The New Zealand Railways Corporation (NZR) is a state-owned enterprise, created in 1981 to replace the then New Zealand Government Railways Department. Formerly the national railway operator, the trading functions were split in 1990 to form a new SOE, New Zealand Rail Limited. From then on, they were separate companies.

New Zealand Rail Limited was later removed from the list of SOEs in the State-Owned Enterprises Act 1986, privatised and later renamed Tranz Rail Holdings Limited by the new shareholders.

New Zealand Railways Corporation still exists as an SOE. Its primary function today is to own the land on which tracks are situated, and to collect a peppercorn rental from Tranz Rail each year for it.

Affectionately known in its heyday before separation in 1990 as Railways, it was at one stage one of New Zealand's biggest employers.

Sources

  • New Zealand Railways Corporation Act 1981
  • New Zealand Railways Corporation Restructuring Act 1990


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