New Zealand First proposes South Island rail expansions

New Zealand First leader and Minister for Rail Winston Peters has announced plans to expand passenger rail services across the South Island. The party intends to support more frequent services for the Mainlander train, which currently operates as a monthly service between Invercargill, Dunedin, and Christchurch. Peters stated that the government aims to work with existing operators to secure a commercially sound agreement and address locomotive access issues to increase frequency.

Additionally, the party is proposing a 12-month commuter rail trial in Canterbury. This trial would aim to connect Rolleston to central Christchurch and Rangiora to Christchurch, with the goal of reducing travel times from 50 minutes by road to approximately 20 minutes by train. The initiative seeks to provide a practical alternative to road travel and build a business case for permanent rail infrastructure using existing taxpayer-owned lines.