‘Enormous risk’ as copper thefts spike on rail network due to booming scrap market

NZ Herald22 Jun, 2026 10:50 PM2 mins to readNZ Herald Morning Headlines | Tuesday, June 23, 2026.

Sir Keir Starmer steps down as UK Prime Minister following a byelection. Tourism New Zealand proposes another bed tax.Wellington thieves trying to profit from the booming scrap copper market are are putting their lives on the line targeting railway cables, authorities have warned.KiwiRail has reported soaring incidents of theft in recent months, causing widespread disruption to the network.

Just last week Wellington was plunged into commuter chaos