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Kia ora ,
Let's start with this month’s newsletter with an update on the newsletter itself!
As our works are nearing completion and the milestones continue to be ticked off, we will be combining our monthly updates from Te Waihorotiu Station with our friends at Karanga-a-Hape Station from April onwards.
If you would like to keep receiving our updates, please subscribe to the new Karanga-a-Hape and Te Waihorotiu Update here.
As we get closer to the completion of Te Waihorotiu Station, we are delighted to share a sneak preview of a significant artwork - Horotiu. The kaitiaki (guardian) was hoisted into place in March, taking pride of place in the centre of the ceiling at the Wellesley Street entrance of Te Waihorotiu Station. Click above to watch the delicate process of lifting a 500kg carving, and below you will find more information about Horotiu.
As always, to contact us here at Te Waihorotiu Station you can email aotea@linkalliance.co.nz or call 0800 CRL TALK (0800 275 8255 and press option 3) to speak to us.
Kind regards,
The Te Waihorotiu Station team
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Your new streets are taking shape
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Each day more pavers are laid and we're a step closer to completing all the streetscape works on Albert Street and Mayoral Drive.
March saw the start of the final stage of streetscape reinstatement works outside the Wellesley Centre at 44 Wellesley Street West. Work has progressed well, with all underground utilities now in place and new curbs soon to be poured.
Streetscape works on Albert Street outside Huawei Centre and Crowne Plaza Hotel are progressing well. The entry and exit lanes to the Atrium Carpark will return to their permanent place in mid-April.
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In March we completed all works on Kingston Street, including Mataaoho, the aluminium cladding around the Kingston Street ventilation shaft. Look out for further details below.
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We're doing train recovery testing. Find out what that is and why it is important progress as we prepare for CRL opening in 2026. In all, we are completing over 9,000 seperate tests. Besides trains in the tunnels, tests include mechanics, electrics, security, fire, communications and hydraulic systems for the tunnels and stations. CRL and Link Alliance are working with Auckland Transport and KiwiRail to make sure everything is ready for passengers from the get go and ensuring safety is the number one priority.
Read more about CRL testing here.
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Station construction update
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We’ve already shown you the aluminium rods installed as part of the Wellesley St entrance building’s feature ceiling – just above the ticket gate line.
Now included there and just installed is this kauri carving designed in collaboration with Paraone Luiten-Apirana (Ngāti Hikairo, Ngāi Tūhoe, Te Arawa) and Graham Tipene of Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei.
The carving represents Horotiu - the ‘kaitiaki’ or guardian looking after the people and supporting the abundance of life-giving energy in the area.
Can't wait until you are able to see it in person.
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Where would you go if the City Rail Link could take you anywhere?  ?  ?  ?
That's exactly what we asked five years ago. And we received thousands of submissions from tamariki around the country in response. Inside Te Waihorotiu Station, their submissions have been turned into glazed tiles built into the station wall.
Five years, 21 panels and over three thousands pieces of artwork later - it was time for some of the artists to come along and see the final product. See their excitement in the short video at the end of this newsletter.
When the CRL opens in 2026, head down the escalators from the Victoria Street entrance to Te Waihorotiu Station's platform, and take a look at the dream destinations of some of New Zealand's tamariki.
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Over two weekends in March our teams worked hard to install the aluminium cladding around Te Waihorotiu Station’s Kingston Street ventilation shaft, which brings in fresh air to the underground areas.
Its design concept reflects the breath of Mataaoho, the Māori atua or deity of volcanic forces.
The wrap’s pattern – which will glow through backlighting – depicts the breath of the earth being vented by the deity, while the wrap’s overall geometry takes the form of a shard of rock.
The design of this feature is a collaboration between mana whenua-nominated (Te Ākitai Waiohua) artist Johnson Witehira (pictured above) and the Link Alliance architectural team.
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Meet Bosco.
Many of the final touches are now being installed at CRL stations – and our furry friends are not forgotten.
At Te Waihorotiu Station, the team is installing an underground drinking fountain – especially made for dogs.
All CRL stations are fully accessible and certified disability assist dogs will always be welcome.
Auckland Transport also now welcomes domestic pets on public transport including trains, for off-peak travel and in accordance with Auckland Transport’s pet travel terms and conditions.
Here we have Bosco giving the official pawprint of approval while also taking a sniff around underground.
And don’t worry, humans – drinking fountains in the stations will be available for you too.
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Auckland Council's midtown regeneration programme
Find out all the latest information about the regeneration of midtown on the ProgressAKL website.
We also recommend you subscribe to Auckland Council's midtown newsletters - use this link to keep up-to-date with other construction project info and the exciting changes happening in the area.
What's happening in midtown
Midtown is starting to really hum, with monthly street parties and a range of interesting activations. Get a head start on Easter celebrations at Street Culture Night on Thursday 17 April, 5pm-8pm at Elliott Street.
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Meet some of the clever artists who submitted their masterpieces five years ago, and share their excitement at seeing their work in Te Waihorotiu Station.
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