Auckland retailers are wary of the potential impact of the city’s railway shutdown for about 96 days through the end of January 2026.

The New Zealand government admits that the shutdown will be disruptive but is necessary to complete the Rail Network Rebuild project, ahead of the opening of the City Rail Link in 2026.

“These works will have a significant impact on passengers and freight in Auckland with KiwiRail undertaking a large programme of rail upgrades across the network over the next year,” said Simeon Brown, Transport Minister.

“This is estimated to add up to 96 days of full network closure between this Christmas period and the end of January 2026.”

Retail NZ CEO Carolyn Young said that businesses have yet to engage in a consultation with the government to come up with measures to help the sector during the shutdown period.

“Obviously, 96 days is significant,” said Young, while emphasising that shutting down the railway network of a major city such as Auckland will have a huge impact.

“We have not been consulted, but we hope to reach out to them (Auckland Transport) shortly.”

Stuff quoted Hospitality NZ CEO Steve Armitage saying, “The shutdown will hit cafes, restaurants, and bars particularly hard, as fewer transport options and further disruptions will result in fewer commuters and visitors accessing central Auckland and other areas.”

The government reiterates that the upgrades, from rebuilding aging foundations to integrating the new stations, are needed to ensure the City Rail Link will open and be effective from day one.

It added that KiwiRail and Auckland Transport are working together to ensure the disruptions are as minimal as possible, prioritising weekday peak services, however, affecting major holidays, weekends, and late evenings.

“For CRL to open and be effective from day one in 2026, disruption to train schedules is an unavoidable necessity,” said Desley Simpson, Acting Auckland Mayor.

“Unfortunately, the closures are needed but they will deliver a significantly improved rail network that Aucklanders can be proud of.”