KiwiRail helps measure economic growth in real time

17 December 2018

KiwiRail will deliver real-time information on freight volumes and movements as part of the GDPLive tracking system being launched by Massey University today.

"As a critical part of New Zealand's freight transport network, KiwiRail is able to provide data that helps provide a picture of how our economy is performing," says KiwiRail Group General Manager Sales and Commercial Alan Piper.

"KiwiRail moves 18 million tonnes of freight each year, carrying around 16% of New Zealand's total freight task.

"We transport around 25% of New Zealand's exports so we're a vital part of the bigger picture being presented by this initiative, which is thought to be the first of its kind in the world."

GDPLive uses machine-learning algorithms and the most up-to-date data possible, including live data sources.

It allows users to instantly see estimates of how the New Zealand economy is performing on a daily basis, and provides GDP forecasts.

Users can view historic data, current national and regional GDP figures and forecasts, as well as getting an overview of the performance of a large range of industry sectors.

As well as KiwiRail, GDPLive's datasets include consumer spending through PayMark payment transactions, freight movements via PortConnect, which includes container movements through Ports of Auckland and Ports of Tauranga, traffic flows, immigration and import/export data.

The GDPLive portal can be accessed at: https://smex12-5-en-ctp.trendmicro.com:443/wis/clicktime/v1/query?url=www.gdplive.net&umid=f12635e9-549a-4358-8c8f-bcaae2f764f9&auth=523e8f55e3951d70c63e8919aab3c42c370fa710-b5d2e43f256df8316f4b8ca7e82773a3768f6856

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