Leigh Robert Davis, born Wanganui, 1955, died Auckland, Oct 3, 2009

Auckland’s business, arts and academic circles farewelled one of their highest achievers in typically unconventional style at Auckland University’s chapel today.

Mr Davis, 54, died 18 months after being diagnosed with cancer. Tributes were paid to four dimensions of his life – creative, business, adventure and family.

State-owned rail track company Ontrack said it will need another $400 million over five years to bring the tracks up to speed.

This is on top of normal maintenance and the $200m special funding that was injected after the network was purchased from Tranz Rail in 2004.

Chairman Cam Moore said such investments was not a "black hole" for spending when fuel prices were rocketing.