Wellington’s public transport network is facing a maintenance challenge after Metlink was forced to take 11 of its Matangi trains out of service due to the collapse of an Australian parts supplier. While officials maintain that current train schedules will not be affected, the incident highlights the fragility of supply chains and the potential for disruption in critical infrastructure.
The supplier, Trovon Australia, a rail maintenance company, provided essential components for the Matangi fleet, including parts for the HVAC air conditioning system, air compressors, and brake units. The company entered voluntary administration last year and was subsequently liquidated in January, according to filings with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission. This collapse has directly impacted Metlink’s planned maintenance schedule.
As of Thursday, February 12, 2026, seven Matangi units were already out of service due to the lack of available parts, with an additional four units expected to follow suit. Despite the removal of 11 trains from the 83-unit rolling stock, Metlink’s senior operations manager, Paul Tawharu, assured the public that “We’re definitely not seeing any issues to scheduled timetables,” and that the impact on customer experience would be “minimal.”
The situation underscores the increasing reliance on specialized suppliers, even across international borders, for maintaining complex systems like urban rail networks. The Matangi trains, a cornerstone of Wellington’s public transport, are particularly vulnerable given their dependence on Trovon Australia for these specific components. The liquidation of the supplier leaves Metlink scrambling to secure alternative sources and implement a recovery plan.
Fortunately, a recovery plan has already been submitted by Transdev, the operator of the trains, and Hyundai Rotem Wellington, a subcontractor. Officials anticipate that the regular maintenance schedule will be back on track by August. Importantly, they do not foresee a need to increase the utilization of the remaining train units to compensate for the shortfall, suggesting a degree of operational flexibility within the system.
The financial implications of this disruption, while currently assessed as minimal to service delivery, could extend beyond immediate maintenance costs. The search for alternative suppliers may involve expedited shipping, premium pricing, or the need to redesign components to accommodate different manufacturers. These factors could contribute to increased operational expenses for Metlink in the medium term.
The incident also raises questions about risk management within Metlink and the Greater Wellington Regional Council. While diversification of suppliers is a common best practice in supply chain management, Metlink had limited alternatives for these specific components. A thorough review of procurement processes and contingency planning is likely to be undertaken to prevent similar disruptions in the future.
The broader context of infrastructure maintenance and supply chain resilience is particularly relevant given the ongoing global economic uncertainties. Geopolitical tensions, trade disputes, and the increasing frequency of extreme weather events all pose risks to the smooth functioning of supply chains. This case serves as a cautionary tale for other public transport operators and infrastructure managers.
The collapse of Trovon Australia also highlights the interconnectedness of the Australian and New Zealand economies. While the supplier was based in Australia, its failure has had a direct impact on a critical piece of infrastructure in New Zealand. This underscores the importance of regional economic cooperation and information sharing to mitigate supply chain risks.
Looking ahead, Metlink will need to prioritize the implementation of its recovery plan and closely monitor the progress of repairs. Maintaining transparent communication with the public will be crucial to managing expectations and minimizing any potential disruption to train services. The incident serves as a reminder that even seemingly stable infrastructure systems are vulnerable to unforeseen events and require proactive risk management.
The situation is being closely watched by other regional councils in New Zealand, who are likely to review their own supply chain vulnerabilities in light of Metlink’s experience. The Local Democracy Reporting initiative, co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air, will continue to provide coverage of this developing story and its implications for public transport in the Wellington region.
