The rail network between Auckland, Hamilton and Tauranga will be electrified if the Green Party has its way.
The party today announced its commitment to the electrification of the "Golden Triangle" at a cost of $860 million.
It is part of the party's plan to get half of New Zealand's freight moving by rail and sea within 10 years, and dramatically reduce the number of dangerous trucks clogging up New Zealand's roads.
Green Party transport spokesperson Julie Anne Genter said the Safer, Cleaner Freight policy sets a target for moving half of freight on rail and by sea within 10 years of the next election. It allows the transport budget to be used to fund rail projects.
"National's single-minded focus on a few expensive highways is downright irresponsible, and will ultimately force more and more trucks onto New Zealand roads," she said