Regional Rapid Rail was built as part of the "Green New Deal" initiated by the first Ardern Government in 2022. The first line to Hamilton opened in 2027 and extensions to Tauranga and Rotorua were opened in 2029 and 2031 respectively. The railways quickly became a hit as it cut travel times between Auckland and Regional centres in half and the 160 km/h speed meant that it was possible to live in Rotorua and commute to work in Auckland. The concept was expanded under the Walker and Allen governments with a line to Whangarei from Auckland opening in 2036 and RRR South connecting Wellington and Palmerston North opening in 2039. Discussions about a regional rapid rail link from Christchurch to Dunedin have been going on for about a decade but construction has yet to commence