Labour MP not getting enough friction

KiwiRail was forced to replace sub-standard brakes on all of its 500 Chinese made freight wagons before they entered service last year.

Documents obtained under the Official Information Act show initial tests found that when fully loaded to 72 tonnes gross the wagons failed to stop within the code requirement of 650 metres.

Always trying to raise the friction in her electorate, the MP for Dunners South is complaining about standard acceptance testing practice.

KiwiRail says the quickest, simplest and most cost effective solution was to replace the brake blocks with a marginally higher-friction version.

In a statement, it said KiwiRail carried out this work directly but any additional costs were borne by the manufacturer under warranty.

So the delivery acceptance test failed. Happens pretty often with any new technology from train wagons to frigates. Contracted supplier remedied at their cost. End of issue. KiwiRail staff get heaps of bonus practical on job training.

Dunedin South MP Clare Curran, who has been critical of the decision to send the wagon work offshore, says she's appalled

Opposition MP proves why she is in opposition.