The Government, through the New Zealand Upgrade Programme, has provided funding for three new train stations between Papakura and Pukekohe. The stations, which are expected to be completed from 2025, will be located at Drury, Drury West and Paerātā. We are currently seeking feedback on Drury Railway Station and Paerātā Railway Station.
Planning approvals were granted for Paerātā Railway Station and Drury Railway Station in early 2022 and planning approvals are currently being sought for Ngākōroa Railway Station. To help connect with local residential areas, each of the stations will include a bus interchange, park and ride facilities as well as walking and cycle paths. Up to 350 car parks at both Drury Railway Station and Paerātā Railway Station will be provided and drop off facilities at Ngākōroa Railway Station. The expectation is that people driving to the stations will live throughout a wide area including North Waikato as well as towns and the rural areas to the west and east.
New road accessways will also be developed which will connect the stations with adjacent arterial roads. Waka Kotahi has projects on these arterial roads which will improve access to existing and future residential areas. The three stations are being future proofed to provide for a number of elements including space for additional rail tracks and longer platforms for nine car trains.
Construction of Drury Railway Station and Paerātā Railway Station will start in 2023. Subject to obtaining planning approvals, construction of the Drury West Station is expected to start in late 2023. Construction of all three stations is anticipated to be completed from 2025.
Offering safe, accessible and low-carbon travel choices is at the heart of the long-term strategic transport network for the area.
The future network integrates all modes of transport, however the focus is on public transport as well as walking and cycling infrastructure. Encouraging people to use public transport rather than private vehicles will reduce carbon emissions making a positive contribution to decarbonisation of transport in Auckland.
In addition to walking and cycling paths, the stations will be serviced by local buses.
The stations will use the Infrastructure Sustainability Council framework. For more information, please read the Sustainability Procurement Policy and the Sustainability Policy here.
The New Zealand Geographic Board (NZGB) is the Government agency responsible for naming railway stations. KiwiRail submitted to the NZGB the following names for consideration which were gifted from Mana Whenua.
(Te) Maketuu Station (Drury Central)
Ngaakooroa Station (Drury West)
Paeraataa Station (Paerata)
The NZGB considered the KiwiRail proposal and after considering public feedback has confirmed the following names for the stations:
Southern Auckland - the area of Auckland south of Papakura - is growing fast. Over the next 30 years an extra 100,000 people will call it home.
Combined with KiwiRail’s project to extend of electrification from Papakura to Pukekohe, the three new stations will make travelling by train more accessible and appealing to those living and working in the area.
KiwiRail is working with partner agencies Auckland Transport and Waka Kotahi on creating a cohesive transport network in Southern Auckland for the anticipated population growth. The objective is to build the transport infrastructure ahead of the population growth to reduce traffic congestion, carbon emissions and make it easier to move around.