Press Release – Rail Party Throughout New Zealand, many branch lines which once provided communities with essential rail services have been closed and mothballed. Examples include the Stratford to Okahukura Line, the Wairoa to Gisborne Line, and the Dargaville Branch. Sadly, even … Throughout New Zealand, many branch lines which once provided communities with essential rail services have been closed and mothballed. Examples include the Stratford to Okahukura Line, the Wairoa to Gisborne Line, and the Dargaville Branch. Sadly, even with the Governments $1.3 billion rail investment, there are no plans to reopen these lines and utilize this existing infrastructure. The NZ Rail Party believes that reopening these lines should be a priority.