The film screened on TV tonight on Channel One. I know for many people it was a pretty emotional programme to watch. While it's a drama, it is based around true events and the Tangiwai disaster remains one of New Zealand's most powerful stories. 

We'd be honoured to hear your stories and experiences around the events, because, while Tangiwai is the story of one couple there were many New Zealanders who were impacted from the events. 

Gillian wrote the other day her experience from the time:
 
Xmas morning,5 a.m.in Paraparaumu.I wonder why my mother is up & talking in a low voice to my brother who has driven down overnight from Taumaranui.I wander out to them & notice my brother is holding an axe.There are bloodstains on the handle & then I hear that after the express passes him,he realises the lights have dissappeared .he drives back,sees the chaos & heads for a forestry camp,yelling & arguing for them to open the equipment shed.back with the axes,up on the carriages,chopping wildly & pulling people out.When exhausted,he climbs back in his truck & comes home.I go to 7a.m. church & tell the vicar. Thereis a horrified gasp as he includes this news in his prayers.Gillian
 
It's important to remember there were many unsung heroes that night.

We would be honoured to hear your stories, thoughts and experiences around the 1953 Tangiwai railway disaster, which impacted the lives of so many New Zealanders