KiwiRail is welcoming the Government’s $1.3 billion rail investment in Budget 2021 which creates a “sustainable pathway” for the organisation, it says.
The $1.3b commitment builds on previous Budget investments of $1.2b in Budget 2020 and $1b in 2019.
KiwiRail chief executive Greg Miller says it’s “an outstanding level of investment from the Government which is truly revitalising rail for New Zealand”.
“KiwiRail has already replaced its aging North Island locomotive fleet, and this latest tranche of funding will fully cover the cost of replacing our South Island locomotives, many of which are more than 40 years old, and purchasing new electric shunt locomotives,” he says.
“It’s allowing us to build a new hub for maintaining South Island rolling stock at Waltham (Christchurch), and we will build a new facility at Hillside Workshops (Dunedin) to assemble wagons in New Zealand.
“The Budget includes a large contribution to the National Land Transport Fund to raise the national rail network to a resilient and reliable standard after decades of under-investment,” Miller says.
“As a result of Budget 2021, more than 600 contractors will be needed to upgrade and build the new facilities, particularly in the South Island, and local businesses will be needed to supply building materials.
“The investment also means that KiwiRail will be taking on around 200 more employees – for ongoing track maintenance and renewal work across the country and wagon assembly at Hillside. We have committed to 10% of new staff being apprentices or trainees.
“This all means money going back into the regions, and helping New Zealand recover from the economic impacts of COVID-19.
“But it’s also important for the future of KiwiRail and its customers.
“When we have new locomotives and wagons, and a rail network that is up to standard, we will be able to provide more reliable and timely services to our freight customers to better meet their needs.
“We know there is more demand for rail freight than we can currently provide with our aging assets.
“The Government’s significant investment in KiwiRail is bringing us into the 21st Century with a secure future and will allow us to really grow rail for the benefit of New Zealand,” Miller says.
