6159 (2026). Tangi Utikere to the Minister for Rail

6159 (2026). Tangi Utikere to the Minister for Rail: What modelling has been done on freight diversion from rail to road caused by declining network reliability, if any, and how many additional heavy truck movements per year are expected as a result?

Rt Hon Winston Peters: The Government has made significant investments to raise the standard of the national rail network and, as KiwiRail's recent Half year report shows, more goods are now going on rail than last year (net tonne kilometres up 7 per cent). Truckometer data shows road freight volumes increased by 2 per cent, indicating an improved market share for rail. KiwiRail will manage any deferred renewals with increased inspections and maintenance to ensure services remain timely and reliable for its customers.