Key leaders from across the rail industry and government will again come together for the RailNZ 25 Australasian Railway Association’s (ARA) New Zealand conference.
RailNZ 25 is to be held in Auckland on Thursday May 29, featuring an opening address from Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters, and keynote speeches from senior leaders at KiwiRail, Auckland One Rail, Auckland Transport, Waka Kotahi and Transdev Wellington.
The conference will begin with a Young Rail Professionals Breakfast and conclude with the ARA Annual New Zealand Rail Industry Dinner.
Conference speakers will include Peter Reidy, Chief Executive Officer of KiwiRail, Gavin Panter, Chief Operating Officer of Auckland One Rail, Mike Hargreaves, Deputy Director Land Transport of Waka Kotahi, Tonia Haskell, Managing Director of Transdev Wellington and Peter Lensink, Chief Operating Officer of Transdev.
Panel discussions will cover 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.
Caroline Wilkie, ARA Chief Executive Officer, said RailNZ 25 is an 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,” said Wilkie.
“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.
“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.”