TBM naming competition

We need your help to pick a name for our Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM)!

Tunnelling tradition dictates that a TBM cannot start work until it has a woman’s name to honour St Barbara, the patron saint of underground workers – as a sign of good luck for the project ahead.

We’re going to name her after a ground-breaking New Zealand woman, past or present – nominated by New Zealanders.

City Rail Link’s chief executive, Dr Sean Sweeney, said the TBM will help create huge changes for Auckland’s future.

“It deserves the name of an amazing woman who, equally, has had an enormous impact on our country”.

New Zealanders’ quirky sense of humour is reflected in the creative names received so far for the TBM, with “Subterranean Sue” (aka Dame Susan Devoy) and “Jacindigger” (Jacinda Ardern) among the suggestions.

Ms Ardern and Dame Susan, a former world squash champion and Race Relations Commissioner, are among 80 different women nominated as a possible TBM name. Others include war-time heroes, sports champions, outstanding political and community leaders and entertainers.

Anyone in New Zealand over five can suggest a name on-line http://www.digcrl.co.nz. People can also make a nomination at participating local libraries. Submissions close on Thursday, 5 March.

The top three names will be selected by an internal panel for New Zealanders to vote on. Voting will take place between 12-26 March.