KiwiRail Reports Strong Sustainability Progress in 2025-2026
KiwiRail’s latest Sustainability Report for the 2025-2026 financial year highlights significant progress toward the company’s environmental goals. The report aligns with KiwiRail’s Rautaki Whakauka Sustainability Strategy 2025-2028 and offers detailed insights into the company’s sustainability performance. One key achievement was the reduction of almost 144,000 tonnes of carbon emissions by shifting freight to rail during the year. Additionally, Scope One and Scope Two emissions dropped by 24% compared to the 2018-2019 baseline.
KiwiRail also introduced 11 new shunt vehicles, which improved fuel efficiency and working conditions for staff. Peter Reidy, KiwiRail Chief Executive, emphasized that sustainability encompasses more than just carbon reduction, including climate resilience, environmental protection, and workplace safety. The company’s annual Steel Wheels report achieved Toitū Envirocare Carbon Compatible Reporting status for the first time, providing customers with verified emissions data for decision-making.
The report acknowledged the increasing challenges posed by climate change, particularly severe weather events disrupting rail services. Mr. Reidy noted that while KiwiRail is taking steps to improve resilience, some risks remain due to the network’s vast span across New Zealand. The report serves as a baseline for future sustainability efforts and underscores the company’s role in supporting Aotearoa New Zealand’s transition to a lower-emissions economy.