A review looking at KiwiRail's corporate form will consider the pros and cons of bringing it closer to ministers.
Higher costs and delivery delays are expected ahead of Christmas as vessels give Auckland a wide berth, opting to head to the country's northernmost port.
Strike action which would have affected rail operations nationally appears to have been averted.
Timaru port workers plan to strike for at least seven days from next week.
Infrastructure Editor
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articles by Oliver