Access Planning and Protection Service Charges
KiwiRail provides access planning, permit coordination, and rail protection services to support safe work within and around the rail corridor.
The charges below apply to the assessment, planning, coordination, and administration required to facilitate access to the rail network. All charges are exclusive of GST.
Permit to Enter (PtE) Application Charges
|
Permit Type |
Fee (Excl. GST) |
Target Processing Time |
|
Minor Works |
$975.00 |
10 working days |
|
Medium Works |
$1,350.00 |
20 working days |
|
Major Works |
$3,250.00 |
30 working days |
|
Programme Permit (Annual) |
$3,250.00 |
30 working days |
|
Urgent Processing |
$1,250.00 (additional) |
As soon as practicable |
|
Permit Amendment |
$600.00 (additional) |
As soon as practicable |
Permit Categories
Permit categories are determined by KiwiRail based on the scope, complexity, duration, location, operational impact, and risk associated with the proposed activity.
Processing Timeframes
Processing timeframes commence once all required documentation has been submitted and accepted as complete.
Applications requiring additional information, specialist review, rail protection planning, or operational approval may require additional time.
Payment
Applicable fees must be paid before access to the rail corridor is granted.
KiwiRail-Sponsored Works
KiwiRail may sponsor Permit to Enter application fees for approved KiwiRail-directed projects.
Eligibility is assessed on a case-by-case basis and is generally limited to activities being undertaken on behalf of KiwiRail.
Programme Permit (Annual Permit)
A Programme Permit (Annual Permit) may be available for organisations undertaking recurring, low-risk activities across multiple locations during a 12-month period.
Eligibility is assessed by KiwiRail on a case-by-case basis and may be subject to specific conditions, notification requirements, geographic limitations, and approved work methods.
A Programme Permit does not remove the requirement to:
- Notify KiwiRail of planned activities where required.
- Obtain rail protection arrangements where necessary.
- Comply with all permit conditions and safety requirements.
- Obtain any additional approvals required for higher-risk or operationally sensitive activities.
Permit Amendments
A permit amendment is required where approved permit details change after issue.
Examples include:
- Changes to the scope of work.
- Changes to work dates or duration.
- Changes to work locations.
- Changes to contractors or subcontractors.
- Changes to access requirements, methodology, or supporting documentation.
The amendment fee covers the review, reassessment, coordination, and administration required to update an approved Permit to Enter.
Email us on: Corridor Access Team
Rail Protection - Service Charges
Where rail protection is required, rail protection is managed and coordinated by KiwiRail.
KiwiRail will arrange the appropriate protection resources in accordance with operational, safety, and workforce requirements.
|
Service |
Rate (Excl. GST) |
|
Rail Protection Officer (Nationwide)* |
$107.50 per hour* |
|
Protection Consultancy, Administration and Access Planning |
$150.00 per hour |
|
Overnight Allowance (where the nearest KiwiRail depot is more than one hour from the worksite) |
$230.00 per night |
|
Block of Line Manager |
$150.00 per hour |
|
Block of Line Briefing – Compulsory to attend |
No charge |
|
Auditing / Revalidations / Safety Observations/ |
$300.00 per quarter per person OR $1,000.00 per year per person |
|
Rework/ late forms and access applications |
$150.00 per hour |
|
HiRail vehicle |
$475 per day |
*Subject to review of overall works plan and number of protection officers required
Travel and Accommodation
Travel and accommodation costs may apply where protection or support activities require KiwiRail personnel to travel to the worksite.
Any additional costs will be communicated during the planning process.
Cancellation Policy
When rail protection resources are booked, that time is reserved specifically for the planned activity.
If protection services are cancelled or postponed with less than ten working days' notice, the full cost of the booked protection may be charged.
To avoid cancellation charges, notice must be provided at least five working days before the scheduled activity.
Compliance with Permit Conditions
All permit holders and contractors must comply with the conditions of their Permit to Enter (PtE), approved work plans, and applicable KiwiRail safety requirements.
Where non-compliance is identified, KiwiRail may issue a Letter of Expectation, require corrective actions, review future access arrangements, or apply additional controls before further access is approved.
Contact Us
For enquiries regarding permits, charges, or rail corridor access requirements, please contact the National Corridor Access team:
nationalpermits@kiwirail.co.nz
