First train to Wiri Inland Port

Considered to be a major step forward for the Auckland region, Jens Madsen, Ports of Auckland managing director said, “New Zealand needs top quality infrastructure and a flexible mix of sea, road and rail transport options. The new link is definitely a step in the right direction”.

Adding that the link brings the ‘port to the doorstep of businesses in South Auckland’, Madsen said that exporters and importers will be able to drop off and pick up containers without having to negotiate the Auckland motorways.

This in turn will reduce road congestion, with the rail link forecast to eventually save up to 2.5m truck km annually – the equivalent of 100,000 central city truck trips.