18 November 2016
Media release
Ports of Auckland announces new rail freight service for Lower North Island

Service provides capacity boost following closure of CentrePort

Ports of Auckland will work with KiwiRail to provide a daily rail link between the Auckland sea port and inland ports at Wiri, South Auckland and Longburn, Manawatu.

Ports of Auckland (POAL) and KiwiRail have agreed a deal to provide more freight capacity between Auckland and the Lower North Island.

As New Zealand’s freight import hub, Ports of Auckland has the facilities to accommodate additional container volume, and two inland freight hubs ideally placed to facilitate cargo distribution to the lower North Island. Both hubs are served by rail, taking pressure off the road network. The new service will provide a fast, sustainable connection and a lift in capacity.

The service will help both importers and exporters, who are affected by the closure of Centreport in Wellington.

Ports of Auckland Chief Executive Tony Gibson said: “We are pleased to be able to put on this service to fill the gap created as a result of the recent Kaikoura earthquake, and we will keep it running until Centreport is able to get back on their feet.”

Details of the service will be announced next week.
ENDS

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