Auckland and Lyttelton support South Island

Extra capacity has been opened up at the ports and KiwiRail is ramping up its rail services from the ports’ inland hubs to make efficient use of the shipping capacity on the Auckland to Lyttelton freight route.

KiwiRail will also provide direct freight connections to ports so sea lanes can take the strain, easing pressure on damaged roads.

Peter Reidy, KiwiRail’s chief executive, said this is one of a number of initiatives the transport operator is deploying and “an important step” in getting New Zealand moving again.

Ports of Auckland’s chief executive Tony Gibson added: “Coastal shipping will now play an important role in serving the needs of affected communities.”