28151 (2025). Tangi Utikere to the Minister for Rail

28151 (2025). Tangi Utikere to the Minister for Rail: What specific actions is he taking to address the projected 'retirement cliff' in the rail workforce, with over 25% of workers expected to retire within the next decade?

Rt Hon Winston Peters: This is a matter for the companies and organisations directly, however in our capacity as a shareholder for KiwiRail this topic has been raised with directors, management and union leaders. There is a high focus at KiwiRail on attracting new staff and focussing on their learning and development, including alongside older staff who can pass on their expertise. The industry generally benefits from long tenure and high dedication at yards, depots, terminals and offices around the country, and we look forward to similar levels from the next generation of railway workers.