Southern Auckland is expected to be home to an additional 120,000 people during the next three decades. In response to the projected growth of Auckland’s demand, the Auckland Unitary Plan identified 15,000 hectares of predominantly rural land for future urbanisation over the next 30 years.
In line with plans currently under way to improve railway access to the region, three stations were proposed at Drury West, Drury Central and Paerata. Preferred options for the three stations have been released by Waka Kotahi New Zealand Transport Agency.
Drury Central Station
The new station will be located on the existing rail line south of Waihoehoe Road, between Flanagan and Great South Roads.
The new station at Drury Central is part of the NZ Upgrade Program and will be near a proposed large town centre to the south of Waihoehoe Road. The existing urban area to the west and future developments to the east will have access to the station using new bus connections, while active transport options will also be developed.
Drury West Station
The new station will be located on the existing rail line, about 450 m south of the existing intersection of SH22 / Karaka Road and Jesmond Road.
It is expected housing settlements will develop close by, enabling commuters to get to the station easily on foot or bike.
Paerata Station
The new station will be located on the existing rail line, adjacent to the planned eastern extent of the Paerata Rise development.
The proposed new station is south of the Paerata Rise development. A larger park-and-ride facility with bike parking, and a bus interchange would provide access to the station.
Key Dates
| Dec 2022 | Expected Design Completion |
| 2023 | Expected Construction Commencement |
| Dec 2025 | Expected Construction Completion |
Funding contributions
| NZ Government | |
|
The New Zealand Upgrade Program provided funding for several rail projects in the south including the two new stations at Drury Central and Drury West. |
|
Procurement
| Procuring Agency: | Waka Kotahi New Zealand Transport Agency |
PROJECT HISTORY
| Jan 2020 | The New Zealand Upgrade Program provided funding for two new stations at Drury Central and Drury West. |
| May 2020 | New Zealand Transport Agency called for community feedback on the preferred options for the three new stations, with feedback closing on 12 June 2020. |
| Feb 2021 | Location of stations were announced, with community consultation sessions scheduled for February 18 in Drury and February 20 in Pukekohe. |
| Mar 2021 | The 2021-31 investment package of the Auckland Transport Alignment Project included the new stations in Drury as a fully funded commitment. |
| Mar 2021 | Kiwirail opened Expressions of Interest (EOIs) for the design of the project's stations, closing on 21 April. |
| Oct 2021 | KiwiRail submitted planning approval applications for Drury Central and Paerata stations under the COVID 19 Recovery Act 2020. KiwiRail advised that further work was underway to finalise the details for the third station at Drury West, with planning approvals to be processed under the Resource Management Act. Construction on the first two stations is expected to begin in 2023. |
| Feb 2022 | The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) Expert Consenting Panel granted resource consent for Drury Central and Paerata stations under the COVID-19 Recovery Act 2020. Completion of construction on the Drury Central and Paerata stations is expected to be in early 2025. |
| Nov 2022 | KiwiRail is seeking public feedback on the Drury Central Station and Paerata Station as part of the New Zealand Upgrade Programme, closing 17 December. |
