Trains will be offline across the Auckland rail network from December 27 to January 28. 

KiwiRail says the closure is needed to allow for urgent repairs and maintenance which is needed for the upcoming City Rail Link, set to open in the second half of 2026. 

Public Transport Users Association National Coordinator Jon Reeves told Kerre Woodham that shutting down the trains over the summer for maintenance purposes is the classic cliché that's been going on for about 25 years.  

He says it's become a bit of a joke, and a different way to make these upgrades needs to be found.  

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