75607 (2024). Shanan Halbert to the Minister of Transport

75607 (2024). Shanan Halbert to the Minister of Transport: What advice, if any, has he received about potential economic impacts arising from the Rail Network Rebuild that is estimated to add up to 96 days of full network closure between this Christmas period and the end of January 2026, by date and title?

Hon Simeon Brown: The titles and dates of the briefings I have received from KiwiRail, including any briefings on the potential economic impacts arising from the Rail Network Rebuild (RNR), are regularly published on their website: • KiwiRail - https://www.kiwirail.co.nz/who-we-are/publications-and-resources/information-released-by-kiwirail/ To ensure the success of the City Rail Link (CRL) - which was started by the previous National Government - the RNR needs to be completed ahead of the project opening to ensure Aucklanders can benefit from increased train services and improved reliability. The RNR started in January 2023 and has previously included line closures up to nine months long. While the RNR started in 2023, our Government is fully funding the completion of the RNR to ensure the benefits of the CRL can be achieved from day one. While the planned network closures between Christmas 2024 and the end of January 2026 cover around 96 days, this includes the usual network closures over the course of the year. To minimise disruption for businesses and commuters, KiwiRail is extending these normal closures, which are around periods of lower patronage. As the Member will be aware, rail bus replacements will also be running during these closures to support businesses and commuters.