KiwiRail has shared an update on three new train stations being built between Drury and Paerata in the North Island of New Zealand.  

Combined with the completed Papakura to Pukekohe electrification project, the new stations are intended to make travelling by train more accessible for the wider community and provide faster routes into Auckland city.  

KiwiRail said “major progress” has been made on the project, with test trains stopping at each platform for the first time to check the clearances between the trains and the new infrastructure. 

At Drury, both stairwells have been installed, along with platform stairs, under-track pipelines, pedestrian bridge barriers and platform shelters.  

The lift on the Great South Road side is now complete, with the other almost finished, carpentry is underway and construction is ongoing on the stairwell roofs. 

At Paerātā, six 35-metre beams for the road over rail bridge have been installed. The beams, weighing 65,000 kilograms each, were placed in a single day using a 600-tonne crane. 

Beams, structural steel, and barriers have been installed for the pedestrian bridge, and steel and carpentry work is progressing across the pedestrian bridge, lift shafts, and stairwells.  

At both stations, asphalting has been completed for the car parks, along with the line marking, wheel stops, lamp posts, and bus shelter installations. The wetlands and landscaping are also complete. 

Works in the forecourt areas have commenced, including the installation of lights, speakers, emergency egress stairs, additional shelters, yellow tactile pavers, and wiring.  

Artwork by Mana Whenua features on the pedestrian bridge and road bridge barriers, which KiwiRail said provides a “vital link” between the new structures and surrounding environment. 

Drury and Paerātā Stations are expected to be operational in mid-2026.  

Meanwhile Ngākōroa Station is set to follow in 2027. Early works have started, with major works planned for later this year.