KiwiRail Group

Request for Proposal Phase 1 - Marsden Point Rail Link Programme

The Marsden Point Rail Link (MPRL) Programme was identified as a critical investment through the 2019 Northland Rail Business Case and reaffirmed in the 2025 Detailed Business Case as delivering value for money to address freight constraints and support regional growth.

This Request for Proposal (RFP) builds on the interest expressed through the earlier Request for Information (RFI) and Expression of Interest (EOI) stages.

Following evaluation of EOI submissions, and subsequent engagement with Government, KiwiRail has determined to approach the market via an open and competitive RFP process. The intent of the RFP is to identify suitably qualified design and contractor partners to participate in a funded Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) phase, supporting further consideration of potential progression to a Design and Build delivery model.

For the purposes of this RFP, ECI refers to a collaborative process encompassing design development, value engineering, programme optimisation, and risk refinement. It does not relate to any specific contract form or commercial model.

KiwiRail places strong emphasis on assembling experienced, solutions‑focused teams with a demonstrated track record in value engineering and constructive design challenge. Respondents must clearly demonstrate their willingness and capability to critically assess, challenge, and enhance the Reference Design to achieve optimal whole‑of‑life value outcomes.

Further information is provided in the attached Request for Proposal document.