Since July 2015 , up to five DFB locomotives have been the main motive power on the Wairarapa Connection passenger service and Masterton to Wellington freight services , replacing six DC class locomotives used for the service since mid-2014 . The units used on the services were required to be fitted with fire suppression equipment by the Pike River Mine disaster enquiry . In July 2016 , Transdev Wellington took over operation of the Wairarapa Connection service , with KiwiRail still providing and operating the DFB locomotives on a " hook-and-tow " basis
Pike River Mine disaster
Pike River Mine disaster
New Zealand DF class locomotive (1979)