Rt Hon Helen Clark
Prime Minister of New Zealand

6 November 2008 12 midday embargo Media Statement

Government green light for Wiri inland port rail link
12 midday embargo

Prime Minister Helen Clark today announced the government’s decision to invest in the Wiri inland port rail link - a rail infrastructure project which will save an estimated 100,000 truck trips per year, reduce vehicle emissions and accident risk, and reduce congestion on Auckland's roads.

Helen Clark said that the Cabinet has agreed to invest $6 million in the project.

“This will enable Ports of Auckland to connect the Wiri inland port complex to the rail network. It benefits Auckland by reducing the number of trucking movements through to the Port, speeds up the processing of containers, and reduces the need for storage.

“A rail transfer facility will be built at the Wiri railway yard so that Ports of Auckland Limited can transport containers between its sea port and its inland port. This will allow Ports of Auckland Limited to better utilise the facility and expand its operations to meet growth targets and provide better service to customers.

“This project is being undertaken in partnership with Ports of Auckland. It will meet the costs beyond the government’s $6 milion contribution. These costs are currently estimated at $3.1 million.

Mt Roskill MP Phil Goff and Auckland Central MP Judith Tizard also attended today's announcement and joined the Prime Minister in reasserting Labour's commitment to Auckland's infrastructure.

"Labour in government has shown it is committed to investing heavily in Auckland's infrastructure through the biggest road, rail and public transport investment programme this country has ever seen,” Phil Goff said.

“Using rail to link the inland port at Wiri to the sea port makes sense for financial and environmental reasons and has benefits for business and for the Auckland residents," Judith Tizard said.

Helen Clark said that the Labour-led government is committed to investing in the rail network.

“A project like this has multiple benefits, including at this time providing economic stimulus during the construction phase,” Helen Clark said.

ENDS

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