36279 (2026). Tangi Utikere to the Minister for Rail

36279 (2026). Tangi Utikere to the Minister for Rail: What expectations, if any, has he set for KiwiRail regarding the prioritisation of passenger services over freight movements during peak periods on the Auckland metro rail network, whether by letter of expectations, statement of corporate intent, or otherwise?

Rt Hon Winston Peters: The peaks are due to passenger demand, and as such passengers are the priority during the peak. Freight is also essential for our economy, and also for reducing truck volumes in the busy Auckland centre. We have always been clear that these priorities need to be managed carefully in our communications to KiwiRail. Rail freight movements are already kept to an absolute minimum during peaks, and will continue to be so under the CRL timetable. There is space for only a small number of freight trains running during peaks, and only in south Auckland.