail track inspector’s report from late 2012 that revealed serious safety concerns about the Morningside crossing over 3 months before yesterday’s dreadful accident? 
Hon MICHAEL WOODHOUSE 
: I am quite sure that all information that is able to be released in respect of rail safety will be if the member puts the request in the right way.