Ceremony opens two new Auckland rail stations to commuters

South Auckland commuters have two new railway stations on their network with the opening of the Drury and Paerātā stops.

The stations were formally opened on Saturday, with services beginning on Sunday. During the week, peak trains will run every 10 minutes.

The stations will serve Drury, Paerātā, Franklin and South Auckland, with each station providing two platforms, 350 car parks and bus connections.

Rail Minister Winston Peters and Minister for Auckland Simon Watts attended the opening.

Peters said about 130,000 more people were expected in the area over coming decades "and infrastructure must come before growth - not years afterwards, as too often happens in this country".

"These stations are here because we funded them when last responsible for rail, as part of our wider commitments to unlock capacity, lift train frequencies, invest more than $500 million to get the network up to standard, and enable electric trains from Britomart right down to Pukekohe.

"While others say nice words about rail, we fund it, deliver it, and on this happy occasion are still here to open it.

"We will keep advocating for rail because taxpayers have built an asset with real potential to move people and goods efficiently - and we intend to make full use of it."

In an earlier statement, Transport Minister Chris Bishop said the stations were among the final elements of a $2.4 billion government investment in Auckland's rail network.

"The Auckland Rail Network Rebuild has been completed in time for the City Rail Link to open soon. We're also replacing level crossings across the network to support more frequent train services.

"The Third Main Line is now open, separating freight and passenger rail services, while the rail line to Pukekohe has been electrified. Looking ahead, new rail stations at Ngākōroa are also set to open in 2027.

The work was about investing in infrastructure "that would help our largest city to grow".

"Our investment is delivering convenient and reliable trains to help improve productivity, and new infrastructure out here in southern Auckland to enable housing and business growth," he said.