On April 24, 2026, KiwiRail opened its new Waltham Maintenance Hub in Christchurch; this event coincided with the unveiling of the new DM-series locomotives, destined for operation on the South Island. Construction of the facility was funded through a government investment of NZ$110 million (€61 million), while NZ$533 million (€297 million) was allocated for the purchase of 66 DM-series locomotives from Stadler.
Of the 66 locomotives ordered, 47 units – totaling NZ$372 million (€208 million) – will replace the existing rolling stock fleet on the South Island.
The Waltham hub will handle the maintenance of locomotives, freight wagons, and passenger carriages operating across the South Island. The facility is designed to accommodate the simultaneous servicing of up to 24 units of rolling stock; it is also equipped with electronic safety systems to prevent the unauthorized movement of vehicles. Solar panels installed on the site are expected to meet approximately 50% of the facility’s electricity needs.
The new maintenance hub and locomotive fleet form part of a major government investment program for the development of the South Island’s railway infrastructure – a program launched in 2019 with a total funding volume of NZ$1.2 billion (€670 million).