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,
New Zealand Company ships Hobart as a store ship for the New Zealand Company with 2 settlers. The "Platina" also shipped Governor Hobson's house, which the Company had assumed would be erected in Wellington. While at Hobart the "Platina" received orders from the British Government to take the house to Auckland. Much to the annoyance of the Wellington settlers, after unloading the New Zealand Company goods at Wellington the "Platina" sailed for Auckland, becoming what is thought to be the first European vessel to anchor in Waitemata harbor. The "Platina" was acquired by Gillespy of London in 1848 and sailed from London to Coquimbo