KiwiRail stories
The rail operator plans to measure and report emissions, while shifting more freight off roads could cut New Zealand's annual output by 518,000 tonnes.
Trucks are still likely to dominate freight because perishable goods and last-mile deliveries favour faster, door-to-door road transport.
Auckland commuters and freight operators are set to gain from a NZD $30 billion transport spend, though congestion relief is still in doubt.
Strong log demand lifted KiwiRail’s forestry revenue 8% in six months, with converted wagons carrying more exports off roads and cutting emissions.
A 39% jump in half-year operating surplus shows freight and passenger demand held up, even as earthquake and weather disruptions hit services.
Heavy rain has forced a temporary closure of the rail link between Blenheim and Christchurch after 31 slips damaged track and road access.
A cloud-based compliance platform is giving the NZ Transport Agency, Auckland Council and contractor a single live view of consents on the $709.5m motorway.
The award recognises organisations that deliver quality products and services to help businesses maximise their endeavours.
Resilient freight links and export partnerships helped the rail operator secure the top honour after disruption tested New Zealand’s supply chain.
Freight services are easing pressure on the alternate road, with up to 2000 trucks a month expected to be taken off it during the rebuild.
Freight pressure on the inland route should ease, with up to 2,000 trucks a month set to shift back to rail after the Kaikoura quake.
Strong productivity gains lifted KiwiRail to a $52 million underlying surplus despite a $40 million hit from the Kaikoura earthquake.
Residents and travellers are being urged to stay off the Main North Line, where work trains are operating day and night after earthquake repairs.
Three deaths at level crossings in the past 18 months have prompted a Rail Safety Week drive against headphone use near tracks.
Freight may return to the quake-hit South Island rail line within a month, easing road pressure and cutting transport costs for customers.
Freight was diverted to road and shipping after the Kaikoura earthquake, and KiwiRail has been rewarded for helping keep New Zealand supplied.
Repairs are easing the Picton-Christchurch line's rebuild, with work trains now able to cross the Clarence Bridge again after earthquake damage.
Freight services on the Main North Line remain months away, with only 10 kilometres left to repair after the 2016 earthquake.
Hotworks changes at the rail operator have cut gas-cutting and welding injuries, helping it beat more than 180 entries for an award.
Freight on the Main North Line is closer to resuming as KiwiRail clears earthquake damage and shifts 102-tonne locomotives by road.
