ONTRACK manages a substantial portfolio of property associated with the rail network. Our main aim is to use railway land in ways that boost freight and passenger rail traffic. We also try to ensure railway land makes a financial return.
Background to the policy
ONTRACK’s Property Group administers 18,000 hectares of railway land throughout New Zealand. It looks after about 7,000 land leases, licences and grants held by third parties.
The land is generally held for current or future railway purposes. Some of the land held for future railway purposes is available for development in the short term, for purposes that encourage more rail use.
Property Group’s functions
- Development
We aim to manage rail land and property so it benefits rail long-term and provides a financial return.
- Leasing
Our leasing team is responsible for maximising lease income from land and buildings that aren’t part of the rail corridor. They also look for maximum value from the sale of any railway land.
- Land and asset management
Our land and asset team manages rail land to ensure the corridor remains fit for trains to run effectively. It ensures land adjacent to the corridor owned by others is kept in a good state. The team also deals with security issues relating to the rail corridor and ONTRACK depots, maintenance of our buildings, and leasing land on the corridor.
The Property Group is also responsible for overseeing and progressing land release projects with Toll NZ, as set out in the Agreement for Sale and Purchase of the Rail Network and Associated Assets agreement.
Relevant Acts of Parliament
Legislation around control of and access to the rail corridor is governed by two main acts:
- New Zealand Railways Corporation Act 1981
Section 35 of the Act states that the right to grant easements over railway land lies with the New Zealand Railways Corporation, subject to such conditions and payments of rent as the Corporation thinks fit.
- Railways Act 2005
Section 75 of the Act states that no person can exercise a right under an easement without the written permission of the access provider. It also states that an access provider can only refuse permission if the proposed activity threatens to interrupt rail operations or is unsafe.
Commercial property development
Some rail land is suitable for commercial development. For example, we have developed a concept for the construction of a multi-story office building on land adjacent to the Wellington Railway Station.
Land for development is also becoming available through the land release projects with Toll NZ. If you have a development query please contact:
The Commercial Manager
ONTRACK
PO Box 593
Wellington
Phone (04) 495 3000
Lease property
ONTRACK has both land and buildings that are leased or available for lease. For example, a Metro supermarket has opened in the Wellington Railway Station as part of its redevelopment.
For leasing enquiries please contact your nearest ONTRACK lease manager.
Properties and buildings for lease
Encroachments, utility access and hoardings
Land and assets
Our policy aims to protect the integrity of the corridor for rail operations, and to ensure that third party land use and subdivision of land adjoining the rail corridor are appropriate.
You need a Deed of Grant to get an easement over rail land.
Level crossings, resource consents, fences and drains.