75336 (2024). Arena Williams to the Minister for State Owned Enterprises

75336 (2024). Arena Williams to the Minister for State Owned Enterprises: How much progress, if any, has there been on rail electrification between Auckland and Tauranga, as of 18 November 2024?

Hon Paul Goldsmith: The Government is funding the extension of Auckland’s electrified metropolitan network from its current limit in Papakura to a new limit in Pukekohe. I am advised that, as at the end of September 2024, KiwiRail works are 87 per cent completed and Auckland Transport’s electrified rail passenger services will commence on the line in early-2025. KiwiRail is also progressing the detailed business case to investigate the most cost-effective pathway to decarbonise rail freight on the busiest section of the network – the Golden Triangle between Auckland and Mt Maunganui. I am advised that KiwiRail is due to complete the business case for this work in mid-2025.