Karamea's Rail Safety Project Dream Fulfilled:

Context:

Karamea is a beloved staff member at Western Heights. All her children attended here, including her son Keenan, a wonderful young man and exceptional athlete, who was on a training run with headphones in and was hit by a train and tragically lost his life.

This was the catalyst for Karamea to become a leading spokesperson for the One Ear Out campaign and to address the absence of pedestrian barriers on rail crossings. Now all pedestrian-level crossings across Auckland’s passenger rail network have automatic safety gates

The final pedestrian safety gates were opened this week at O’Neills Road in Swanson. 26 pedestrian safety gates have been installed, and 15 level crossings have been closed or replaced with safer connections over the past 10 years. Across the network, a programme of about 250 other safety improvements at rail level crossings is nearing completion – including footpath improvements for pedestrians, lighting and signage upgrades, tree trimming, and median island treatments.

Auckland Transport Head of Level Crossings, Tom Willetts, says improving safety is an important part of unlocking the benefits of the new network.

“Opening the City Rail Link will mean more frequent trains, faster journeys, and better connections for Aucklanders. We are also strongly focused on ensuring people are safe at level crossings as there are more trains.”

Rail safety advocate Karamea Matthes, whose son Keenan tragically died in an accident involving a train at Rānui Station level crossing in 2017, says this is a significant milestone.

“We are thrilled to see the installation of electronic safety gates at the O’Neills Road pedestrian level crossing and interim safety improvements across the metro network to ensure that remaining level crossings are made as safe as possible.

“We have long advocated for these upgrades, which represent more than just infrastructure. They are a commitment to ensuring that no other family has to endure the preventable tragedy of a crossing accident.”

“It serves as a powerful reminder of why we do this work. Safety at level crossings is paramount because even a single moment of distraction or human error shouldn’t result in the loss of life.

“We have always supported these improvements because we believe everyone deserves to get home safely, and we’re proud to see this vision finally realised.”

“Always look for lights, listen for bells, and watch for barrier arms and gates. Don’t stop on the tracks or try to cross once the warning lights and bells sound.

“Modern trains are fast and quiet, and the consequences of not seeing one can be deadly. Trains can’t swerve, and they take time to come to a complete stop. It’s not worth the risk.”