Porirua residents will soon have better rail access to the lower North Island thanks to a new fleet of battery-electric trains set to launch in 2029, as part of a $1.066 billion regional rail upgrade.
Named Tūhono, meaning “to connect or unite” the 18 new five-car trains will operate on the Wairarapa and Manawatū lines, offering more frequent and faster services between Wellington and the regions. While the fleet won’t replace the existing Kāpiti Line commuter trains that stop in Porirua, it will significantly improve regional rail options for Porirua locals heading north.
“These new trains will strengthen Porirua’s connection to places like Palmerston North and Masterton,” said Greater Wellington chair Daran Ponter. “They’ll offer more travel flexibility for work, study, whānau visits or exploring the wider lower North Island.”
The Tūhono trains will run on existing electrified track and switch to battery power where overhead wires don’t reach, using cutting-edge technology already operating in Japan and Germany. Manufactured in India by global rail company Alstom, the trains will include modern comforts such as wheelchair access, bike and pram storage, accessible toilets, vending machines and water dispensers.
The train design features symbols by Māori-owned firm Indigenous Design and Innovation, and the name Tūhono was approved by Mana Whenua to reflect the goal of weaving together communities and opportunities.
“These trains are about more than transport. They’ll connect people with jobs, education and whānau, all while cutting emissions and easing congestion,” said Horizons chair Rachel Keedwell.
The Tūhono project includes major infrastructure upgrades across the Wairarapa and Manawatū lines, such as improved stations, new passing loops, and a new maintenance depot in Masterton. KiwiRail has already renewed more than 40 kilometres of track on the Wairarapa Line and upgraded 21 level crossings.
The first trains will begin arriving in 2028, with full service scheduled from 2029 and peak-time frequency increases from 2030.
The Tūhono fleet is part of the Lower North Island Rail Integrated Mobility programme, jointly funded by Greater Wellington, Horizons, KiwiRail, Waka Kotahi and the Government.