For immediate release
23 December 2010

Don't let lack of care around Level Crossings kill this Christmas

KiwiRail and the Chris Cairns Foundation are warning people to take care around railway lines this Christmas in light of recent statistics showing that people are continuing to take unnecessary risks around level crossings.

Consultation on the future of North Auckland lines will begin in early 2011

KiwiRail will begin consultation with Northland communities early in 2011 over the future of the railway lines north of Auckland, says Chief Executive Jim Quinn.

CHINA CNR CORPORATION PREFERRED TENDERER FOR SUPPLY OF 300 WAGONS China CNR Corporation (CNR) is KiwiRail's preferred supplier of 300 CFT (container flat deck wagons) needed urgently to bolster its ageing wagon fleet, KiwiRail Chief Executive Jim Quinn confirmed today.

The addition of new locomotives to the KiwiRail fleet this month is the most significant step yet in a major investment programme to rebuild the rail business, says KiwiRail chairman John Spencer.

KiwiRail will work with NZTA to implement recommendations made by the Transport Accident Investigation Commission on the slip that derailed a Wairarapa passenger service in July last year.

1 October 2010

The KiwiRail business is turning a corner, says Chief Executive Jim Quinn, commenting on the company's results in its latest Annual Report, tabled in Parliament yesterday.

Commuter trains are running again this morning on the Paraparaumu and Johnsonville Lines, following closure due to slips.

Passengers from the two suburban trains which collided just north of Plimmerton earlier today have now been moved to a reception centre set up at the Monteiths Tavern on Mana Esplanade in Plimmerton.

KiwiRail confirmed this afternoon an incident involving two Tranz Metro trains on the Paraparaumu Line.

KiwiRail staff are continuing the painstaking task of clearing debris from the large slip which has closed the rail link through the Manawatu Gorge since Saturday.

KiwiRail confirmed that the Main North Line will re-open to trains early this evening, following a massive slip south of Kaikoura which closed the line late last week.

KiwiRail is continuing to work closely with New Zealand Transport Agency and contractors to clear a massive slip south of Kaikoura which closed both the Main North Line and State Highway 1 on Friday night (10 September).

KiwiRail is continuing to move freight by road between Blenheim and Christchurch while the Main North Line remains closed by a large slip south of Kaikoura.

Given the importance of getting goods to the people of Christchurch, KiwiRail has been working around the clock to load and move freight from its facility at Spring Creek, near Blenheim. This will continue for as long as necessary. At the same time, KiwiRail is looking at other options to supplement its road bridging' operation.

KiwiRail has announced that, due to a major slip south of Kaikoura in South Island, the TranzCoastal passenger train service is temporarily suspended and a bus replacement cannot be provided. The slip has blocked the railway line between Christchurch and Picton, which runs through Kaikoura, and also State Highway 1 which runs alongside.

KiwiRail is asking for patience from Spring Creek residents as it works extended hours to get freight to Christchurch.

After a major slip south of Kaikoura closed the Main North Line last night, KiwiRail is moving goods by road between Blenheim and Christchurch.

KiwiRail is moving freight by road between Blenheim and Christchurch after a large slip south of Kaikoura last night closed the Main North Line.

The latest earthquake aftershock in the Christchurch region has affected passenger train services out of the city but freight services are unlikely to be affected.

Rail services were again disrupted this morning following several strong aftershocks overnight.

All rail services in the Christchurch area are expected to be restored by tomorrow (Tuesday 7 September) following repairs to damage caused by Saturday's earthquake.

Rail links to Christchurch from the south should be restored later today following this morning's earthquake, clearing the way for delivery of bulk drinking water if required by Civil Defence.

KiwiRail has today taken the next step in the procurement of new electric trains for the Auckland network advising that its Request for Proposal documentation will be available to short-listed bidders from Monday.

The customer response to KiwiRail service level improvements and an export-led recovery in the later months of the financial year combined to provide the Board with reason to be optimistic about the future, Chairman John Spencer said today.

Australasian Rail Safety Week has been officially launched today by KiwiRail Chief Executive Jim Quinn, with a message to take care and obey the signs following a concerning increase in level crossing incidents.

The Stratford-Okahukura Line (SOL) that links Taranaki with the North Island Main Trunk Line near Taumarunui will remain moth-balled for at least the next two years, KiwiRail Chief Executive Jim Quinn confirmed today.

Media Advisory - 21 June 2010

The first ever International Level Crossing Awareness Day (ILCAD) takes place tomorrow, 22 June 2010. New Zealand takes the lead in observing the day because of its time-zone advantage.

KiwiRail Chief Executive Jim Quinn argues that the support of customers ensures the plan unveiled last week for the revival of the rail business has every chance of proving that history doesn't have to repeat itself.

Investment in KiwiRail announced today signals a long-term commitment to creating a business capable of standing on its own feet financially, KiwiRail Chief Executive Jim Quinn said today.

Despite difficult trading conditions over the first six months of the 2009-10 financial year, KiwiRail is making good progress towards a sustainable future, Chairman Jim Bolger said today.