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Our network
Information about property, assets and infrastructure and for people living near the rail corridor.
- Property
  KiwiRail manages rail land and property across New Zealand. Need land access, development advice, or property information? We can help.
- Assets and infrastructure
  Learn how KiwiRail maintains level crossings, rail track and rolling stock to keep New Zealand’s rail network safe, reliable and efficient.
- Communities and schools
  KiwiRail supports communities and schools across New Zealand through rail safety education, school programmes, donations and community initiatives.
Access and requirements
- Permit to Enter / Accessing the rail corridor
  Permission is required before entering or carrying out any activity near the rail line. Information about accessing our network is here.
- Inductions and trainings
  KiwiRail Learning Exchange (KLE) is KiwiRail’s Learning Management System where contractors can complete inductions and training courses online.
- Digital infrastructure
  Tools, training and resources for contractors delivering KiwiRail projects
  - Network visualisation
- Rail operators
  Rail operators other than KiwiRail can access the rail corridor under contract, and provide services to customers.
  - Rail operating rules
  - Network access standards
- Filming and photography
  Guidance for taking photos or filming at stations or on our rail and ferry networks.
Network investment
- Investment and funding
  KiwiRail is investing in New Zealand's rail network through the RNIP and future Cook Strait ferry and port infrastructure projects.
  - Rail Network Investment Programme (RNIP)
  - Cook Strait ferry replacement programme
- North Island
  KiwiRail is investing in the North Island rail network to improve infrastructure and support freight and passenger rail.
- South Island
  KiwiRail is investing in the South Island rail network to improve infrastructure and support freight and passenger rail.
  - Waltham Mechanical Hub
  - Hillside Workshops
- Where we are working
  KiwiRail and its contractors are always working to maintain and improve the rail network. Find major works here.
  - Paerata rail works
  - Ngākōroa Railway Station
Newsroom
About
- Our people
  Learn about the KiwiRail Governance Board and Executive Leadership Team.
- Sustainability
  Sustainability is central to our purpose of creating stronger connections for a better New Zealand.
- Our organisation
  KiwiRail is carrying New Zealand's rail legacy into the future, delivering connected transport services for economic, social and environmental value.
- KiwiRail businesses
  KiwiRail's freight, ferry, tourism and regional passenger services connecting people, goods and communities across New Zealand.
- Governance and publications
  We publish regular updates about our work.
- Doing business with us
  Supplying KiwiRail with goods and services.
- Glossary
  This page provides a list of common railway terms
Contact us

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About us
Sustainability
Protecting the environment

Protecting the environment

Containers with environmental artwork travelling over bridge

How KiwiRail is protecting the environment

Rail has a natural advantage as an energy efficient and low emissions mode of transport, with on average 60 percent fewer emissions on average than heavy road freight transport.

KiwiRail plays a critical role in New Zealand’s transport system and has much to offer New Zealand in the transition to a low emissions future.

Carbon Zero Programme

We have set clear carbon reduction targets to lower emissions from our operations and support the decarbonisation of New Zealand’s transport sector. We aim to reduce carbon emissions by 40% by 2035 and reach net zero carbon by 2050.

A key aspect of our Carbon Zero Programme is our close collaboration with the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA). With EECA’s support we continue to progress carbon reduction initiatives towards our 2035 target.

Driver Advice System

One of the key initiatives to improve the energy efficiency of our locomotives.

Watch our video with EECA (Opens in new tab)

Steel Wheels

Our monthly Steel Wheels report helps freight customers understand the environmental benefits of choosing rail over road.

It shows the carbon emissions and fuel savings achieved by moving freight by rail, as well as the reduction in heavy vehicle movements on New Zealand’s roads.

Customers can use this information to measure and communicate their own sustainability progress and show how choosing rail freight can help reduce transport emissions.

▼ 60% CO₂e

Every net tonne kilometre (NTK) of freight moved by rail instead of road produces on average, 60% fewer carbon emissions for the customer, country and environment.

Carbon Calculator

Fields marked with an asterisk (*) are required

Calculator type

From*

To*

Freight type*

Number of containers

Weight (tonnes)

Select a freight type to see minimum weight.

Journey*

Passengers

From*

To*

Return trip

One way

Calculating carbon emissions from a KiwiRail freight service

KiwiRail’s annual Integrated Report open_in_new has the most recent Rail Freight Carbon Intensity
(g CO₂e/NTK) figure to use in your calculations for carbon emissions from a KiwiRail freight service. Our methodology for developing this calculation has been independently verified by Toitū Envirocare (2026).

If you require further assistance with calculating carbon emissions, contact us on sustainability@kiwirail.co.nz.

Last updated: October 20, 2026