Lorde and Jacindigger among names nominated for City Rail Link digger

Thursday, 27 February 2020

Nominated named for the CRL digger include Aunty Helen, Jacindigger and Mum.

A digger that is carving out Auckland’s new train network could take on the name of the prime minister or New Zealand's best known pop star.

Jacindigger and Lorde are among nominated names for City Rail Link's tunnel boring machine, along with Aunty Helen and Mum.

A contest to name the machinery will close on March 5 and has received many quirky suggestions.

City Rail Link's chief executive Dr Sean Sweeney said by tradition large machines have a woman's name.

City Rail Link is the $4.4 billion project to upgrade Auckland’s train network with new tunnels and stations.

*Auckland's City Rail Link: First glimpse of $4.4 billion project's underground tunnel

*Auckland's City Rail Link tunnels: Public get a first look**

Aucklander’s have been tasked with picking a name for the digger with famous NZ women as the theme.

“The digger will have a very forceful influence on the project and that's why we want the name of a woman who has had an equally strong influence on our country,” he said.

“All those who have been nominated share one thing in common – their inspiring talents, skills and leadership have made, or are making, a huge impact on New Zealand.”

Other New Zealand women nominated include Pania Newton, Julie-Anne Genter and Gin Wigmore.

Sweeney said schools in Auckland have been tasked with helping to find a name, a task which gives students an opportunity to learn more about women who have helped shape New Zealand.

Name nominations will close on Thursday, 5 March and the top three will then be selected by a panel.

New Zealanders will then have the chance to pick the name they prefer with voting open from March 12 to March 26.

City Rail Link is the $4.4 billion project to upgrade Auckland's train network with new tunnels and stations.