Rail
Since 2018, the New Zealand Government (through Kānoa) has invested a total of $460.34 million into rail projects across New Zealand.
By working with KiwiRail, and collaborating with stakeholders in the regions, Kānoa has invested in rail projects which will help enable economic activity, unlock regional productivity, and support local businesses and groups to get products into the national market.
Discover how Kānoa investments have helped to improve New Zealand’s rail network, below:
North Auckland Line
The North Auckland Line is a key KiwiRail rail project that received a total of $178.5 million from Kānoa’s Provincial Growth Fund (PGF) to provide significant upgrades and maintenance to the 181km line between Swanson and Whangārei.
The work included replacing or upgrading almost a third of the existing line, maintenance work on 13 tunnels, replacing 5 aging bridges, improving numerous drains and culverts, strengthening embankments, planting vegetation, and making safety and efficiency improvements at the Whangārei rail yard.
With around 30,000 containers leaving Northland each year, the upgraded North Auckland Line has enabled hi-cube shipping containers to be carried on the line for the first time, helping to reduce the strain and congestion on our roads.
There is also an environmental benefit, with each tonne of freight carried by rail having 70% fewer emissions than that carried by road.
Tourism Rail (TranzAlpine)
Through Kānoa, $24 million has been invested in KiwiRail’s scenic business through the Tourism Rail project that supports ‘The Great Journeys of New Zealand’.
The investment was used for work on KiwiRail’s existing ‘NZ AK class’ carriages, including the refurbishment of 4 carriages, remediation of 8 carriages, and conversion of three carriages to AKF class to achieve an enhanced base level and premium class. Benefits are starting to be realised as the first AKF carriage is now in-service on the world famous TranzAlpine rail service, which crosses the Southern Alps from Christchurch to Greymouth.
The full KiwiRail project includes the extension and improvement of Greymouth platform, and exploratory design works for Addington, Kaikōura, Blenheim and Arthur’s Pass platforms. With the addition of the repurposed carriages, KiwiRail will be able to provide consistent services at greater capacity, with excellent food, and ensure a reliable and connected journey.
KiwiRail expects that the full project will bring an additional 37,000 passengers to the West Coast annually by 2027, helping to drive local business and local economies through job creation and tourist spending.
Deferred Maintenance and Drainage project
The Deferred Maintenance and Drainage project was a major KiwiRail initiative that received a $26 million grant through Kānoa, providing funding for delayed maintenance to New Zealand’s rail network, physical drainage systems on rail tracks as well as training for local contractors.
With a focus on training, supported by on-the-job experience, the project has resulted in 48 of the 60 fixed-term employees transitioning to permanent employment. These individuals now have the skills and experience to further their careers in the rail and construction industries. This project continues to be recognised as leaving a strong legacy on the new recruits, communities, and regional New Zealand.