3863 (2026). Francisco Hernandez to the Minister for Rail

Written Question

Published date: 23 Feb 2026

Metadata

Document type:	Written Question
Parliament number:	54
Question number:	3863 (2026)
Question asked:	09 Feb 2026
Member asking:	Francisco Hernandez
Portfolio:	Minister for Rail
Minister replying:	Rt Hon Winston Peters
Answer received:	18 Feb 2026
Status:	Question Answered
Reply type:	Reply
Document ID:	WQ_03863_2026
Document guid:	2faa1487-1170-4565-b371-dca024e9f24a

3863 (2026). Francisco Hernandez to the Minister for Rail: How many graduate positions, if any, were there in the Minister’s departments, agencies, crown entities and any other bodies that the Minister is responsible for, if any, between November 2024 and November 2025?

Rt Hon Winston Peters: KiwiRail has a graduate programme with placements in rolling stock engineering, infrastructure engineering, commercial freight and other roles to grow young talent for the rail sector. This is in addition to apprenticeship programmes which develop skills in network and mechanical operations. The total number of graduate positions hired in 2024 was 18 and in 2025 nine. As the graduate programmes are typically two years long, the combined number represent the answer to your question. For you interest, there are 14 graduates due to be employed at KiwiRail this year. Ferry Holdings does not have a graduate programme.