Media Release
14 November 2016
Wellington passenger services expected to resume tomorrow
KiwiRail advises all lines north, east and west of Palmerston North, and the Midland Line between Rolleston and
Greymouth are now open.
An inspection of the North Island Main Trunk Line (NIMT) between Palmerston North and Wellington is still underway and
the line remains closed.
KiwiRail will not be able to operate electric passenger services in Wellington today as there is still work that needs
to be completed on the overhead infrastructure. Electric trains should be tested later today, and it is hoped some
passenger services can resume tomorrow in time for morning peak.
KiwiRail is hopeful freight services should begin moving this afternoon in and out of Wellington.
There is significant damage to the Main North Line between Picton and Christchurch, particularly around Kaikoura. Early
reports indicate this may be closed for some time.
Interislander ferries Kaiarahi and Kaitaki are expected to resume sailings tonight from 6pm. Vehicle passengers and
freight will be carried, however foot passengers will not due to damage to the Picton terminal.
The Kaiarahi has now unloaded its passengers in Picton. It has moved away from the wharf as a precaution in case of
aftershocks, but will berth again for loading.
In Wellington, KiwiRail has received clearance to use the berth for the Kaitaki and Kaiarahi.
Wellington Railway Station has been cleared to reopen and power has been restored but in light of aftershocks it is
proposed to limit access to essential staff until passenger services resume.
Further updates will be available throughout the day. Please be advised commuter services in Auckland and Wellington are
managed by TransDev and Metlink respectively. TransDev can be contacted on 09 969 7777 and Metlink can be contacted on
0800 801 700.