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Welcome to the CRL Media Centre where you will find our latest media releases, our responses to media queries and who to contact if you have a media inquiry.
To contact CRL, go here but for media queries 021 567 862
Where to find previous news releases:
2025 News Releases
On Track for 2026: CRL testing, summer rail services and what’s next
CRL Ltd, AT, KiwiRail joint release
09 December 2025
This summer we are delivering the last big push on the Rail Network Rebuild and other critical City Rail Link (CRL) preparations, with more than 1,300 people involved in repairing tracks, building new platforms, pedestrian bridges, removing level crossings and testing the new more frequent timetable that will launch when CRL opens next year.
This means closure of the Auckland rail network from 27 December to 28 January 2026, to enable crew to work efficiently and safely. The network will be fully closed for most of this time, with the exception of some Southern/Eastern and Onehunga Line services returning between 19 and 26 January.
“This work is essential to getting City Rail Link up and running, without it we simply won’t be able to run more trains, more often,” says Auckland Transport Director of Public Transport and Active Modes, Stacey van der Putten.
“Balancing delivery with minimising disruption to passengers and freight is tricky to get right. Using holiday periods, when demand is lower, means we impact fewer people, but for those staying in Auckland or working right through, we understand this is frustrating. Please stick with us, better journeys are around the corner,” says van der Putten.
When trains aren’t running, invasive work can be completed much more quickly and safely. This is needed in key areas so the network can support additional trains City Rail Link will enable.
Work completed on sections of the Southern, Eastern and Western lines has already improved reliability and speeds. Over summer, the Rail Network Rebuild programme outlined by KiwiRail a year ago will be completed, with work across at least 40 different sites.
“At Henderson Station, we are rebuilding aging foundations, installing modern drainage and renewing old assets that slow down trains. We’re building a third platform and new track at Henderson to allow space for trains to pick up and drop off passengers and change direction back into the city, making sure we get the most out of CRL into the future as services are increased,” says KiwiRail Chief Metro & Capital Programme Officer, David Gordon.
“Over the last year we’ve made huge progress on the five-year Rail Network Rebuild. Over this time, we’ve replaced more than 80 kms of rail, added 70 kms of drainage and 30kms of foundations. We’ve delivered upgrades and renewals across the whole network to make it more resilient. This sets us up to support more frequent services post-CRL and in the decades to come,” says Gordon.
Network Closures
There will be a month of rail network closures from 27 December to 28 January.
Limited train services will resume on parts of the Southern/Eastern and Onehunga Line during 19-26 January, before all lines and stations are closed again for two days after Auckland Anniversary holiday weekend, for network wide CRL timetable testing.
This is the first round of trialling the new train timetable in full to ensure it is safe, reliable and seamless from the first day CRL is open.
During these tests, trains will operate throughout Auckland but will not be able to carry passengers, as they’ll be travelling through the tunnels under strict testing rules.
To keep people moving there will be buses to replace trains, including express rail buses on the Southern Line. These are in addition to Auckland Transport’s regular bus services which train users can use to get around the city.
Ensuring we are ready to go (Please see attached graphic)
Before opening City Rail Link, project teams will be completing important work to be ready, including:
Thoroughly testing the stations, including emergency and technology systems
Testing train operations in the tunnel, and across a new network-wide timetable
Ensuring all parts of the public transport system are ready for launch
Completing planned rail network upgrade projects
Finalising the regulatory approvals needed for the CRL and new services
Being ready to open involves an integrated programme of work across City Rail Link Ltd, Auckland Transport and KiwiRail. With the work we have to go, we now know we will open CRL in the second half of 2026.
Every part of the station buildings, and each piece of technology in them needs to work as planned individually and work together as a system. This is crucial both to the everyday passenger experience, and to safety in the event of emergencies.
“System tests are progressing well, and next year will advance to include live trials with emergency services and mock ‘passengers’ inside the stations,” says City Rail Link Limited CEO Pat Brockie.
Train testing is moving from tests inside the tunnels to tests on the wider network. These require us to close the network to the public in January and again in April as we test our whole new timetable.
“This is New Zealand’s first underground railway and a major change for Auckland’s train network. Only through testing can we find and fix any issues before opening day. We have drawn on international experience from similar projects and planned a thorough programme of tests to make sure the network is safe and reliable from day one,” says Stacey van der Putten.
Still to come
Further closures are planned in the lead-up to City Rail Link opening, for rail infrastructure work, and for further tests and trials. These will be limited to weekends and public holidays as much as possible, however we are asking Aucklanders to be prepared for longer closures in the April School Holidays.
After City Rail Link opens, closures will be much less frequent – but some will still be needed. Further investment has been announced to deliver a programme of level crossing projects, including new bridges, and this work will sometimes mean lines have to be closed, alongside the usual maintenance associated with busy metro networks.
Closure details:
27 December – 18 January: Full rail network closure.
Buses replace trains while we upgrade your train network.
19 – 26 January 2026: Partial rail network closure.
Trains only running between Newmarket to Manukau on the Southern Line & on the Onehunga Line.
No trains running on the Western Line and Eastern Line between Waitemata to Otahuhu.
27 – 28 January: Full network closure for City Rail Link testing.
We're testing your future train network, so we're ready for more trains, more often when City Rail Link opens.
Trains will be operating as part of the test but will not take passengers.
All stations will be closed.
People can plan their trip using the AT Journey Planner which will let them know what public transport options are available.
Find out more Summer Rail Upgrades
Closures later in 2026 – subject to change
To complete further level crossing replacements, CRL testing and signalling upgrades, we will also need to close or partially close the network as outlined below. Exact details of closures (e.g. timing) and alternative transport options are confirmed ~3 months in advance and are often dependent on what happens during other works.
Please note that plans can also be affected by weather or other incidents on the network so may be subject to change.
6 – 8 February (Waitangi Day long weekend)
No trains running on all lines.
28 February – 1 March
No trains running on the Eastern and Southern Lines. Western Line closed between New Lynn and Swanson.
14 – 15 March
Southern Line closed south of Puhinui.
Eastern Line closed between Ōtāhuhu and Waitematā (Manukau to Ōtāhuhu served by Southern Line trains).
22 March
Full network closure for CRL timetable testing
3 – 6 April (Easter long weekend)
No trains running on all lines.
7 – 12 April (School Holidays)
Southern Line closed south of Puhinui.
Eastern Line closed between Ōtāhuhu and Waitematā (Manukau to Ōtāhuhu served by Southern Line trains).
13-15 April
Full network closure for CRL timetable testing
25 – 26 April (Anzac Day)
Trains will run in the morning on Anzac Day (25 April) until 2pm. From 2pm on 25 April and all day on 26 April, no trains running on all lines
Light at the end of the tunnel for CRL construction
Offices of Hon Chris Bishop and Hon Simeon Brown
28 November 2025
The upgraded Auckland public transport network with City Rail Link (CRL) at its heart will open to passengers in the second half of 2026.
Transport Minister Chris Bishop, Auckland Minister Simeon Brown, Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown and Auckland Deputy Mayor Desley Simpson confirmed the project is on track to open in 2026, but that significant important work still needs to happen to ensure a safe, reliable service at opening.
“The finish line for the City Rail Link is getting closer,” Minister Bishop says.
“CRL is a massive multi-billion-dollar investment for the Government and Auckland Council. New Zealand can look forward to the benefits this project will deliver next year.
“World-class new stations have taken shape, while streets and public spaces affected by construction are now reopening to Aucklanders. Work is moving from construction to systems testing and commissioning.
“Aucklanders continue to show patience and understanding as this massive construction project begins to see light at the end of the tunnel, and we want to thank them for that. It won’t be too much longer.
“Opening an underground rail line is complex. There is a thorough programme of tests to make sure the CRL is safe, and that the new train timetable is reliable from day one.”
“This announcement gives Aucklanders confidence that the City Rail Link is firmly on track to open in 2026. This is the largest transport infrastructure project in New Zealand’s history,” Minister Brown says.
“City Rail Link will transform the way Aucklanders move around their city. It will reduce travel times, increase train frequency and unlock the potential of our CBD.
“CRL is going to bring thousands more people into the city every day – supporting businesses, growing the economy, and ensuring Auckland is a world-class city.”
“The good news is Aucklanders and visitors will finally be able to use the CRL in the second half of 2026. We know this is by far the most complex project undertaken in New Zealand and it takes time to get things right,” says Mayor Brown.
“As an engineer, I appreciate there are more than 16,000 tests across every part of the project to prepare for handover and gain the safety approvals needed to open to the public.
“Every part of the station buildings and each piece of technology in them need to work as planned. This is crucial to deliver a good experience for passengers and for safety in the event of emergencies.
“What’s positive is the streets are more open with less cones, Albert St is reopening over the weekend and works around the stations will be completed early next year, bringing people back into the city.”
“The City Rail Link completion is in sight and our city centre is being rejuvenated into a greener, more vibrant and better-connected place. With other projects being finished, and new businesses and residents moving into town, the city is getting its sparkle back” says Deputy Mayor Desley Simpson.
Being ready to open involves a significant, integrated programme of work across City Rail Link Ltd, Auckland Transport and KiwiRail. City Rail Link Ltd, created to oversee building of the CRL tunnels and new and upgraded stations, expects to complete construction and testing by the end of June 2026. This will enable Auckland Transport and KiwiRail to complete preparations to open in the second half of the year.
The organisations involved are working closely together up to handover. After City Rail Link Ltd completes its work, Auckland Transport, KiwiRail and operators will need some time for the final steps to be ready for passengers, including final notifications to crews and staff whose rosters will change.
Rail Network Rebuild update
Getting the track infrastructure on the Auckland rail network ready is integral to the opening of CRL. Projects like the Henderson Station upgrade are underway now and the Rail Network Rebuild programme to renew priority areas of track, is in the final stretch ahead of CRL.
“The Rail Network Rebuild programme is making good progress, replacing foundations and upgrading drainage on the Auckland network. Once complete, this will reduce delays and allow more frequent trains in the future. There is more to do before CRL can open, including significant work during a four-week closure after Christmas,” Mr Bishop says.
Auckland Transport readiness
Auckland Transport is responsible for operating the CRL as part of the Auckland train network and is getting ready alongside its rail operator, maintenance providers and suppliers. Delivery of 23 new trains, and training of new drivers, crews, customer service staff and maintenance staff are well underway.
With new stations and routes, we need AT to update customer information along our network – timetables, ticketing and digital displays. This is a mammoth undertaking to make sure people can find their way on the new network.
Auckland’s midtown makeover: Albert Street reopens with new look (CRL/AT)
25 November 2025
Frequent buses are set to roll back onto one of Auckland city centre’s key transport routes, just in time for the busy Christmas shopping season.
With City Rail Link (CRL) construction and streetscape upgrades nearing completion, Albert Street will reopen as a new purpose-built traffic corridor from Saturday 29 November, restoring two-way access between Customs St West and Mayoral Drive.
Having just completed road line marking including fresh green paint for dedicated bus lanes, a group of CRL workers were the first “passengers” on a trial drive along Albert St this morning.
The return of buses to Albert Street means a more direct route in and out of the city centre. Mainly western and northwestern services will switch, including the Western Express (WX1). The change means fewer buses on Queen St which will make it a more friendly place to shop and socialise and help with plans to improve air quality in the area.
More than 200,000 cubic metres of rock and dirt was removed from Albert Street to build the new underground Te Waihorotiu Station and the twin tunnels lying beneath.
With station construction now largely complete, Albert St has been revamped with a new road surface including a bus and general vehicle lane in each direction, wider footpaths, new seating, and native trees. Seven large skylights – within the median strip of the road – draw natural daylight into the underground train station directly below.
“Getting Auckland moving is one of my key policies. Opening Albert Street for buses is a step towards the opening of the much-awaited City Rail Link, and another step to open up our city centre. We are starting to see real progress and it’s good that after many years of putting up with a ridiculous number of cones on city streets, we might start to see fewer cones and more people,” says Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown.
“While the CRL is being built, Council has also taken the opportunity to make other improvements in midtown, including upgrading infrastructure and public spaces. There are new private developments underway with further investment on the horizon. All this work will make it more attractive to come into the city.”
There'll be about 900 bus movements on Albert St each weekday – at peak this means a bus service every few minutes. Some of those buses will be double-deckers, capable of carrying up to 100 people, and many will be electric.
“Better links between buses and trains is a key part of our plan for a well-connected public transport network ahead of the CRL opening next year,” says Auckland Transport Director of Public Transport and Active Modes, Stacey van der Putten.
“Albert St will be at the heart of that. Te Waihorotiu is expected to become the busiest train station in Aotearoa, bringing people from across Auckland to a hub of jobs, entertainment, hospitality and culture – and to a seamless connection with frequent buses,” says Ms van der Putten.
Eight bus routes will use Albert Street, including the Western Express (WX1), frequent services 11T, 11W, and 18, as well as the 105, 106, 195 and 209. These routes will also use Vincent St and Pitt St, which have recently been upgraded by Auckland Transport.
Some construction will still be visible as work continues on projects including the Wellesley St improvements project, remaining CRL streetscape works, and further traffic optimisation projects. In the station, the focus is now on testing and commissioning.
“Albert St is just one piece of the puzzle, but every little step along this massive journey is an important one and I hope people can see we are on the verge of something great,” says Patrick Brockie, CEO of City Rail Link Ltd.
“We know some businesses in this area have done it tough, and we want to acknowledge them. Keeping roads and footpaths open during construction was a priority for us, as we set our sights on delivering something which will really help Auckland grow and prosper,” says Mr Brockie.
There’s plenty to travel for with a summer programme of events kicking off this weekend, starting with the Others Way music festival and the Santa Parade. Into December, Auckland Live venues in the Aotea Arts Quarter have an exciting programme of summer events lined up for Aucklanders and visitors alike to enjoy.
To check if your bus journey has changed, check the AT Mobile app or visit AT’s Journey Planner webpage.
Staying Connected: CRL Brings Mobile Coverage to New Rail Tunnels
28 October 2025
Aucklanders will be able to stay connected on their mobile phones and other devices when they use the City Rail Link (CRL), the country’s first underground railway, next year.
City Rail Link Ltd, its main contractor, Link Alliance, and telecommunications companies One NZ, Spark and 2degrees have begun installing the infrastructure that will bring both 4G and 5G high-speed mobile connectivity throughout the 3.45-kilometre-long CRL tunnels and at the new Te Waihorotiu, Karanga-a-Hape, and Maungawhau Stations.
“Installing technology that allows high-speed communications connectivity is an important part of delivering a world class railway for Aucklanders. Not only will passengers get to new places faster, but they will also be able to stay in touch, stream, and access information while underground” says City Rail Link Ltd’s Chief Executive Patrick Brockie.
One NZ is leading the installation of the physical infrastructure on behalf of all three network providers, supported by their technology partner Nokia. It is the first time the three mobile operators have collaborated to build a solution of this scale, ensuring continuous mobile coverage in the tunnels across their networks.
Besides keeping passengers connected, 5G also plays a vital safety role for the City Rail Link — helping protect people in the event of an underground incident.
“Connectivity underground is crucial for real-time train tracking, emergency communications, and integration of CRL with Auckland Transport systems that keep public transport running,” says Auckland Transport Chief Executive Dean Kimpton. “It will help to keep trains and passengers on time and online.”
One NZ and CRL Ltd say installing underground mobile infrastructure is a complex technical task, requiring careful coordination with the wider fit outs of the CRL station and tunnel systems.
“We're proud to be leading the design and implementation of the mobile network infrastructure for Auckland's underground transport network, helping to deliver a better-connected Aotearoa. Testing is complete, and our teams are now busy underground installing the system that will support modern urban transport and help Kiwis stay connected throughout their journeys,” says Thaigan Govender, One NZ General Manager Mobile Access Network.
Although cell coverage above ground is widespread thanks to cell towers, establishing it underground poses significant challenges. Solid materials such as concrete, steel, and earth used to build the CRL make it harder to provide consistent wireless connections.
The work involves the installation of a large amount of sophisticated hardware and software – over 350 radio transmitters connected by 74 kilometres of cabling, and 30 kilometres of leaky feeders (cables that transmit radio frequencies) – to ensure mobile coverage throughout the CRL tunnels and stations. Installation will continue into early next year and full coverage is expected when CRL opens in 2026.
Together, City Rail Link Ltd, Auckland Transport and KiwiRail are ensuring Auckland’s new world-class railway is ready to provide safe, reliable, and seamless journeys for passengers. There is still a significant amount of work to go, but the project is on track for opening in 2026.
CRL Timetable Testing Signals What’s Coming
22 October 2025 (Joint release with AT, KiwiRail, CRL)
Photos
1) CRL Test train at Parnell Station
2) Coffee delivered to train drivers during breaks
3) Timekeepers monitoring train frequencies at Waitematā platform
4) Checks at Maungawhau Station
Testing of high-frequency train services has provided a glimpse into the future new City Rail Link (CRL) timetable, with trains venturing out of the tunnels and around the inner city “loop” for the first time to simulate the services people can expect from their new train network when the CRL opens in 2026.
“This testing is a great milestone. We learned more about how the CRL will function in our network, and we found things we need to adjust, but no big hurdles. We can now tweak the timetable before the next round of testing,” says Mark Lambert Auckland Transport Group Manager Rail Services.
Thirty-five drivers were involved in the testing, driving a combined total of 290 hours over the two days. It’s the first of several network and frequency tests for CRL, which will culminate in tests of the entire new rail timetable, operating across the whole Auckland metro network next year.
“It takes a lot of planning to carry out this sort of testing, with hundreds of people involved in the preparation and on the day across CRL Ltd, KiwiRail, Auckland Transport, its network operator Auckland One Rail and CRL’s main contractor, Link Alliance,” says City Rail Link Ltd Chief Executive, Pat Brockie. “We want to thank everyone for their hard work – from the timekeepers to incident controllers, the drivers, and operation and test management teams.”
During the testing, trains ran at a frequency of 18 trains per hour in both directions through the CRL tunnels and stations. The testing extended around a loop to Grafton, Parnell and Newmarket and along the Western Line as far as Kingsland. It’s a key step towards ensuring the CRL can perform as designed, and that Auckland Transport can operate the new train timetable with more trains, more often across Auckland.
“Eighteen trains per hour, per direction, is more than we’ll be running when CRL opens, but we need to make sure we test at maximum capacity,” says Mark Lambert. “It’s all about safety and reliability. The trains simulated a normal journey, stopping at all inner-city stations so we could check they stopped in the right places, that they were stationary for the right amount of time, and that there was a safe distance between trains as they trialled the higher frequency.
The testing was also extremely valuable for the drivers involved who for the first time experienced closely following other trains through the CRL tunnels, responding to sequences from the signals. During the testing, trains ran nearly 400 times through the new tunnels, clocking up 2500km over the entire route. “Running three minutes apart, the trains were being driven closer together than drivers are used to, and a big part of this weekend was to check that this could be achieved consistently,” says Lambert.
When the CRL opens next year, Auckland’s rail network will shift into high gear, with trains running every 4–5 minutes in the city centre during peak times, and increased frequency right across the rest of the network too.
About 90% of all trains services in Auckland will pass through the CRL on their journey connecting East, South and West directly to the city centre. KiwiRail City Rail Link Programme Director Bevan Assink says “KiwiRail was excited to work with our partners on this key milestone event providing train and overhead line control services and test monitoring via our rail and digital systems. We also had rapid response staff at key metro locations ready to restore the network if anything was required – happily the testing went very well!”
Another round of timetable testing is planned for the end of November. “This isn’t a one-and-done situation – testing the timetable in real life throws up lots of variables that often can’t be seen from our modelling. Repeated testing allows us to explore those issues and make adjustments as we go. It’s important to find this out now, so we can ensure smooth reliable journeys on day one, ” says Lambert.
“With that in mind, we want to thank customers for their continued patience. We really do understand that line closures and disruptions are frustrating no matter how important the work is. Thank you for bearing with us - we want to make sure we get this right so we can provide better journeys when CRL opens in 2026.”
Major rail upgrades during extended Labour Weekend closure
20 October 2025 (Joint release with KiwiRail and AT)
Major rail upgrades to enable more frequent, reliable trains and create safer access to train stations will be carried out during an extended Labour Weekend rail closure.
Auckland trains will not be running from Friday 24 October to Monday 27 October, allowing the 24/7 work needed to be ready for City Rail Link opening next year. It means crews can work safely and deliver more work on tracks and at stations during a shorter period.
Rail replacement buses will be ready and waiting to keep Auckland moving.
Auckland Transport Director of Public Transport and Active Modes Stacey van der Putten says the four-day closure maximises the amount of work that KiwiRail, AT and City Rail Link Ltd can get done.
This includes essential upgrades, renewals, overdue maintenance and multiple large-scale infrastructure projects, for example new pedestrian bridges at three stations to improve safety as train frequencies increase.
“We're grateful for people’s patience. We schedule this type of work as close as possible to long weekends to help reduce disruption as much as possible, and squeeze in as much work as we can.
“Don’t forget that Friday 24 October is still a normal workday for many people. Plan ahead to make travel as smooth as possible," Ms van der Putten says.
“Four days with no trains allows us to blitz the network safely, getting a huge amount done – we’ll be working 24/7 where possible as we make this final push to get the network ready for the increased services CRL will bring,” says David Gordon, Chief Metro and Capital Programme Officer at KiwiRail.
Labour Weekend also marks the start of construction at Glen Innes, Takanini, and Te Mahia stations to replace level crossings with pedestrian bridges. These bridges are part of Auckland Transport, KiwiRail and NZTA’s wider programme to keep increasing rail services by replacing level crossings across Auckland with safer connections.
Rail bus replacement services stop at or near all train stations on all lines – Southern (RBS), Eastern (RBE), Western (RBW) and Onehunga (RBO). Aucklanders are also encouraged to use regular scheduled buses to and from the city centre, such as #18 from New Lynn, #70 from Panmure and #30 from Onehunga.
Passengers can visit the AT website for detailed information on replacement bus routes, station-specific maps, and journey planning tools.
City Rail Link is the biggest and most transformational rapid transit development for Auckland. When it is finished, the city will have a better, more connected transport system, making it easier to connect with people and places.
Auckland Transport and KiwiRail thank Aucklanders for their patience and support as we continue to invest in a modern, high-capacity rail system for Auckland.
Works summary:
Rail Network Rebuild priority upgrades, renewals, and overdue maintenance focusing on central suburbs such as Parnell and Morningside and along the Western Line between Glen Eden and Swanson.
Network wide installation of new fibre and cables.
Ongoing construction of new Southern Line train stations in Drury.
Renewing rail assets such as the Parnell Tunnel.
Henderson Station third platform & emergency access bridge.
Remuera Station heritage signal tower refurbishment.
Newmarket Station weathertightness renewal and glass panel replacements.
Construction and site investigations for Glen Innes, Takanini and Te Mahia Station pedestrian bridges to replace level crossings.
Supporting NZTA’s bridge work at Drury.
Waitematā Station is getting a new jet fan for tunnel ventilation as well as new monitoring and safety improvement innovations.
In the City Rail Link, old fencing is coming down at key platforms, track is being evaluated, fresh signage and communications are going in, and improvements are being rolled out with testing underway.
Preparations for track adjustments to the North Auckland Line.
CRL returns much-loved square to the community
3 October 2025
After almost six years of construction, the City Rail Link (CRL) project is today returning a much-loved, new and improved community space to the Karangahape Road community when Beresford Square reopens.
“We know Beresford Square is an important focal point for the community and we’re delighted to return to them a vibrant plaza that is upgraded and people-focused,” says City Rail Link Ltd’s Chief Executive, Patrick Brockie. “Community support is a critical part of delivering a project successfully and I want to thank our fantastic neighbours for their patience and goodwill during many years of construction.”
Over the years CRL Ltd, its lead contractor, Link Alliance, Auckland Council and Auckland Transport have collaborated with the Karangahape Road Business Association on the square’s revamp, complemented by streetscape upgrades across surrounding area.
“Auckland is becoming a truly connected city, and the opening of Beresford Square is the latest step towards a transport-friendly and transformed city centre – enabled by the City Rail Link project,” says Auckland Transport’s Jane Small, Group Manager Rail and Rapid Transit Infrastructure.
Beresford Square is one of two entrances to CRL’s Karanga-a-Hape Station (the other is nearby in Mercury Lane).
The entrance includes te ao Māori in its design, with the striking vent pou, bronze-cast manaia, and a maramataka installation that celebrates the Māori lunar calendar – all expressing a uniquely Tāmaki Makaurau identity. A dappled paver effect across the square represents Tāne Mahuta (god of the forest).
The upgrade also includes native tree plantings and a new retail space to open with the station next year, adding to Beresford Square’s character as the place to meet, socialise and shop. Auckland Transport has also been upgrading surrounding streets, with new cycleways, street furniture, trees, bus connections and resurfaced roads.
There will still be some ongoing low-level construction in the area as finishing works take place.
Locals will waste no time putting the upgraded square to good use.
“The Karangahape Road community is thrilled to see Beresford Square reopen. We invite all Aucklanders to celebrate with us and help bring the square to life at our First Saturday FAM market from 10 am tomorrow (Saturday 4 October),” says Jamey Holloway, General Manager of the Karangahape Road Business Association.
When CRL opens next year, passengers using Beresford Square will ride a 40-metre-long escalator - New Zealand’s longest – to get to and from Karanga-a-Hape’s platforms. The station will be the country’s deepest, 33 metres below ground.
Fencing will remain around the station entrance while extensive testing and commissioning continues below ground.
Ministers and Mayor ride CRL train under Auckland
8 August 2025
Auckland’s City Rail Link (CRL) celebrated an exciting milestone today, welcoming Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown, Government Ministers, civic leaders and project partners as passengers on the transformational railway under the central city.
“The Government and Auckland Council are joint funders of the $5.5 billion project, and we’re delighted to have been able to show off the progress we are making and offer a preview of the benefits thousands of Aucklanders will enjoy when CRL opens next year,” says City Rail Link Ltd’s Chief Executive, Patrick Brockie.
The train travelled beneath the city centre through the twin 3.45 kilometre-long tunnels, starting atthe new Maungawhau Station and passing through Karanga-a-Hape and Te Waihorotiu underground Stations and Waitematā Station (Britomart) before returning to Maungawhau.
Mr Brockie says with heavy construction complete, work is focused on commissioning and testing all the tunnel and station systems necessary to operate the CRL safely.
“While the finish line is getting closer, there is still a lot of work to be done before the CRL can open to passengers in 2026,” he says.
The trip was organised under strict safety protocols as part of the CRL’s rigorous train testing phase.
Since the first test train ran in February this year, more than 1,600 individual test train journeys have already taken place inside the tunnels and Mr Brockie says there is a lot more to do to ensure the CRL and future train services are safe and reliable.
“We know from lessons learned overseas, this is our most challenging and complex phase andgetting this right for Aucklanders is our utmost priority.”
All project partners are working together to complete and open the CRL as quickly as possible to deliver the largest ever change to Auckland’s public transport network.
“We can’t wait to show more people just how transformational City Rail Link will be for Auckland’s wider rail network. It allows for a rethink of our train lines giving customers more choice in how the travel and ways get to where they’re going faster,” says Auckland Transport Chief Executive Dean Kimpton.
“There’s still a long ‘to-do list’ before we can open in 2026 and together with our partners, we are working hard to be ready for day one. We’re hiring front line staff, procuring new trains, updating bus routes, improving streets, paths and bus stops around our new stations and removing level crossings from our rail network,” says Dean Kimpton.
KiwiRail Chief Executive Peter Reidy says KiwiRail continues to deliver significant upgrades to the metro network to support the increased services City Rail Link will bring.
“In Auckland we are carrying out work which would normally take a decade but is being delivered in three to four years.
“While working closely with our partners to ensure rigorous testing and commissioning of the City Rail Link, KiwiRail is also modernising our older rail assets so they can support significantly more trains and passengers.
“We have delivered large new infrastructure projects to support this – Pukekohe to Papakura electrification, Third Main Line and Wiri to Quay Park, Western Power Feed – and continue at pace with the final stages of our Rail Network Rebuild and constructing three new stations in southern Auckland.”
CRL is New Zealand’s first underground railway.
Double bonus for City Rail Link’s “amazing achievement”
26 June 2025
Shifting the bar higher for New Zealand’s infrastructure industry has delivered a double bonus for Auckland’s game-changing City Rail Link (CRL).
The project has received two top-tier leading ratings from the Australian-based Infrastructure Sustainability Council (ISC):
An As-Built leading rating specifically for the design and construction of its main C3 tunnels and stations contract delivered by Link Alliance covering the work to build the Te Waihorotiu, Karanga-a-Hape and Maungawhau Stations, including its use of a tunnel boring machine between Maungawhau and Te Waihorotiu.
An As-Built leading rating for the overall CRL project covering the design and construction of C1, C2 and C3 contracts - CRL’s entire 3.45 kilometres route of tunnels and stations.
The CRL is now the first project to be awarded ISC’s Leading IS (Mahi Rauora Aratohu version 1) As Built programme rating overall. The entire CRL project—from Waitematā to Maungawhau - is now officially recognised as meeting the highest sustainability standards ever awarded in New Zealand.
ISC Chief Executive, Toby Kent, praised the CRL team’s “amazing achievement” and its commitment to the practice of sustainability.
AWARD NIGHT: From left Toby Kent, Chief Executive of Infrastructure Sustainability Council, Doug Boddy, Link Alliance Environmental and Sustainability Manager, Edith Tuhimata from CRL’s Mana Whenua Forum, and Patrick Brockie, Chief Executive, City Rail Link Ltd.
“The ISC is proud to see New Zealand's biggest transport infrastructure project adopt sustainability into the DNA of its operations. This has been an amazing achievement and demonstrates the overwhelmingly positive social, economic and environmental good that is possible to achieve through an IS Rating," Mr Kent says.
CRL Ltd Chief Executive, Patrick Brockie, says the Council’s independent assessment is a powerful endorsement of the values and hard mahi adopted and demonstrated by the project, contractors and subcontractors from day one.
“Success for CRL Ltd and our Link Alliance delivery partner is testament to the passion, commitment, and tenacity of the many talented people who have delivered a project that is not just good for Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, but good for the sector, shifting the needle on how we integrate sustainability, environment, social outcomes and culture into large scale infrastructure projects,” says Mr Brockie.
The Infrastructure Sustainability Council praised the commitment by CRL Ltd, Link Alliance and mana whenua to imbed Māori cultural values in the project’s design, and deliver positive social outcomes for Māori, Pasifika and rangatahi (youth) by creating employment and training opportunities and supporting Māori and Pasifika businesses with supply chain opportunities.
“Te Ao Māori has environmental sustainability at its very core,” says Edith Tuhimata from the project’s Mana Whenua Forum, “and we have an inherent responsibility to future generations for the way we conduct our businesses and the impacts that has on the environment and the people, if we take care of the Taiao (environment), the Taiao will take care of us. Mana Whenua bring a holistic approach to the CRL project to ensure whakapapa links are acknowledged and the best practical environmental, sustainable, social and cultural outcomes are achieved.”
Alongside positive social outcomes, the ISC was impressed by CRL’s protection of the environment: substantially reducing the project’s carbon footprint; savings around the use of construction and operational energy; more efficient use of water and materials; a dramatic reduction in waste earmarked for landfill; use of high-tech computer technology to help produce more efficient design and construction methodology.
Link Alliance Project Director Jean-Philippe Guillemenot says: “We’re proud of the environmental, social, cultural and economic outcomes achieved. The innovations developed by the team has left a legacy, many sustainability firsts for New Zealand, and new benchmarks for future infrastructure projects.”
Mr Brockie added that once operational in 2026, CRL will give Aucklanders more sustainable transport choices.
“We are determined to leave Auckland a better place than when we started construction and our success with the two Infrastructure Sustainability Council leading ratings certainly demonstrates that we are on the right track,” Mr Brockie says.
The contracts included in the ISC leading ratings are:
C1 - Waitematā Station (Britomart)/Lower Queen Street and Commercial Bay: designers Aurecon, Mott MacDonald and Jasmax; delivered by Downer and Soletanche Bachy Joint Venture
C2 – northern end of Albert Street between Customs Street/Commercial Bay and Wyndham Streets: designers Aurecon, Mott MacDonald, Grimshaw, Jasmax, Arup; delivered by Connectus (McConnell Dowell and Downer Joint Venture)
C3 - Main Tunnel, Stations, Western Line Connection and Rail Systems, delivered by Link Alliance (Vinci Construction Grands Projets, Downer, Soletanche Bachy, WSP, AECOM, Tonkin+Taylor and CRL Ltd)
Iwi represented on CRL’s Mana Whenua Forum: Te Ākitai Waiohua, Te Kawerau a Maki, Ngāti Maru, Ngāti Paoa, Ngāi Tai ki Tāmaki, Ngāti Tamaoho, Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, Ngāti Te Ata Waiohua
Matariki Weekend rail closure – getting one step closer to CRL
One Client release
13 June 2025
Major rail upgrades to bring more frequent and reliable services mean no trains will be running from Friday 20 June to Monday 23 June 2025, as essential upgrade works are carried out across the city’s rail lines over the extended Matariki long weekend.
This closure across the Eastern, Western, Southern, and Onehunga Lines is needed so that KiwiRail, City Rail Link Limited and AT can continue vital network upgrade works ahead of the City Rail Link opening in 2026.
No trains will operate during this period, including on Monday 23 June, a standard weekday. People should also be aware there will be changes to train services during the upcoming winter school holidays.
To support passengers, AT will operate frequent all-stop rail replacement bus services throughout the rail closure period. For some passengers AT’s regular scheduled bus services will also be a good alternative.
AT’s Group Manager Rail Services Mark Lambert says closures like this are needed to get the wider Auckland rail network ready for the faster, more frequent train services that will come when the City Rail Link opens.
“We understand this closure will be disruptive—especially with Monday being a regular workday—but it is a necessary step to ensure the future reliability and efficiency of our rail network,” Mr Lambert says.
“We’ve timed this work over a long weekend to reduce disruption for our passengers as much as possible, and we’re doing everything we can to keep people moving.”
The upgrade work includes track renewals, foundation upgrades and drainage improvements as part of KiwiRail’s Rail Network Rebuild programme, the installation of fibre optic cables across the rail network, and maintenance work at train stations that would be too disruptive to undertake when services were running.
“The work AT and our partners are doing now will help unlock the benefits of the City Rail Link and transform how people move around our city,” Mr Lambert says.
We know that for many people this is likely to be frustrating. But this is a once-in-a-generation upgrade, so we’re asking Aucklanders to bear with us just a little longer so we can deliver a faster, more reliable, and more frequent rail service for everyone.”
KiwiRail Chief Metro and Capital Programme Officer David Gordon says: “KiwiRail is progressing works at pace especially on the Southern Line where we still have more to do to improve foundations and drainage to ensure our network is resilient.”
“Our teams will be working night and day to get as much completed as possible during the four days.”
Extended Matariki weekend rail closure
The extended rail closure over Matariki weekend extends from Friday 20 June to Monday 23 June.
Buses will replace trains on all lines, with all-stops rail replacement buses stopping at or near every train station.
Newmarket and Remuera stations will be fully closed during this period to enable work to progress more quickly on station maintenance projects.
Information for passengers about the closure and alternative transport options is being shared widely across AT’s customer communication channels and at stations.
The AT Journey Planner (on the AT Mobile app or AT website) is the easiest way for people to plan their journeys while train services aren’t running.
Partial rail closure during the winter school holidays
There will be also changes to train services from 28 June to 13 July during the winter school holidays.
Parts of the Southern Line will be closed for essential drainage works and reduced frequencies will be in place for the rest of the Southern Line, the Eastern Line, and the Western Line.
The Onehunga Line will retain its all-day 30-minute service during this period.
Rail replacement buses, including an express service will serve closed parts of the Southern Line as we do our best to keep passengers moving.
The City Rail Link will bring Auckland closer together
City Rail Link will double the number of Aucklanders within a 30-minute train journey to the central city and increase rail capacity by at least 50 per cent on its opening day.
It will also significantly cut journey times – for example Henderson to the city centre in just 35 minutes (save 24 minutes). Another example is Maungawhau Station (formerly Mt Eden) to Waitematā (Britomart) in under 10 minutes, which is about half the current time.
Trains will run more frequently - every four minutes through the central city, every five minutes from all stations north of Puhinui on the Southern and Eastern Lines, every 8 minutes on the Western Line from Henderson and every 10 from Pukekohe.
Successful CRL train test signals Auckland’s bright future
13 February 2025
A giant, slow step in a journey that will transform travel in New Zealand’s largest city was completed successfully last night when a test train made its first trip through the full length of Auckland’s City Rail Link (CRL) tunnels.
The 3.45-kilometre-long inaugural journey ran south from Waitematā Station (Britomart) under central Auckland past the new underground stations at Te Waihorotiu and Karanga-a-Hape to Maungawhau Station on the Western/North Auckland Line.
The three-carriage train left Waitematā station on time at 9pm and took two-and-a-half hours to complete its first journey. The speed was deliberately slow – around five kilometres an hour – allowing technicians to complete their first round of underground checks and balances relating to tunnel clearance, power supply and signalling. The train successfully completed five trips during the night.
The successful test run is welcomed by Auckland Council which, along with the Government, funds New Zealand’s largest transport infrastructure project.
“This is momentous for Auckland and the City Rail Link programme, which has had its fair share of challenges,” says Mayor Wayne Brown. “It’s good to see progress being made because Auckland deserves a public transport system that will deliver benefits for Aucklanders and visitors alike. I’ve always said I was determined to get the project finished and over the line, and we can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel.”
Getting the green signal to proceed came after exhaustive planning and safety checks that peaked last week when the tunnels’ overhead lines were energised ready to provide the electricity to power trains.
City Rail Link Ltd’s Chief Executive, Patrick Brockie, described the journey as a “colossal milestone” that the project had been working towards since spades first went in the ground at Britomart in 2016.
“City Rail Link Ltd was established to deliver NZ’s biggest infrastructure project – one that will be an absolute gamechanger for Auckland. Last night’s test run is a major step in our transition from a construction site into a railway and we now start a comprehensive testing schedule ahead of people riding the train next year,” says Mr Brockie.
CRL is a new rail connection that turns dead-end Waitematā into a through line station to better connect the central city and the wider rail network.
KiwiRail says the first end-to-end journey launched a key testing phase to confirm trains can seamlessly transition between CRL and the wider network.
“This is a huge milestone for the CRL project and all our partners. We’ve all worked tirelessly to get to this point and seeing a train make its first journey through the full length of the tunnels is true cause for celebration. Last night’s first end-to-end journey launches the key ‘dynamic’ train testing phase of the CRL project to confirm that trains and the CRL infrastructure can seamlessly integrate with the wider KiwiRail network,” says Bevan Assink, KiwiRail’s Programme Director City Rail Link.
“These tests will accelerate in the coming weeks. This includes brake testing on what is one of the steepest sections of railway in New Zealand, recovery procedures and the start of hands-on training for drivers. The start of CRL dynamic testing in the tunnels closely follows another key milestone - the successful completion of KiwiRail’s latest stage of its network upgrade programme, where significant progress was made with major network rebuild works over the summer holidays,” says Mr Assink.
Auckland Transport director public transport and active modes Stacey van der Putten says: “When City Rail Link opens in 2026 it will better connect Aucklanders to the people and places they want to visit. For the first time the rail network is joined up for trains at the heart of our public transport system."
“The test train has made the first direct, easier journey that tens of thousands of people will be making every day. But before that happens, we’ve still got a lot of work to do to make sure journeys on Auckland’s new railway are safe, reliable and seamless from day one,” says Ms van der Putten.
Running trains through the tunnels is but one part of a busy schedule of tests and checks working to ensure Aucklanders can use a world class rail system in 2026. Work includes testing complex tunnel ventilation systems, tunnel supervision and security, lighting, upgraded communications, and providing hands-on training for Auckland’s metro drivers and station staff – and many more.
“At all times,” Mr Brockie says, “safety is our absolute priority.”
Mr Brockie acknowledged the work of his CRL Ltd team, the project’s main Link Alliance contractors, KiwiRail, Auckland Transport and Auckland One Rail.
“Everyone involved in being ready for the first train has the right to be proud – a great achievement that demonstrated the very best in innovation and co-operation to deliver an outstanding outcome for Auckland and its more accessible future,” he says.
First test train journeys through City Rail Link
Hon Chris Bishop, Hon Simeon Brown
A test train has now completed its first trip through the full length of the City Rail Link (CRL) tunnel in Auckland, representing a critical step forward in this game-changing public transport project for our largest city, Transport Minister Chris Bishop and Minister for Auckland Simeon Brown say.
“Started under the previous National Government, CRL will double Auckland’s rail capacity and reduce congestion when it opens in 2026, enabling Aucklanders to get to where they want to go quickly and safely meaning a more productive Auckland. There is still a lot more work to do, but it’s great to see measurable progress being made on site as we countdown to the CRL opening next year,” Mr Bishop says.
“The CRL tunnel’s overhead lines were energised last week, enabling power to be provided to trains in the tunnel. The first test train ran a 3.45km-long journey last night, from Britomart Station to Mt Eden on the new underground section of railway, the first train to travel on a brand-new rail line since 2012.
“This important test train allowed technical experts to complete their first round of testing relating to tunnel clearance, power supply and signalling. Further testing will ramp up in coming weeks, including brake testing, recovery procedures, tunnel ventilation systems, supervision and security systems, lighting, communications, and the start of hands-on training for Auckland’s metro drivers and station staff, among many others.”
“CRL will be a gamechanger for Auckland’s public transport network, turning Britomart from a dead-end station into a through station, enhancing connections between the central city and the wider rail network,” Simeon Brown says.
“The first train through CRL is an important milestone for the project. Once complete, CRL will result in significant time savings, and make public transport a much more viable option for Aucklanders.”
“This is momentous for the City Rail Link programme and Auckland ratepayers who have made a significant contribution, alongside government, to get this project completed,” says Mayor Wayne Brown.
“Our city deserves a public transport system that will deliver for Aucklanders and visitors alike. I’ve always said I was determined to get the project finished and over the line, and while the project has had its fair share of challenges and there are lessons we’ll take from it, I’m pleased to see that progress has been made and that we can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel.”
“I want to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of everyone involved in the CRL project to get us to this point. There is a lot more work to do, but today represents an important milestone in moving from a construction site into a railway,” Mr Bishop says.
“Tens of thousands of Auckland commuters are right behind you, and they’re looking forward to experiencing the benefits your hard work will deliver when CRL opens next year.”
Note to editors:
Once operational, City Rail Link (CRL) benefits for Auckland passengers at peak times include:
On the Southern Line – trains every 5 minutes (compared to 10 minutes currently) north of Puhinui, every 8 minutes between Papakura and Homai, and every 10 minutes between Pukekohe and Drury
On the Eastern Line – trains every 5 minutes between Sylvia Park and Ōrākei
On the Western Line – trains every 8 minutes between Swanson and Maungawhau
Subject to Auckland Transport confirming train timetables, the combination of using the CRL tunnel and reduced temporary speed restrictions are expected to see:
Maungawhau (Mt Eden) to Waitematā (Britomart): under 10 minutes (half the current time)
Kingsland to Waitematā (Britomart): 13 minutes (8 minutes faster than currently)
Henderson to Waitematā (Britomart): 38 minutes (8 minutes faster than currently)
First CRL test train set to start
12 February 2025
Auckland’s City Rail Link (CRL) is set to start testing trains in the project’s tunnel overnight tonight (February 12/13) pending final checks being successfully completed.
The planned start of running test trains through the tunnel follows two significant milestones: the successful energisation of the tunnel’s overhead electric lines earlier this month, and the official handover of the new tunnels and track for train testing to KiwiRail in the early hours of this morning.
City Rail Link Ltd’s Chief Executive, Patrick Brockie, says testing trains in a ‘live’ tunnel is an exciting milestone that starts the transition of the project from construction site into a railway.
“We’ve been working towards this milestone since construction began and it’s exciting to see the project getting closer to being able to deliver the significant benefits Aucklanders can expect when it opens.”
Mr. Brockie adds that tonight’s train running is the first of a comprehensive testing programme that will start with trains running slowly – with safety at the forefront.
“Safety is the absolute priority. New Zealand has limited experience with this phase of the project, particularly in a tunnel. We are dealing with 25 thousand volts of electricity and before the first test train drives into the tunnel, we have to ensure the safety of everyone involved,” Mr Brockie says.
The test train’s 3.45 kilometre journey overnight between the Maungawhau and Waitematā (Britomart) Stations will be deliberately slow – around five km/h – to allow technicians on board to complete their first round of checks underground.
Tonight marks the start of an extensive programme of train testing that will accelerate in the coming weeks and continue right up until opening.