I just made this template as I figured it would be a useful addition to link together all the long distance train articles and we have templates for just about anything else (locos, lines, railway operators, TranzAlpine and Overlander stops ...). I thought it would be useful to leave some notes on the talk page:

1. I basically just lifted the code from {{NZR Locomotives}} as I know precious little code myself. I'm not sure if the drop-down menus are really necessary but they look a whole lot nicer than the other code I could've lifted, that on {{NZR Locomotives alt}}

2. I realise the historic section is incomplete but I don't know all the historic trains nor do I have information on them. The three I added that don't yet have pages (Geyserland Express, Kaimai Express, Waikato Connection), I plan to soon make articles on. I know some trains missing from the long distance section are: South Island Limited, Scenic Daylight, Night Limited, Opua Express, Wairarapa Mail, and the Rotorua Express (might add mention of this to the Geyserland Express page). I chose not to add them as I have too little information to create pages on them and I didn't want too many red links, but anyone can feel free to add them - and give them articles, which would be even better!

3. I deliberately did not add the Wairarapa Connection. That is operated by TranzMetro and is technically a commuter service, not a long distance train. Please do not add it!

To anyone who creates new articles on long distance NZ passenger trains: please add links to the template, thanks! To anyone good with code: like I said, I'm no good with coding and just copied this from elsewhere, so feel free to enhance it as you see fit. - Axver 05:59, 9 August 2006 (UTC)

I'm just adding to my earlier comment to say I'm now maintaining a list of historical expresses on my userpage here. I'll update that as I learn of more trains. I just wanted a foundation or launching-off point for further articles and expansion of the NZR Passenger template. I wish I had more resources so that I could write articles on those trains! If anyone else does have sufficient information, please, start those articles! - Axver 12:55, 9 August 2006 (UTC)

Well, despite my request above, someone has added the Wairarapa Connection to the template. Honestly, I'm not too fussed, but perhaps some discussion is warranted. Does the Wairarapa Connection belong on this template? Does anyone object to its presence? - Axver 08:01, 27 June 2007 (UTC)