New trains for lower North Island to be built by Alstom

• 18 five-car battery electric multiple unit (BEMU) trains.
• Alstom awarded $1,066m (NZD) 35-year contract. 
• Train fleet to be named ‘Tūhono’ meaning connect or unite. 
• New depot, station and track improvements being funded.

The first fleet of battery-electric trains in the Southern Hemisphere, co-funded by Greater Wellington and Horizons regional councils and the Government, will be constructed by Alstom, a global leader in sustainable rail transportation.

After a worldwide procurement process, Greater Wellington today entered into a Design, Build and Maintenance agreement with Alstom for the Lower North Island Rail Integrated Mobility (LNIRIM) programme. 

Greater Wellington chair Daran Ponter says Wairarapa and Manawatū line passengers can look forward to quicker journeys and more frequent trains from 2030. 

“From Palmerston North and Masterton to Wellington, the Tūhono fleet will double peak time trains, increase off-peak services and support regional growth,” Cr Ponter says.

“Designed for New Zealand conditions, the new trains switch to batteries on track without overhead power, using technology proven in countries like Japan and Germany.” 

Approved by Mana Whenua, the name Tūhono symbolises how the trains will better connect urban centres and regional communities. 

“Like a living thread weaving our regions together, the Tūhono fleet will help the heartlands thrive,” says Horizons chair Rachel Keedwell.

“Through better access to work, education and recreation, Tūhono trains will increase provincial productivity, while reducing road congestion.” 

The Tūhono fleet will be manufactured in India by Alstom and decorated with train livery featuring symbols by Māori owned company Indigenous Design and Innovation. 

“Tūhono trains will provide climate friendly, comfortable and inclusive journeys, with wheelchair, bike, and pram facilities, as well as accessible toilets, vending machines and water dispensers,” says Pascal Dupond, Managing Director Alstom Australia and New Zealand.

“We’re grateful for the opportunity to partner with the Government, Greater Wellington and Horizons to bring Alstom’s trains and maintenance expertise to New Zealand for the first time.”

Rail infrastructure improvements, including platform upgrades at Solway, Woodside and Shannon stations, will be constructed by programme delivery partner KiwiRail, along with new and upgraded passing loops on the Manawatū and Wairarapa lines.

“The new trains are a great thing for the region,” says KiwiRail Chief Metro and Capital Programme Officer David Gordon.  

“Our team has already made good progress preparing the Wairarapa Line for the Tūhono fleet with more than 40 kilometres of track renewed, including nine kilometres inside the Remutaka Tunnel,” Mr Gordon says.

“We’ve completed safety upgrades for 21 of 30 level crossings, and next year is a big one for installing signalling, which will be ready to go live in early 2027.”   

Greater Wellington will build a new maintenance depot for the Tūhono fleet in Masterton and upgrade stations on the Manawatū line, including strengthening and refurbishing the historic station building at Ōtaki.  

“Improvements to Levin station are being investigated,” says Cr Ponter. “Options include replacing the station with a modern shelter that has better accessibility and car parking.” 

For more information, including Tūhono pictures and animation, visit the North Island Rail Connection page on Metlink.