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overview
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!
Watch a recap of the 2025 event:
2025 Event Photos
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
Wayne Brown
Mayor of Auckland
Brent Alderton
Group General Manager Regulatory & Director of Land Transport, NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi
Patrick Brockie
Chief Executive, City Rail Link Limited
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
Megan Drayton
Foundation Manager, TrackSAFE Foundation NZ
Nadine Dodge
Director Infrastructure Priorities and Evaluation, New Zealand Infrastructure Commission, Te Waihanga
Gwyneth MacLeod
General Manager, Metro Investment Strategy, KiwiRail
Dave Christie
Supply Chain Strategy Director, Tainui Group Holdings
Daniel Headifen
Programme Director, KiwiRail
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
Bevan Assink
City Rail Link Programme Director, KiwiRail
Gareth Williams
Rail Safety and Assurance Manager, Auckland Transport
Russell McMullan
General Manager Assurance and Integration, City Rail Link Ltd
Lucy Hawcroft
Senior Sustainability Advisor, KiwiRail
David Jackways
Engineering Assurance, KiwiRail
Walter Rushbrook
Programme Director - North Island Investments, KiwiRail
Megan Couture
Senior Associate – Planning, BECA & Deputy Chair, Te Kōkiringa Taumata | New Zealand Planning Institute
Pamela Storey
Interregional Rail Champion
Chris Wakeling
Technical Director, KiwiRail
Barry Fryer
Programme Director – LNIRIM, Metlink
Danny Cox
National Rail Director, Downer Group NZ
Ryan Brooks
Project Manager, Wiri to Quay Park (W2QP) Project, Downer Group NZ
Garry Whale
Group Manager Strategic Performance and Property, KiwiRail
Jaco Vorster
Service Line Leader - Transport Design, WSP New Zealand
Kathryn King
Regional Manager, Auckland & Northland, System Design, New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi
Mary Durkan
Rail Team Lead – New Zealand, Arup NZ
Dominique Schreyer Snyman
Senior Project Manager – Rail, WSP
Santiago Aon
Director Global Supply Chain, Fonterra
Dr Harm Hauke Ross
Director, Origination & Structuring Asia Pacific, KfW IPEX-Bank
Leonard Sampson
Chief Executive Officer, Port of Tauranga
Divya Rajasekaran
Engineering Team Leader Civil, KiwiRail
Clem Gherardi
Project Director, John Holland
Curtis Coleman
Manager - PT, Facilities & Structures Projects (Rail), Auckland Transport
Mark Bojesen-Trepka
Manager, Marketing and Industry Engagement, Earth Sciences New Zealand
Jochen Schmidt
Chief Scientist – Environmental Information, Earth Sciences New Zealand
Stephen Grice
Managing Director, North South Express - NSX
Jarod Wakefield
Construction Manager, John Holland
Colm O’Neill
Alliance General Manager, John Holland
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 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.
Stay tuned for the further information on when the nominations are opening!
2025 Sponsor Profiles
John Holland is up for the challenge of transforming lives. From humble beginnings more than 75 years, John Holland has been driving positive change in Australasia, and is now one of the region’s leading integrated infrastructure, rail and building companies.
Our integrated service offering includes design, construction, operations and maintenance across the rail, building and infrastructure sectors. But just as important as our capabilities are our values. We think deeply about what we do and how it affects communities. By pushing boundaries and innovating, we gain trust through our actions – whatever the project, we’re in it for the long, long term.
Our expert rail team in New Zealand work collaboratively with our customers to add value beyond the design and construction phase of a project, investing in training and development for local people, and working with the community to create a positive and lasting legacy.
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
Congratulations to the winners of the Next Generation Conference Scholarships for the NZ Rail Conference 2025.
Matthew Harland, Graduate Engineer, KiwiRail
Ryan Spooner, Senior Track Engineer, Arup
Nusrat Binte Nijam, ICT & Integration Engineer, Downer
Annmarie Holst, Assistant Stakeholder Manager, Downer
Benjamin Love, Rail Innovation & Strategy
Jay Wallabh, Investment Development Advisor, KiwiRail
Lucy France, Senior Communications Adviser, Transdev Wellington
Elena Pihera, Specialist Communications and Engagement, Auckland Transport
Vishakhan Bhakhavan, Graduate Civil Engineer, Aurecon
Liam Holliday, Rolling Stock Mechanical Engineer, KiwiRailWe’re delighted to be supporting the winners’ professional development and sharing their innovative ideas on how to enhance promote the NZ rail industry in an impactful way.
WINNERS RECEIVED:
- Complimentary attendance to the Two-Day upcoming NZ Rail Conference being held on 22-23 October 2025 at the Aotea Centre
- Certificates of acknowledgement – to be presented at the Conference
- Complimentary attendance to Networking Reception
- A featured Professional Profile on the Next Generation Hub within the event app
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
02 - 03 Dec 2026
Grand Millennium Auckland
71 Mayoral Drive, Cnr Vincent Street
Auckland 1010
+64 9 366 3000
New Zealand
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]