City Rail Link ready to welcome passengers from 13 September

Location

New Zealand

Sector

Rail

Date

10 September 2026

Downer proud to have helped deliver Auckland's next era of public transport.

Auckland is about to enter a new era of public transport, with passengers set to board City Rail Link (CRL) services for the first time from Sunday 13 September 2026.

As New Zealand’s largest transport infrastructure project, City Rail Link will transform how people move around Auckland, creating a faster, more connected and lower-carbon transport network while significantly increasing the capacity of the city’s rail system.

For Downer, the opening of CRL marks the culmination of seven years of work as part of the Link Alliance, one of the largest and most complex infrastructure partnerships ever assembled in New Zealand.

Built through partnership

Since 2019, Downer has been a key delivery partner in the Link Alliance, working alongside Vinci Construction Grands Projects, Soletanche Bachy International, WSP, Tonkin + Taylor and AECOM, together with City Rail Link Ltd, Auckland Transport, KiwiRail and Auckland One Rail.

Downer teams from across Infrastructure Delivery, Rail & Transit Systems, Hawkins, Energy & Utilities, and Social Infrastructure & Citizen Services contributed specialist expertise across multiple aspects of the project.

Downer NZ Managing Director Murray Robertson says the opening is a significant milestone for Auckland and everyone involved in delivering the project.

“City Rail Link is the most complex transport project ever delivered in New Zealand, and we’re incredibly proud of the role Downer people have played in helping bring it to life.

“This milestone reflects years of dedication, collaboration and commitment from thousands of people across the Alliance. Every person involved should feel proud of the legacy they have helped create for Auckland.”

A project of remarkable scale

The scale of delivery was significant, involving more than 14,000 site inductions, a workforce representing more than 54 nationalities, and more than 550 suppliers and subcontractors.

The project also helped set new benchmarks in sustainability and safety, with 94 per cent of construction waste diverted from landfill and valuable learnings generated for future major infrastructure projects across New Zealand.

"Thousands of people came together over many years to deliver something that will benefit Aucklanders for generations. It's a remarkable achievement and one that everyone involved should be proud of."

Murray Robertson, Managing Director NZ

Creating a lasting legacy

Beyond the tunnels, stations and rail systems, City Rail Link has created lasting opportunities for people, businesses and communities.

Partnership with mana whenua helped shape both the design and delivery of the project, while more than $152 million was invested with over 80 Māori and Pasifika businesses throughout construction.

For many Downer employees, the project also provided a unique opportunity to develop their skills and contribute to one of New Zealand’s most significant infrastructure achievements.

“What stands out most to me is the people behind the project,” says Murray.

“Thousands of people came together over many years to deliver something that will benefit Aucklanders for generations. It’s a remarkable achievement and one that everyone involved should be proud of.”

As passengers prepare to use the City Rail Link for the first time, the project stands as a testament to what can be achieved through partnership, innovation and a shared commitment to delivering infrastructure that improves the way people live, work and move around our cities.