Regional leaders are urging the Government to retain little-used rail lines that are under threat.
KiwiRail is to consult on whether to close lines in Northland, Napier - Gisborne, another in northern Wairarapa and the Stratford - Okahukura line in Taranaki.
Politicians say they should be used to get freight off the roads, relieve traffic congestion and to act as a back-up to the main trunk line.
Logs and milk are carried on the Northland line, which runs from Auckland to north of Whangarei.
The Napier - Gisborne line is used only once a week, to carry fertiliser.
The Stratford - Okahukura line in Taranaki has been closed since a derailment last November and needs $1 million worth of repairs. It was used by a single return freight train per day.
Masterton Mayor Garry Daniell says the Wairarapa line should be used to carry logs and milk.
Labour Party MP Moana Mackey, says it makes sense to use the Napier - Gisborne line to carry more freight.
However, Gisborne Chamber of Commerce president Fraser Brown says the line is unviable.
Focus to be on profitability
KiwiRail chief executive Jim Quinn, told Morning Report the company will focus investment on lines where there is room to improve profitability and volumes of freight.
He said KiwiRail will look at how it could grow the volume of freight being carried on the lines that are threatened with closure.
But, he said, he does not have an agenda to close particular rail lines.
The Government is to put another 250 million into KiwiRail in the Budget.
Another $500 million is promised over the next three years if KiwiRail can prove it is heading in the right direction.
