Shannon railway station facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Shannon
Coordinates	40°32′47″S 175°24′40″E / 40.5465°S 175.4111°E / -40.5465; 175.4111
Elevation	12 m (39 ft)
Owned by	KiwiRail
Line(s)	North Island Main Trunk
Distance	Wellington 106.63 km (66.26 mi)
Construction
Parking	Yes
History
Opened	1886
Rebuilt	1893
Services
Preceding station   The Great Journeys of New Zealand   Following station Palmerston North Terminus Capital Connection Levin toward Wellington Preceding station   Historical railways   Following station Makerua Line open, station closed 4.69 km (2.91 mi)   North Island Main Trunk KiwiRail   Koputaroa Line open, station closed 7.89 km (4.90 mi)
Heritage New Zealand – Category I
Designated:	25-Sep-1986
Reference #:	4703

The Shannon railway station is a train station in Shannon, New Zealand. It is located in the Horowhenua District and sits on the important North Island Main Trunk railway line. This station is used by the Capital Connection train. This train takes people who commute between Wellington and Palmerston North.

Station History

Early Days and Opening

The Shannon station first opened in 1886. It was a simple building, known as a 'flag station'. A private company called the Wellington and Manawatu Railway Company (WMR) built it. They named the station after one of their directors, George Shannon. Other stations, like Levin and Plimmerton, were also named after company directors.

Trains started running between Longburn and Ōtaki on August 2, 1886. A special train had already run to Ohau in April 1886. The first train that went all the way from Wellington to Palmerston North was on November 30, 1886.

Building Changes Over Time

In 1893, the original station building was moved. It went to Paraparaumu. A new, larger building replaced it in Shannon. Later, more parts were added to the station. These included a room for luggage and parcels in 1902. A covered porch, called a verandah, was added in 1910.

Before World War I, more tracks were built for loading animals. This helped with the growing demand for moving livestock. After the war, even more tracks were added. This was because the Mangahao Power Station was being built nearby. In 1936, the parcel and luggage room was made even bigger.

Station Closure and Reopening

After World War II, fewer people used the railway. Because of this, the Shannon station closed in 1980. However, it later started being used again for the Capital Connection train.

In 1985, a group called the Shannon Railway Trust was formed. Their goal was to save the station building. The Horowhenua District Council bought the building in 1992. The trust then worked to restore it. The station reopened in 1998. Today, it is used by the community. It also serves as a place for tourists and an information center.

A Special Historic Building

The station building from 1893 is very important. It is one of the few remaining buildings from the old WMR company. It is rare to find a wooden station building this old that is still standing. Because of its history, the New Zealand Historic Places Trust recognized it. They added the station to their special list as a Category I building on September 25, 1986. This means it is a place of great historical importance.