Trams in New Zealand characterised by inflexible routes and expensive infrastructure maintenance. In Wellington there was significant opposition to the closure of the last tramway system in New Zealand, and the final decision to disestablish the remaining lines followed on a public referendum in 1959. All trolleybus systems in New Zealand have now been closed: Christchurch (1956), New Plymouth (1967), Auckland (1980), Dunedin (1982) and Wellington (2017). Auckland City had a private company operating horse-drawn trams from 1884. The Auckland Electric Tram Company's system was officially opened on 17 November 1902, but public service was delayed because three of the motormen, from Sydney, Australia,
Wellington in the 2009 Air New Zealand Cup Wellington in the 2009 Air New Zealand Cup The 2009 Air New Zealand Cup will be the Wellington Rugby Football Union's 4th consecutive participation in the competition. They are coming off a 2008 placing of 2nd. Last year Wellington lost the final 7-6 at Westpac Stadium. This was after Wellington had won their first nine games including beating Auckland for the Ranfurly Shield. Wellington then lost their final round game to Otago. Despite wins in the quarter and semi finals, Canterbury were too strong in the Grand Final. This was Wellington's 5th loss in a final in 6 years. Jamie