Car nearly hit by train during Green Party press conference
Monday 5 October 2026 · 4 outlets · 5 reports · updated In this story Green Party, Chlöe Swarbrick, Marama Davidson
A car ran through a red light at a Morningside level crossing during a Green Party press conference. The incident occurred as co-leaders Chlöe Swarbrick and Marama Davidson were discussing policies to remove level crossings for safety. The vehicle passed just seconds before an oncoming passenger train.
Key facts
4 facts
- A car narrowly avoided a train at the Morningside level crossing during a Green Party announcement.
- The Green Party proposes funding the removal of level crossings on Auckland's Western Line.
- Auckland level crossings recorded nearly 70 crashes and hundreds of near-misses between 2013 and 2023.
- Auckland Transport is consulting on replacing crossings from Kingsland to Mt Albert.
The full story
1 min read · 3 outlets
A car narrowly avoided being hit by a train during a Green Party press conference at the Morningside level crossing in Auckland. The vehicle drove across the tracks while the safety barrier was down and warning lights and sirens were active. An oncoming passenger train sounded its horn as the car passed just seconds ahead of it.
Green Party co-leaders Chlöe Swarbrick and Marama Davidson were present to announce a plan to fund the removal of level crossings on Auckland’s Western Line. Swarbrick described the incident as "case in point of why we need to remove these level crossings". Davidson noted that the event was "really dangerous".
The party's proposal aims to improve safety, reduce congestion, and allow more than 12 trains per hour to run on the Western Line. Between 2013 and 2023, Auckland level crossings saw almost 70 crashes and more than 250 pedestrian and 100 vehicle near-misses.
Auckland Transport is currently consulting on options to replace crossings between Kingsland and Mt Albert. These options may include underpasses, pedestrian bridges, or new roads, depending on community feedback.
Where reports differ
- One report states the car was in a line of traffic before pulling out, while another describes it as racing through the barrier.
Compiled from reports by Stuff, NZ Herald and 1News.
