New Zealand Government Railways (NZGR) was established in 1880 to manage the country's rail transport system. It played a crucial role in developing New Zealand's infrastructure, connecting cities and regions through an extensive network of rail lines. The organization was responsible for both passenger and freight services, facilitating trade and travel across the nation. In 1990, NZGR was restructured and privatized, leading to the formation of Tranz Rail, which took over the freight operations. Today, KiwiRail operates the remaining passenger services and freight transport, continuing the legacy of NZGR while adapting to modern transportation needs.