Bringing electric trains to Pukekohe

Auckland’s metro rail network was electrified from Swanson to Papakura in 2015. Electrification is now being extended beyond Papakura to Pukekohe. This means people travelling from Pukekohe will no longer need to switch trains at Papakura and will enjoy faster, quieter and cleaner journeys in modern electric trains.
By encouraging people to use public transport rather than private vehicles, electrifying more of the network will also reduce carbon emissions.


The three new train stations between Papakura and Pukekohe will also provide greater travel choice for those currently living and working in the area, and allow for the expected population growth. An additional 100,000 people are projected to live in the surrounding area over the next 30 years.


This project also includes redeveloping Pukekohe Station and improvements to signals, the rail tracks and level crossings along this 19km section of the Southern line.


The Government’s New Zealand Upgrade Programme has granted $371 million to fund the electrification.

AEP 200611

Electrification will be extended from Papakura down to Pukekohe.

Current status

Enabling works commenced in late 2020 and have included clearing vegetation, improving access to work sites, underground testing and improvements to the rail tracks.


Planning approvals for the major works were considered under the fast-track legislation. All consents for the major works were approved in August 2021. There has been significant engagement with the local community, stakeholders and iwi which will continue throughout the phases of works.

The project in detail

There will be three key changes on the network between Papakura and Pukekohe:

  1. Extending the overhead power system from Papakura to Pukekohe
  2. Upgrading existing track, signals and level crossings
  3. Redeveloping Pukekohe Station.

Extending the overhead power system from Papakura to Pukekohe 

Masts carrying overhead wires to power electric trains will be built alongside the tracks on existing rail land. These will be very similar to those already in place north of Papakura.


Masts will be built 40-50m apart along the route.

Upgrading tracks, signaling and level crossings 

Introducing electric trains to Pukekohe will mean more services and longer trains. KiwiRail is working closely with Auckland Transport to build a modern public transport interchange and support Auckland Transport’s redevelopment plans around Pukekohe Station.

Works will include:

  • A new platform layout to accommodate longer trains. Initially platforms will serve six-car trains with an option to extend them to nine-car trains in the future
  • Removing the existing station building and building modern passenger facilities to complement the bus interchange
  • Installing new overhead power masts and changing the track layout for trains to pass easily and safely through the station area
  • Building new electric train stabling

Redeveloping Pukekohe Station

Introducing electric trains to Pukekohe will mean more services and longer trains. KiwiRail is working closely with Auckland Transport to build a modern public transport interchange and support Auckland Transport’s redevelopment plans around Pukekohe Station.

Works will include:

  • A new platform layout to accommodate longer trains. Initially platforms will serve six-car trains with an option to extend them to nine-car trains in the future
  • Removing the existing station building and building modern passenger facilities to complement the bus interchange
  • Installing new overhead power masts and changing the track layout for trains to pass easily and safely through the station area
  • Building new electric train stabling
Pukekohe map horizontal

Completing electrification works

Work to electrify the network between Papakura and Pukekohe is underway and will progress in phases. KiwiRail has engaged eTRACS (a John Holland and McConnell-Dowell joint venture) and Siemens to deliver this project.  We are making every effort to minimise disruption to train users and neighbours.

Any changes to station access or parking will be advertised through clear signage. Some of the work can only be carried out while the track is closed, and Auckland Transport will operate bus replacements at these times. The schedule is yet to be confirmed. 

Work will be rolled out progressively over the next three years as follows:

Preparatory work is underway and will continue through until the end of 2021
  • Designing the new overhead power systems, station, signal and level crossing upgrades
  • Planning construction to minimise impact to neighbours and train users and gaining consents
  • Preparing the land for construction. This includes ground investigations, clearing vegetation, building access tracks, moving services and installing signal ducting.
Major works to start late 2021
  • Building foundations and installing masts
  • Installing new track
  • Upgrading safety at level crossings
  • Working at stations and along the track to future-proof the network
  • Connecting the new overhead power system to the existing electrified network
  • Installing overhead wires and testing the new systems
  • Running a public safety campaign to help keep the local community and road users safe following the changes
Paerata 6 enabling works

Preparatory works for electrification are underway

  • Paerata track works
  • Specialist vehicles are needed to do the work
  • Mercer site storage for electrification
  • Upgrading safety at level crossings
  • Building with care