This week saw the arrival of the first train at Wiri on the newly completed rail link between the Port of Auckland and the Wiri Inland Port.

Construction of the new rail link between the Port of Auckland and the Wiri Inland Port is complete.

Ports of Auckland MD Jens Madsen says completion of the rail exchange is a major step forward for the port company and for the Auckland region.

"New Zealand needs top quality infrastructure and a flexible mix of sea, road and rail transport options if our economy is to grow," says Madsen.

"This is about bringing the seaport right to the doorstep of businesses in South Auckland. Exporters and importers will be able to drop off and pick up containers without having to negotiate the Auckland motorways."

There are also potential benefits for the community through reduced road congestion, with the rail link forecast to eventually save up to 2.5 million truck kilometres per year - the equivalent of 100,000 central city truck trips.

In conjunction with logistics provider NZL Group, Ports of Auckland has established CONLINXX, a new subsidiary company, to operate the Wiri Inland Port. It commenced operations on 1 February.