Upper Hutt looks at funding study for 'transformational' rail stop
Thu, 20th Aug 2026 (Today)
A new train station at Timberlea would be "transformational" for Upper Hutt, the city's mayor says.
The Upper Hutt City Council is weighing up whether to commission a feasibility study for a new train station at Timberlea, which could also function as a public transport interchange.
"The project has the potential to drive investment in a train station, housing and shops which would be transformational for the northern parts of Upper Hutt," Upper Hutt mayor Peri Zee told Local Democracy Reporting.
"It makes the most of the public assets and infrastructure we already have to enable more housing in one of the most resilient parts of the region."
Councillors have yet to decide if the study will be included in next year's draft long-term plan for public consultation.
An indicative budget of $200,000 was set during a workshop last week, with an option of seeking additional funding from other government agencies.
A council spokesperson said the details and funding arrangements were still being worked through.
Plans to build new train stations in Upper Hutt's northern suburbs - between the city centre and Maymorn - have appeared in multiple regional transport strategies over several decades, but none have ever progressed beyond early planning.
Lobbying for a new Timberlea station was a key pledge of Zee's election campaign last year.
In 2024, before holding office, Zee said that a Timberlea station - as part of two or three new stops in a potential Hutt Valley Line extension to Maymorn - would accelerate local housing supply and bring greater vibrancy and more shops to the area.
Transport planning for the Hutt Valley in late 2003 proposed electrifying the rail line beyond Upper Hutt and running trains to two new stations - Timberlea and Cruickshank Rd at Clouston Park - after 2016.
A 2002 report by consultancy Beca, Carter, Hollings & Ferner said the two new stations, plus the new service to Timberlea, provide "very good benefits".
Modelling at the time showed around 280 passengers using Timberlea and 160 using Cruickshank Rd during the morning peak.
"These two new stations would be well utilised and provide improved access to the Wellington CBD and Lower Hutt," the report added.
Other transport projects being considered for the Upper Hutt council's long-term plan included improvements to pedestrian crossings at roundabouts and upgrades to Akatarawa Rd.
They would also consider whether to continue proposals for a new playground designed for children with sensory or behavioural needs at Clyma Park, as well as transitioning the council building and the Whirinaki Whare Taonga arts centre from gas to electricity.
Local Democracy Reporting (LDR) is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air
