Labour Weekend Friday 24th to Sunday 26th October 2008

The Locomotive Engineers Association was first formed in 1908 and was initially named the LEF&CA (Locomotive Enginedrivers, Firemen and Cleaners Association). It later changed to the LEA (the Locomotive Engineers Association) and formed part of the combined rail union CURE (Combined Union of Railway Employees). While it is now part of the transport industry-amalgamated Rail & Maritime Transport Union, the collective of loco drivers still maintains a strong identity within the new organisation.

2008 represents a century of industrial organisation for locomotive engineers and will most likely be the final celebration and reunion on a scale such as that planned.

Your registration and payment will see you participate in the following functions and activities, all inclusive, although you are able to book individual functions/events at a set price.

The primary venue will be the facilities of the Riccarton Park Raceway for all evening events. This venue is surrounded by a circuit of quality motel units, a list of which can be supplied to you. A free dedicated bus service (from the list of recommended motels) will be supplied to and from all functions at the Riccarton Park Raceway to anyone staying in the recommended motels.

All the Functions & Activities noted below can booked for only $295 total.
All prices are GST inclusive.

Friday 24th October:

“Meet & Greet” -  $80 / person

Price includes transport and all refreshments, liquid and otherwise. Friday food arrangements will consist of continuous high quality finger food buffet. In all cases serveries will be placed around the dining rooms to avoid congestion. Those who are on the free bus service route will be both picked up and taken back to their motels at notified times.   

Saturday 25th October

Bus, Train & Winery Trip $60 / person

In the morning you have the charter train journey at Weka Pass Railway. Travel by comfortable air-conditioned coaches to the carriages waiting for you at Glenmark Station, Waipara. The train will take you on a gentle journey to Waikari where you can visit the craft shops, hotel or café. A small walk to the Waipara hall for a sumptuous prepared lunch will be followed by a visit to the highly regarded Mud House Winery & Vineyard. Here there will be a tour of the winery and an optional extra of a most pleasant wine tasting of their prize winning wines if you wish. We will have you on the bus and back to Christchurch by about 4.00 pm.

Saturday Centennial Dinner & Celebrations $105 / person

Price includes transport, entertainment, all refreshments, liquid and otherwise. On the Saturday night you will be entertained at Riccarton Park Raceway facilities by the well-known five piece dance band ‘The Coyotes’, who will be accompanied by guest artist and singer Marian Burns from Auckland. For your entertainment and humour we have gained the services of the renowned New Zealand writer, columnist and humourist Joe Bennett. Joe will lead the speeches and formal aspects of the Saturday night celebrations. The first course will be served at the table and the timing of speeches will be programmed to allow sufficient time and a smooth operation between courses. The superb buffet dining on this evening will also be followed by a pleasant supper at approximately 2300 hours. Those who are on the free bus service route will be both picked up and taken back to their motels at notified times.

Sunday 26th October

Farewell & Get-Together $85  /person

The morning of Sunday is purposefully left free for you to decide what to do. The Committee will provide you with brochures and suggestions on activities and entertainment around Christchurch including the now famous Riccarton Park Market with its 300plus stalls and food outlets.

The Farewell & Get-together is scheduled for Sunday afternoon from 4pm. Price includes transport, entertainment, all refreshments, liquid and otherwise. Sunday food arrangements will consist of high quality light food buffet. Buffet serveries will be placed around the dining rooms to avoid congestion.

‘The Coyotes’ will return to entertain you at the Riccarton Park Raceway facilities on the Sunday afternoon, as we farewell old friends and colleagues. Those who are on the free bus service route will be both picked up and taken back to their motels at notified times.

Once you have registered you will be supplied with more detailed information, timings, accommodation and other Christchurch options.