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overview
Join industry leaders at New Zealand’s most established rail event. Rail is a force for connection, decarbonisation, and economic strength and this year’s theme reflects the collective commitment to enhancing New Zealand’s rail system with Manawaroa (resilience), Pono (reliability), and Toitū (sustainability).
Across the sector, there is a shared commitment to progress so join us as Aotearoa continues to grow and adapt while forging a network that serves both present needs and future generations.
Topics to be addressed include:
- Enabling a transport system that connects New Zealand
- CRL: Transforming New Zealand’s rail network
- Reflections on land transport regulation in the New Zealand context
- Navigating the complexities of the City Rail Link (CRL) integration
- Cyber security: Enhancing the resilience of New Zealand’s critical infrastructure
- Engineering tomorrow’s resilience, reliability, and safety and capacity
- How rail at Ruakura has changed the freight game in the Golden Triangle
- Where do business and community leaders want to see rail go in NZ?
- The big picture: Flagship projects and key insights
- Meeting sustainability & decarbonisation challenges
- Network resilience reimagined: Transformation through intelligent signalling
- The Wellington balancing act: Operating through major rail upgrades
- Driving rail forward: Professional excellence and technological advancement in New Zealand
- The planner’s perspective on level crossing removals
- Creating infrastructure value for more than one generation
- Innovation & digital transformation
- Freight operations & optimisation
- Safety leadership
The 2025 event will focus on how the NZ rail sector can embrace emerging opportunities, address challenges, adopt cutting-edge technologies, and work towards a more sustainable, resilient, and customer-centric future.
Join us for this dynamic and impactful rail event!
Watch a recap of the 2024 event:
2025 Speakers
Ruth Fairhall
Acting Secretary for Transport and Chief Executive, Ministry of Transport
Hon Christopher Bishop
Minister of Housing, Minister for Infrastructure, Minister for RMA Reform, Minister of Transport, Associate Minister for Sports and Recreation, Associate Minister of Finance, Leader of the House and MP for Hutt South
Peter Reidy
Chief Executive Officer, KiwiRail
Brent Alderton
Group General Manager Regulatory & Director of Land Transport, NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi
Patrick Brockie
Chief Executive, City Rail Link Limited
Gini Welch
National Manager Rail Safety Regulation, Te Rōpu Waeture, New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi
Stacey van der Putten
Director Public Transport and Active Modes, Auckland Transport
Dean Kimpton
Chief Executive, Auckland Transport
Tonia Haskell
Managing Director, Transdev Wellington
Martin Kearney
Chief Executive Officer, Auckland One Rail
Fiona Abbott
Asset and Infrastructure Senior Manager, Greater Wellington Regional Council (Metlink)
Megan Drayton
Foundation Manager, TrackSAFE Foundation NZ
Dave Christie
Supply Chain Strategy Director, Tainui Group Holdings
Gwyneth MacLeod
General Manager, Metro Investment Strategy, KiwiRail
Daniel Headifen
Chair, RTSA New Zealand
Jane Small
Group Manager Rail and Rapid Transit, Auckland Transport
Mark Knoff-Thomas
CEO, Newmarket Business Association
Peter Phillip
Country Logistics Manager, Ruakura Supply Chain, Kmart
Daniel Priscott
General Manager – Sales, Visy Global Logistics NZ
Viv Beck
Chief Executive, Heart of the City
Myles Lind
Chief Engineer, Auckland Transport
Rupert Hodson
Executive Director, Committee for Auckland
Jarryd Sisley
General Manager Engineering & Assets, Auckland One Rail
Lisa D’Oliveira
General Manager HSQESS, Auckland One Rail
Thea Hannah
Manager Rail Licensing, New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi
Sandi Robertson
Market Leader – Rail & Mass Transit, Stantec
Andy Lyon
Programme Director- Wellington Metro Upgrade, KiwiRail
Bevan Assink
City Rail Link Programme Director, KiwiRail
Gareth Williams
Rail Safety and Assurance Manager, Auckland Transport
Mike Burrell
Chief Executive, Sustainable Business Council
Russell McMullan
General Manager Assurance and Integration, City Rail Link Ltd
Agenda
Pricing
Acceleration Allies
Informa Rail ‘Acceleration Allies’: #MarchForward at every event
Launched in 2024, ‘Acceleration Allies’ is a program across all Informa Rail events that calls on organisations to commit to gender equality. In 2025, starting with NZ Rail #MarchForward in your commitment to advance the ‘Rights. Equality. Empowerment.’ of ALL and everyone in your organisation.
Organisations achieving 30% or more female representation—across speakers, delegates, sponsors, and attendees—will be acknowledged as ‘Acceleration Allies’.
- Why It Matters: Public recognition as a leader in gender diversity positions your organization at the forefront of industry innovation and inclusivity.
What’s in It for You?
- Exclusive Recognition: Featured acknowledgments as an as ‘Acceleration Ally’.
- Networking Opportunities: Connect with like-minded industry leaders who prioritise equality and empowerment.
- Positive Brand Visibility: Show stakeholders, clients, and partners your commitment to diversity and inclusion.
How to Get Involved: Simple Steps to Make an Impact
- Step 1: Assess your current representation and identify female colleagues to attend, speak, or participate.
- Step 2: Register your organisation and track your progress towards the 30% goal.
- Step 3: Celebrate your achievement and enjoy the recognition of being an Acceleration Ally at NZ Rail.
#MarchForward
- Elevate the women in your organisation. Champion gender equality, diversity and change.
- Secure your place as an Acceleration Ally today!
Dinner
NZ RAIL CONFERENCE DINNER | 7pm-10pm, Thursday 23 October.
The NZ Rail Conference dinner takes place on the evening of Day Two, Thursday 23 October. Commencing with pre-dinner drinks at 6.30pm, join us to relax and network with industry peers in a convivial atmosphere. The evening will provide the perfect opportunity to be informed and inspired.
This unique networking function which includes presentation of the TrackSAFE Foundation NZ Award for Safety Leadership, the presentation to the winners of the Next Generation Conference Scholarships & the Inaugural NZ Rail Excellence Awards.
Attendees must register to attend the conference as well. This event will sell out so be sure to book your place early!
Sponsor the New Zealand Rail Dinner – click here to enquire today.
DINNER MC | Ben Hurley
Ben is widely recognised from his regular appearances as a roving reporter for TVNZ’s Seven Sharp, a panellist on THREE’s 7Days, and has been a standout performer on the latest series of Taskmaster New Zealand.
He has had numerous other TV appearances with several Comedy Galas, AotearoHas, Would I Lie To You and Have You Been Paying Attention. He’s hosted the NZ Music Awards, After Hours, and Ben & Steve World Famous In…
After winning the Billy T Award in 2004, Ben set off for the UK where he honed his craft on their notoriously competitive comedy circuit. 2008 saw him win The Fred Award for comedic excellence, and he has won the NZ Comedy Guild’s Best MC and Best Male Comedian many times.
Excellence Awards
INAUGURAL NZ RAIL EXCELLENCE AWARDS | 7pm-10pm, Thursday 23 October.
The New Zealand rail industry, serving both freight and passenger sectors with distinction, continues to demonstrate excellence in operations and innovation across the motu. Building on this tradition of excellence, we are delighted to announce that the Inaugural NZ Rail Excellence Awards will be presented at the NZ Rail Conference Dinner on 23 October 2025.
The awards aim to identify and recognise the contributions of individuals and organisations shaping the future of New Zealand’s rail industry, with a focus on leadership, commitment to innovation, operational excellence and sustainability for the advancement of both freight and passenger rail services.
Do you work alongside someone new to the industry—an emerging leader who should be recognised for their contributions to New Zealand’s rail sector? Do you know someone who has delivered outstanding sustainability outcomes in your organisation? Has someone you know made a key contribution to passenger services or freight operations that deserves acknowledgement from their peers?
If so, then nominate them for an Inaugural NZ Rail Excellence Award.
Nominations are open!
This year, we’re accepting nominations in five categories:
- Emerging Leader of the Year
- Excellence in Sustainability, Diversity and Inclusion
- Inspirational Woman in Rail
- Unsung Hero
- Lifetime Achievement
- Industry Legend Award
The TrackSAFE Foundation NZ Award for Safety Leadership will also be presented!
KEY DATES
- Nominations open – Monday, 28 July 2025
- Nominations close – Completed nomination forms will be accepted up to COB Monday 8 September 2025
- Voting opens – Monday, 22 September 2025
- Voting closes – 5pm NZDT Friday, 10 October 2025
- Winners announced – At the NZ Rail Conference Dinner Thursday, 23 October 2025
Young Rail Professionals Forum
NZ YOUNG RAIL PROFESSIONALS FORUM | 22 October 2025, Aotea Centre
Diverse careers in rail
Do you want to create a diverse, rewarding and long-term career in rail?
Informa and the RTSA are hosting a NZ Young Rail Professionals Forum to find out how today’s industry leaders have achieved success as they share their tips on how to be a driving force in shaping the future of rail.
The forum will be held as the closing session NZ Rail Conference at the Aotea Centre on Day One 22nd October 2025. Attendees are invited to join us for the NZ Rail Exhibition Networking Drinks function after the forum.
The forum is open and free for all young rail professionals aged 35 years and under.
*Registrations close Friday 10 October.
Sponsorship & Exhibition Opportunities
The New Zealand Rail conference, exhibition and networking functions offer unparalleled opportunities to reach key industry stakeholders, senior decision-makers and customers from the ANZ region.
Don’t miss the opportunity to share your expertise and showcase your products, services and solutions at this established industry gathering.
Contact Sarah Ingram for a copy of the sponsorship & exhibition prospectus today!
Sarah Ingram
+61 406 530 043
[email protected]
Next Generation Conference Scholarships
New increased eligibility age for 2025!
Do you have an idea that could bring greater awareness to the benefits of the rail industry across NZ?
We are inviting all rail sector personnel aged 30 years and under to submit their innovative ideas on how to promote the NZ rail industry in an impactful way.
In 200-300 words, describe how you would market and promote the benefits of rail for the opportunity to win a scholarship to attend the 2025 New Zealand Rail conference and dinner.
Your idea may take inspiration from or could be applied to any discipline or field within the rail sector such as light rail, passenger rail, metro rail and trains, freight and heavy haul, new technology, customer service and sustainability and decarbonisation.
WINNERS RECEIVE:
- Complimentary attendance to the New Zealand Rail Conference
- Opportunity to network with industry representatives
- Certificates of acknowledgement presented at the conference dinner
- Professional profiles on the dedicated ‘Next Generation Hub’ on the event app
KEY DATES:
- Competition opens: Thursday 28 August 2025
- Competition deadline: 26 September 2025
- Winners announced: 7 October 2025
Eligibility: Open to all recent graduates and young railway professionals who are 30yrs or under (as at 25 June 2025)
A maximum of 3 winners will be selected from the same organisation.
Speaker Insights
How KiwiRail is optimising funding to improve the New Zealand rail network
Read more >>
Unlocking the full potential of rail in New Zealand
Read more >>
Overcoming disruption fatigue on New Zealand transport networks
Read more >>
The key to a more sustainable New Zealand rail sectors
Read more >>
Event Code Of Conduct
We want everyone who comes to our events to have a great experience. This code explains our expectations and rules, which includes general good practice behaviour, and how to report anything witnessed or experienced that goes against them. Read our Event Code of Conduct here.
Sustainability
Our Commitment to Sustainability
In Australia, we are committed to running our events in an environmentally and socially responsible way. Across Informa Connect we are focusing on the short and long-term sustainability impacts we have on customers and colleagues alongside the communities we work in.
We recognise that it’s not just about the way we produce our events and products but recognising that we have a role to play in providing a space to work in partnership together with our markets to inspire the sustainable development of the industries we serve.
To read more on our latest sustainability reports and Faster Forward initiatives – click here.
when & where
22 - 23 Oct 2025
Aotea Centre
50 Mayoral Drive
Auckland Central
Auckland 1010
Book accommodation with HotelMaps
To access the best available rate, book here.
contact
Still have a question?
General Information & Registration
Customer Service
+61 2 9080 4307
[email protected]
Sponsorship & Exhibition Opportunities
Sarah Ingram
+61 406 530 043
[email protected]
Speaking Enquiries
Kate Twentyman
Senior Conference Director
[email protected]
Marketing & Media Enquiries
Paul O’Connor
+61 2 9080 4336
[email protected]