[4] In 2020 reopening of the remaining platform was put forward as a scheme to help the region recover from the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, estimated to cost $15m.

[5] The station opened on 13 August 1877,[6] as Newcastle,[7] when the line was extended 31 mi (50 km) from the previous terminus at Mercer,[8] though the stationmaster's house was added later.

[10] Two months after opening, a platform was built opposite the Delta Hotel in the town centre, though the goods shed remained to the south.

The greatest increase was at the start of World War 2, presumably consisting largely of soldiers and relatives[17] travelling to and from Hopuhopu camp.

[105] At that time it was expected that the old bridge would be refurbished for rail use when the track was doubled, so it was leased to the Main Highways Board.

On 14 March 1998 part of train 235 hit the 1931 bridge,[109] requiring the replacement of 2 of the trusses with 2 x 36 m (118 ft) beams[110] in 2001/2[111] by McConnell Smith.