Growing the economy
How KiwiRail is growing the economy
KiwiRail helps drive sustainable economic growth by connecting businesses, communities and export markets across New Zealand.
We carry around 24% of New Zealand's exports, supporting trade and regional prosperity.
Rail delivers significant benefits beyond the tracks. The Australasian Rail Association's Benefit of Rail 2024 report found rail contributes $3.3 billion in economic, social and environmental value to New Zealand each year through reduced congestion, lower emissions, improved road safety and lower infrastructure costs.
Through Great Journeys New Zealand, KiwiRail also supports tourism and regional economies by connecting visitors with destinations across the country.
Economic benefits of climate resilience
To maintain the economic benefits of rail to New Zealand, KiwiRail needs to effectively manage the impacts of climate change, like flooding and slips, on our rail network and assets.
By investing in maintenance and renewals and proactively managing our climate risks we aim to provide more reliable services, recover faster after disruption and minimise the need for costly repairs after extreme weather.
Climate Adaptation Plan
More information about our approach to resilience can be found in our Climate Adaptation Plan.
Physical climate risk assessment
This report analysed the physical risk to our rail network and assets from various climate impacts such as heavy rainfall, fire, flooding, coastal inundation, and coastal erosion. We analysed these risks across two different emissions pathways and three time periods, out to 2100. This analysis will help inform our future design of assets and investment plans.
Risk and opportunity assessment
This assessment considered our physical climate risks (e.g., flooding or slips) and our transitional climate risks and opportunities (e.g., changes in political, social, economic or technological factors) and how these might change over time under different climate scenarios. This assessment helps to inform our business planning and strategy, as we look to capitalise on positive opportunities from being a low-carbon transport provider while managing the risks climate change may bring.