The Australasian Railway Association’s (ARA) major New Zealand conference, RailNZ 25, is set to bring together key leaders from across the rail industry and governments.
Held in Auckland on Thursday May 29, highlights of the event will include an opening address from Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Rail, Winston Peters, and keynotes from senior leaders at KiwiRail, Auckland One Rail, Auckland Transport, Waka Kotahi and Transdev Wellington.
Panel discussions include customer perspectives on the rail freight landscape, rail safety reform, preparing for City Rail Link, challenges and opportunities for metro rail networks and building the rail workforce of the future.
ARA CEO, Caroline Wilkie, said RailNZ 25 is a great opportunity to gain valuable insights into the latest trends, technologies and developments in both the New Zealand and Australian rail industries.
“Rail plays a significant role in New Zealand’s future economic development and sustainability,” Wilkie said.
“The ARA’s RailNZ 25 provides an opportunity for industry to discuss major issues with policymakers, share best practice experiences and help shape the future of the New Zealand rail sector.
“There will be the opportunity to participate in discussions with the major rail operators in New Zealand, receive updates and briefings from senior government representatives, and gain insights into important topics such as rail safety and regulation through project learnings and case studies.”
Speakers at the RailNZ 25 conference also include:
- Peter Reidy, Chief Executive Officer, KiwiRail
- Gavin Panter, Chief Operating Officer, Auckland One Rail
- Mike Hargreaves, Deputy Director Land Transport, Waka Kotahi
- Tonia Haskell, Managing Director, Transdev Wellington
- Peter Lensink, Chief Operating Officer, Transdev
RailNZ 25 will begin with a Young Rail Professionals Breakfast and conclude with the ARA Annual New Zealand Rail Industry Dinner.
The ARA represents the rail sector in Australia and New Zealand and has more than 230 member organisations across the five areas of rail – heavy haul, freight, passenger, infrastructure and manufacturing. The ARA has members based in Australia with a presence in New Zealand, as well as NZ members KiwiRail, Auckland Transport, Greater Wellington Regional Council, Transdev Wellington and Auckland One Rail among others.
“The ARA has increased its engagement with industry and government in New Zealand, advocating for improvements to the resilience and reliability of the rail network, as well as promoting its decarbonisation and sustainability benefits,” Wilkie said.
For more information or to register to attend RailNZ 25 visit the ARA website.
