The Australasian Railway Association (ARA) will host its New Zealand Rail Conference this week, bringing together key industry and government stakeholders to discuss opportunities for rail in New Zealand.
ARA chief executive officer Caroline Wilkie said the New Zealand Government was investing NZ$54 billion in land transport in the next decade and delivering transformational projects including the City Rail Link in Auckland.
“The conference provides the opportunity to discuss the innovation, collaboration and technical expertise supporting the current investment in rail in New Zealand,” she said.
The New Zealand Rail Conference will bring together 300 people representing passenger and freight operators, contractors, advisors and suppliers to discuss the role of rail in supporting New Zealand cities and communities.
The two-day event features an extensive program, with keynotes from industry leaders and a range of panel discussions with New Zealand rail specialists. Key speakers include:
- Transport, Minister for Workplace Relations and Safety minister Michael Wood
- Te Manatū Waka Ministry of Transport acting chief executive Bryn Gandy
- KiwiRail chief executive officer Peter Reidy
- Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency director of land transport Kane Patena
- Auckland Transport Executive general manager of safety Stacey van der Putten
- City Rail Link chief executive officer Sean Sweeney
- Auckland Light Rail board member Leigh Auton
- Auckland One Rail chief operating officer Magda Robertson
- Tainui Group Holding chief executive Chris Joblin
- Transdev New Zealand chief officer and managing director Peter Lensink
- Arup associate principal Mark Lusis
Delegates will hear about topics ranging from infrastructure and major project updates to sustainability, freight, safety and innovation.
Wilkie said the current wave of investment in NZ rail would deliver significant benefits to the community.
“Rail delivers up to $2.1 billion each year in benefits to New Zealand – such as reducing transport emissions and commuter trains relieving urban congestion,” she said.
“New modern, world-class transport systems like those being delivered in New Zealand are a vital part of our sustainable development and will transform how people live and work for years to come.”
The ARA New Zealand Rail Conference takes place from October 10-11 October at the Hilton Auckland.