Heritage New Zealand is protesting the installation of automatic ticketing systems in a Wellington train station because it could bring more passengers and wouldn't match the colour palette.
At the moment, only cash can be used on trains, and paper tickets can be bought before boarding. Snapper cards can only be used on buses - but the Greater Wellington Regional Council (GRWC) wants to trial the automatic tickets on the Johnsonville train line.
For this, Snapper top-up machines would need to be installed in the historic Wellington train station - and Heritage NZ isn't so sure it's a good idea.
In an OIA posted to Twitter by Councillor Gwynn Compton, Heritage NZ says any new elements added to the train station would need to "recede in prominence".
Compton says this makes little sense, as commuters would need to be able to see the machines to know they could use them.
'You want people to be able to clearly see and identify the validators so they can tag their cards quickly, not camouflage them into the background," he said.
Heritage NZ also noted if the machines were installed there's a "strong indication" it would increase the number of passengers and possibly impact the station and its platform.
Another condition for preliminary support would be for any machines to be easily removed, and not placed inside the railway station, or its main exterior due to "high heritage values".
Heritage NZ asked Metlink to look at other examples of how ticket machines have been installed overseas.
Compton said on Twitter Heritage NZ is "treating the Wellington station like a museum piece rather than the working station it is", and that this "comes off as absurd".
Dr Jamie Jacobs, Heritage NZ's director for the central region, says he believes the station can accommodate the ticket machines and is seeking "best fit with location and design" through the consultation process.
He added the building has "exceptional" heritage value, and therefore Heritage NZ is working hard to protect those - while still ensuring the railway can be efficient.
"The project is about to proceed to consenting, which will involve further discussion with all
parties," he told Newshub on Wednesday.
"This will be a thorough process and ensure the best result is gained. Heritage New
Zealand is pleased to continue to be open to ideas and welcomes discussions."
