Applications for a licence must be made using the Railways Act 2005 Application for a licence form and must include your proposed safety case with an application fee of $120.
Railways Act 2005 Application for a licence form [DOC, 193 KB]
All time and expenses incurred by Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency in consideration of your application will be chargeable, regardless of whether your application is successful. See our Rail licence application fees page for guidance on how to keep these costs down.
You can also contact the Rail Safety Regulation team via railregulation@nzta.govt.nz if you require further assistance.
You cannot carry out rail activities (eg move rail vehicles or allow operation on your network) until your safety case has been approved and you have received your licence.
Once your rail licence has been granted, a Rail Safety Regulation team member will be in touch to set up your first safety assessment. This is so Waka Kotahi can gain assurance that you’re operating in line with your approved safety case and haven’t overlooked any safety-related aspects of your business (eg you may have some temporary restrictions on your licence until this assurance has been gained).
Note: For more information, see our guidance on the Safety assessments page.
If you want to change the activities you perform under your licence, you may need to seek approval from Waka Kotahi. It is an offence to operate beyond the scope of your licence.
Note: For more information, and to clarify whether you need to notify us or apply for permission, see the guidance on our Safety case variations, replacements and change notifications page.
Safety case variations, replacements and change notifications
