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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

Emergencies 0800 808 400 Book KiwiRail Freight open_in_new Book Interislander open_in_new Book Scenic Trains open_in_new

Access and requirements
Rail operators
Network access standards

Network access standards

AT train next to KiwiRail train

AT train next to KiwiRail train

National Rail System Standards

NRSS 1 - Definitions (Issue 3, Effective Date 20-11-2011) (727 KB, PDF)

NRSS 2 - Safety Management (Issue 3, Effective Date 20-11-2011) (1.8 MB, PDF)

NTC National Standard for Health Assessment of Rail Safety Workers 2017 (3.9 MB, PDF)

NRSS 4 - Risk Management (Issue 2, Effective Date 11-06-2007) (128 KB, PDF)

NRSS 5 - Occurrence Management (Issue 4, 26-04-2012) (3.9 MB, PDF)

Engineering Interoperability Standards (previously NRSS/6)

M-ST-RS-8101 - Rail Vehicle Interoperability (Issue 1.1, Effective Date 12-03-2026) (2.6 MB, PDF)

M-ST-RS-8101-F01 - Rail Vehicle Data Register TEMPLATE (171 KB, DOCX)

M-ST-RS-8102 - Wheelset Dimensional Limits (930 KB, PDF)

M-ST-RS-8103 - Heritage Rail Vehicle Interoperability (Issue 1.1, Effective Date 12-03-2026) (896 KB, PDF)

NRSS 7 - Rail Operations Interoperability (Issue 2, Effective Date 11-06-2007) (114 KB, PDF)

NRSS 8 - Document Control (Issue 4.1, Effective Date 27-03-2017) (403 KB, PDF)

NRSS 9 - Audit (Issue 3, Effective Date 20-11-2011) (676 KB, PDF)

NRSS 10 - Crisis Management Procedures (Issue 4, Effective Date 04-04-2012) (63 KB, PDF)

APIS 11 - Heritage Vehicle and Train Management (Issue 2, Effective Date 19-07-2022) (751 KB, PDF)

Amendments to NRSS Standards

NRSS Amendments (272 KB, PDF)

Last updated: October 27, 2026

Rail operators
Rail operating rules
Network access standards