How the CRL will mobilise Tāmaki Makaurau and make it easier to get to gigs

The CRL is the talk of the town. And so it should be, it's taken long enough to make it happen!

I recall a time in 2009 when I was 16 years old about to perform at 95bFM's Fancy New Band showcase. In those days, the shows took place more frequently at Shadows Bar in the University of Auckland quad. I'd borrowed a bass amp from my high school and was in process of lugging it on the train from Papakura all the way into the city.

Now for any readers who don't know - bass amps are heavy. And this bass amp was an excellent example of a really heavy bass amp. Not only was it heavy, but it was also very solid. It felt almost unbreakable. The weight of the amp made it difficult to lift, the dead solid exterior seemed to add to this in an exponential way. Alongside my bass guitar and few pedals, it made for a nearly impossible load. I was with our guitarist who was baring a lighter load with only a guitar and some pedals (we'd arranged to share a guitar amp with another showcasing band).

After the hour-long train ride into Britomart station, we started trudging up Queen Street, carrying the bass amp in between us, with guitars slung over our outside shoulders. It would've made for an interesting sight. The foot traffic walking down Queen St split either side of as we carved a path up through the middle, stopping for a break every hundred metres or so.

It's a fair distance from Britomart Train Station, up Queen Street, through Albert Park and into the University. Not to mention a lot of up-hill traversing. It felt like hours of slow progress gradually edging closer to our destination. When we finally made it, we were drenched in sweat, exhausted and grinning from ear to ear.

As young cash strapped muso's, barely driving, relying on public transport was our reality. This same reality exists for much of Auckland's youth culture as is the case in a lot of cities around the world. The trouble with Auckland, at least in my experience is that historically the PT has always left a lot to be desired. But this is (hopefully) changing. The past 14 years have seen demolition and construction right into the gut of Auckland CBD through some of the main transport and business arteries. Now, finally the work is completed and we have a launch date for the brand new city rail link.

From September 13th 2026, the people of Auckland will experience a significant upgrade in mobility across town. Two new stations. Two renovated existing stations. One big loop of tunnels reconnecting with the mainline that enables a complete circuit of trains.

This will make it so much easier to get to gigs. Bypass the traffic, the parking, the sober driver, the uber etc. The venues listed below will now within direct walkable distance to rail:

Auckland Town Hall, Aotea Centre, Q Theatre, The Civic, The Basement, Ding Dong Lounge, Whammy, Double Whammy, Public Bar, Neck of the Woods, Galatos, The Studio

The change in access is massive. Not only does it make travel simpler for existing gig goers, but the new ease of transport could prove to be drawcard that helps bring more people out to local shows. I'm sure hoping it does.

Reflecting back on my experiences hoarding heavy gear up Queen St to gigs all over town, it would've been great to have rail access closer to the venues. Well, now we do. The times are moving. Here's hoping it is a resounding success for the city of Auckland and for the local music scene.