2956 (2025). Arena Williams to the Minister for Rail

Written Question

Published date: 17 Feb 2025

Metadata

Document type:	Written Question
Parliament number:	54
Question number:	2956 (2025)
Question asked:	02 Feb 2025
Member asking:	Arena Williams
Portfolio:	Minister for Rail
Minister replying:	Rt Hon Winston Peters
Answer received:	11 Feb 2025
Status:	Question Answered
Reply type:	Reply
Document ID:	WQ_02956_2025
Document guid:	b8a638d3-4a66-43f8-a55f-bb7aef944974

2956 (2025). Arena Williams to the Minister for Rail: Can the Minister provide an update on work undertaken, if any, on the Rimutaka Tunnel between 1 December 2024 and 31 January 2025?

Rt Hon Winston Peters: Replacing track in the Remutaka Tunnel has been a serious undertaking, with people working in a cramped environment. Work on the tunnel started earlier in 2024, with the most work taking place over Summer. Work completed on 10 February 2025 when passenger services resumed. This work allows KiwiRail to lift a long-standing speed restriction in the tunnel, reducing travel time for Wairarapa commuters. Upgrade work on the Wairarapa Line north of the tunnel is also continuing.