With 30 collisions at public level crossings this year so far, KiwiRail is urging people to take great care around level crossings this summer.

KiwiRail's new track maintenance fleet was commissioned today, part of a $25 million project to improve the efficiency and quality of New Zealand's rail track maintenance.

Rick van Barneveld started in his new role today as General Manger of KiwiRail Network. KiwiRail Network (ONTRACK) is the infrastructure division of KiwiRail.

KiwiRail plans to remove a tunnel on the Midland Line near Stillwater next year to improve the line's reliability and capacity.

Interislander has today announced the decision to renew the lease on Cook Strait Ferry Kaitaki for a further three years, keeping her in New Zealand until 2013.

Launch of new pilot to promote wellbeing within the company.

KiwiRail has teamed up with the Heart Foundation to develop a comprehensive workplace health programme designed to help workers reduce their risk of developing heart disease. This was launched to staff today on board Interislander's ferry Kaitaki.

KiwiRail today celebrates the first extension to the Auckland rail network in nearly 80 years.

Together with Manukau City Council and the Auckland Regional Transport Authority, KiwiRail will today mark the start of construction on the Manukau Rail Link, which is the first new rail route to be built in Auckland since the Eastern Line in 1930.

A major railway signalling technology change was successfully completed in Wellington this weekend.

Control of signalling at the entry to Wellington Station was switched to a computerised system, from a mechanical relay system dating from the 1960s. Signalling is the rail equivalent to traffic lights, directing the flow of trains on different lines.

Wellington Region Rail Programme Director David Gordon said staff worked around the clock over the weekend to make the change, ready for peak services this morning.

The luxury lounge on Kaitaki, the largest Cook Strait ferry, is experiencing a big jump in popularity according to Interislander. Passenger numbers are significantly up on the same period last year.

Due to increasing demand for train services between Auckland and Wellington, The Overlander will run extra services over the July school holidays and return to summer peak, 7 day services in September rather than December, according to Tranz Scenic.

KiwiRail is providing qualified support to the idea of cyclists sharing some sections of the rail corridors as part of a national cycleway - provided issues of safety, cost and access for maintenance work can be addressed. KiwiRail Network (ONTRACK) is meeting the Ministry of Tourism today to discuss what contribution rail can make.

The decision by a major central North Island timber mill to switch from road to rail to move its export products to Wellington's CentrePort, is a result of KiwiRail Group's push to link major industrial and commercial sites to main lines.

New high tech check in facilities are smoothing the passage for commercial vehicles crossing the Cook Strait, says Interislander. Part of a multi $Million upgrade of the Wellington and Picton ferry terminals, the new terminal infrastructure layout and integrated IT control system will speed the loading and turnaround of Interislander's vessels while providing commercial vehicle customers with accurate information to help their business.

The Government's announcement today of funding for new locomotives for the rail freight network and Tranz Scenic carriages is recognition of the important role rail plays in the New Zealand economy, the Chairman of KiwiRail, Jim Bolger said today.

The Government announced funding of $115 million for 20 new locomotives and 17 passenger carriages for KiwiRail's Tranz Scenic Fleet.

As a culmination of the centenary celebrations of the North Island Main Trunk line linking Auckland and Wellington, Tranz Scenic have organised a special excursion weekend for the 14th and 15th of February.

KiwiRail Group has appointed Auckland businessman Jim Quinn as its new Group Chief Executive.

Passengers travelling on Tranz Metro trains may soon see an unfamiliar sight, a new electrically powered carriage train. The weekday service trial will change some timetables on the Upper Hutt and Paraparaumu lines while introducing new air-conditioned services.