Trovon's collapse leaves workers unpaid and Wellington's train services in chaos

The collapse of Trovon, a rail maintenance company, has left workers unpaid and disrupted key transport services. Malaysian firm Destini Berhad acquired the business in December 2024 for AU$100 million, but financial troubles quickly followed.

The fallout has hit employees hard, with some facing severe financial strain while critical train maintenance work stalls.

Trovon's Australian operations were wound up after Destini took over, absorbing AU$3.2 million in debt. Despite this, the company's New Zealand branch remains registered, though its future is uncertain.

Staff were left without pay for their final weeks of work, with some owed thousands of dollars. One employee, struggling to support a newborn, had to take on night shifts to cover lost wages. Director John Marinos apologised for the situation, admitting he too was owed money by Destini.

The collapse has also impacted Wellington's transport network. Trovon was responsible for maintaining Metlink's Matangi trains, leaving the service operator scrambling for alternatives. Meanwhile, the Upper Hutt workshop was locked after unpaid rent, cutting off access to essential equipment.

The acquisition and subsequent collapse have left workers and transport authorities dealing with the consequences. Employees continue to chase unpaid wages, while Metlink seeks new maintenance solutions for its train fleet. The long-term effects on Wellington's rail services remain unclear.