- Hon Chris Bishop
- Rt Hon Winston Peters
The new Drury and Paerātā railway stations have been formally opened today, with services beginning tomorrow and weekday peak trains running every 10 minutes, Rail Minister Winston Peters and Transport Minister Chris Bishop say.
The stations will serve Drury, Paerātā, Franklin and South Auckland, with each station providing two platforms, 350 car parks and bus connections.
“Around 130,000 more people are expected in this part of Auckland over coming decades, and infrastructure must come before growth – not years afterwards, as too often happens in this country,” Mr Peters says.
“These stations are here because we funded them when last responsible for rail, as part of our wider commitments to unlock capacity, lift train frequencies, invest more than $500 million to get the network up to standard, and enable electric trains from Britomart right down to Pukekohe.
“While others say nice words about rail, we fund it, deliver it, and on this happy occasion are still here to open it.
“We will keep advocating for rail because taxpayers have built an asset with real potential to move people and goods efficiently – and we intend to make full use of it.”
Mr Bishop says the stations are part of the Government’s recent investment in Auckland’s rail network and will support growth in the south.
“These stations are among the final elements of a recent $2.4 billion dollar Government investment in Auckland’s rail network,” Mr Bishop says.
“The Auckland Rail Network Rebuild has been completed in time for the City Rail Link (CRL) to open soon. We’re also replacing level crossings across the network to support more frequent train services.
“The Third Main Line is now open, separating freight and passenger rail services, while the rail line to Pukekohe has been electrified. Looking ahead, new rail stations at Ngākōroa are also set to open in 2027.
“This is about investing in infrastructure that will help allow our largest city to grow.
“Our investment is delivering convenient and reliable trains, to help improve productivity, and new infrastructure out here in southern Auckland to enable housing and business growth.”
