Family’s wait for barrier arms
After the death of two ‘‘role models’’ at a dangerous train crossing in Morrinsville, families are disappointed barrier arms have still not been installed, nearly two months on.
Brother and sister Te Rangi PritchardBlunt, 16, and Mere Wetini, 19, died on December 7, 2019, after colliding with an oncoming freight train at the intersection of Piako Rd and State Highway 26. When the crash occurred, NZTA were in the process of making the Piako Road level crossing safer.
These upgrades also included KiwiRail installing half-arm barriers to stop drivers crossing when a train is coming, but months on the crossing is still armless. KiwiRail says barriers are due to be installed in February.
Speaking on behalf of the families of the victims, Nga¯ti Haua¯ kaumatua Fred Haimona, said the whanau were very disappointed to hear the barriers were not up.
‘‘Is two deaths not a reason to speed that process up? Another two deaths maybe,’’ Haimona said. ‘‘If it was already in the works to put something up and the death of these kids didn’t prompt that process enough then I think that’s very disappointing.’’
The close family friend said KiwiRail and NZTA gave their condolences at the tangi (funeral), but now he thinks their sympathies weren’t genuine.
‘‘I was here at the funeral day where they buried our two kids and took them onto the marae. They were very inconsolable,’’ he said. ‘‘The whanau, the people and the iwi really were quite impressed by that because it looked genuine, but to hear that there have been no barriers or anything put up, it makes me think that maybe it was fake.’’
He said the whanau were still coming to terms with the loss of their tamariki.
‘‘What can you expect with the loss of two kids. These were two role models for the future and they were very wonderful kids. The loss of them to the family is huge.’’
KiwiRail chief operating officer capital projects David Gordon said they were in the final stages of work to upgrade protection measures at the level crossing on Piako Road and SH26.
He said they started work on the site in early September 2019, and it was expected to be completed in February.
‘‘Installing barrier arms is a complex process and we were already carrying out this work before the tragic collision in December 2019,’’ Gordon said. ‘‘The fatal incident at this crossing last year was farreaching in the community. Our thoughts remain with the families and friends of those who died.
‘‘The level crossing is currently protected by flashing lights and bells and we ask motorists to remain vigilant when crossing the railway line at this or any other location.
‘‘Always expect trains at any time from either direction and only proceed to cross when you are certain the line is clear.’’