The Canterbury Railway Society announced that it plans to establish a New Zealand National Railway Museum at its site at Ferrymead Heritage Park. "The establishment of the New Zealand National Railway Museum at Ferrymead is a significant step forward for the New Zealand rail heritage community" says Bruce Shalders, CRS President. "The Museum will tell the story of the significance and importance of railways in the growth and development of New Zealand."

The Museum will feature the extensive collection of the Canterbury Railway Society, and will assume a national focus through representative displays of New Zealand rail history in interaction with the many and varied rail heritage groups throughout the country. Central to displays will be large storyboards depicting the significance of railways in the development of New Zealand.

"The Museum will be based on the European model of a 'national' museum as a collection spread over many locations" says Shalders, "In many ways this institution will act as the "hub of the wheel" of railway displays in perfect harmony and supporting the various rail heritage organisations around New Zealand".

The New Zealand National Railway Museum will be set in the heritage context of Ferrymead Heritage Park, near the proposed Tamaki Brothers’ South Pacific Cultural Experience. The Museum has been in development for 18 months and research indicates that community support in Christchurch is very positive.