15th Annual New Zealand Rail Conference 2026
Shaping the Future of Rail in Aotearoa - Te Kitenga. Mahi Tahi. Auaha.
(Vision. Collaboration. Innovation.)
2 - 3 December 2026 | Grand Millennium Auckland, New Zealand
Rail remains a cornerstone of connection, decarbonisation, and economic vitality. As Aotearoa’s rail sector evolves, the focus is on building a more sustainable, resilient, and customer-centric future. This year’s theme Shaping the Future of Rail in Aotearoa with
Te Kitenga (vision), Mahi Tahi (collaboration), and Auaha (innovation) captures the sector’s drive to embrace emerging opportunities, tackle evolving challenges, and adopt cutting-edge technologies.
Join industry leaders at New Zealand’s premier rail gathering as we chart the path forward for our nation’s rail network. Building on last year’s success – delivering high-calibre speakers, valuable networking opportunities, and the collaborative spirit that makes this gathering essential for anyone driving the next wave of innovation and transformation.
Industry-wide, there is a shared vision for moving forward together. Join the effort as Aotearoa develops and refines a rail system that balances immediate priorities with long-term sustainability.
Join us for this dynamic and impactful rail event!
Suggested topics include:
- Freight Operations & Supply Chain Excellence
- Customer & Business Leadership Perspectives
- Innovation & Digital Transformation
- Operational Excellence & Maintenance Delivery
- Major Project Updates
- Sustainability & Decarbonisation
- Regional Rail Development
- Safety & Risk Management
- Government Policy & Strategic Direction
- Workforce & Future Talent
Watch a recap of the 2025 event
2025 Event Photos
2025 SPEAKERS
2025 SPONSORS & EXHIBITORS
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 3 December.
The NZ Rail Conference dinner takes place on the evening of Day Two, Thursday 3 December. 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 NZ Rail Excellence Awards.
Attendees must register to attend the conference as well. Stay tuned for our special guest speaker announcement!
This event will sell out so be sure to book your place early!
Sponsor the New Zealand Rail Dinner – click here to enquire today.
Excellence Awards
NZ RAIL EXCELLENCE AWARDS | 7pm-10pm, Thursday 3 December 2026
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 return of the NZ Rail Excellence Awards will be presented at the NZ Rail Conference Dinner on Thursday 3 December 2026.
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 open July 6 2026
Next Generation Conference Scholarships
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 2026 New Zealand Rail conference and dinner.
Your idea may draw inspiration from or be applied to any discipline or field within the rail sector, including passenger rail, metro rail and trains, freight and heavy haul, new technology, customer service, 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: 12 August 2026
- Competition deadline: 23 October 2026
- Winners announced: 30 November 2026
- Eligibility: Open to all recent graduates and young railway professionals who are 30yrs or under (as at 2 December 2026)
A maximum of 3 winners will be selected from the same organisation.
WHEN & WHERE
02 - 03 Dec 2026
Grand Millennium Auckland
71 Mayoral Drive, Cnr Vincent Street
Auckland 1010
+64 9 366 3000
New Zealand