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New Zealand Rail

Building a resilient, reliable, and sustainable rail system

16-17 October 2024 | Aotea Centre, Auckland

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250+ ATTENDEES | 45+ SPEAKERS | NZ'S PREMIER RAIL EVENT

overview

We are thrilled to share that the New Zealand Rail Conference 2024 will be held on the 16-17 October at an exciting new venue The Aotea Centre, Auckland.

The New Zealand Rail Conference continues to build in significance and is the key meeting place for the growing New Zealand rail industry.

The 2024 event will provide leading edge content, project and policy updates from key industry speakers, showcase the latest technology and innovation for the industry at the exhibition and facilitate quality networking opportunities to meet with established & new industry contacts.

Mark your calendars to join us in October!


Book your spot early to avoid disappointment. A discounted rate is available for young rail professionals 35 years old and under. See PRICING for eligibility criteria.

Welcoming 2024 Speakers

Hon Simeon Brown

MP for Pakuranga, Minister of Transport, Minister of Local Government, Minister for Energy and Minister for Auckland

Audrey Sonerson

Chief Executive, Ministry of Transport

Nicole Rosie

Chief Executive, NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi

Peter Reidy

Chief Executive Officer, KiwiRail

Wayne Brown

Mayor of Auckland

Gini Welch

National Manager Rail Safety Regulation, Te Rōpu Waeture, New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi

Dean Kimpton

Chief Executive, Auckland Transport

Gwyneth MacLeod

Head of Network Strategy and Investment, KiwiRail

Martin Kearney

Chief Executive Officer, Auckland One Rail

Stacey van der Putten

Director Public Transport & Active Modes, Auckland Transport

Chris Joblin

Director, Ruakura Inland Port

Desley Simpson

Deputy Mayor of Auckland

Dave Christie

Supply Chain Strategy Director, Tainui Group Holdings

Dr Cathy Bebelman

Chief Scientist and Head of Science and Sustainability, Auckland Transport

Samantha Gain

Group Manager, Metlink

Associate Professor Gemma Read

Director, Centre for Human Factors and Sociotechnical Systems, University of the Sunshine Coast

Russell McMullan

General Manager Assurance & Integration, City Rail Link Ltd

Dr Jared Thomas

Pou Whakahaere Hangarau - Whanonga Pūtaioa (Technical Principal – Behavioural Sciences), WSP New Zealand

Jerry Shearman

CEO, Central Economic Development Agency

Stephen Brunell

Programme Performance and Controls Director, City Rail Link Ltd

Rob Murdoch

Deputy Chief Executive, NIWA

Daniel Headifen

Chair, RTSA New Zealand

Colm O’Neill

Alliance General Manager, North Western Program Alliance, John Holland

Jon Knight

General Manager Metros, KiwiRail

Paul Cockerton

Lead Advisor, New Zealand Rail Safety Regulator, Te Rōpū Waeture, New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi

Gavin Panter

Chief Operating Officer, Auckland One Rail

Sudha Niles

General Manager Products and Innovation, RISSB

Bobby Fischer

Program Director (Auckland Metro), KiwiRail

Jane Small

Group Manager Strategic Development Programmes and Property, Auckland Transport

Lisa D’Oliveira

General Manager HSQESS, Auckland One Rail

Paul Norman

Rail Construction Safety Case Manager, Link Alliance

Adele Wilson

Chief Customer and Growth Officer, KiwiRail

Will Marson

General Manager, Vadis Geomatics

Nigel Jones

General Manager Supply Chain and Planning, Alliance Group

Gareth Bowen

Export and Logistics Manager, Timberlands

Santiago Aon

Director Global Supply Chain, Fonterra

Ann Tomlinson

Founder, Alium Works & RISSB 2024 Industry Safety Professional of the Year Winner

Doug Johnson

Principal Consultant, Strategic Consulting, Tonkin + Taylor

Mick Spiers

Chief Operating Officer for Rail Infrastructure, Siemens Mobility AUNZ

Rachel Cara

Group Manager, Public Transport Operations, Auckland Transport

Garry Whale

Group Manager Strategic Performance & Property, KiwiRail

Murray Bruges

Director, The Helen Clark Foundation

André Lovatt

Chief Infrastructure Officer, KiwiRail

Anthony McFadden

General Manager, NSW/ACT, QLD & New Zealand, John Holland

Gabriella Solti

Systems Assurance Manager, KiwiRail

Lynne Morton

General Manager Engineering – Infrastructure, KiwiRail

Dr Harm Hauke Ross

Director Mobility Asia Pacific, KfW IPEX-Bank

Paul Kirby

General Manager Regulation and General Counsel, Engineering New Zealand

Jack Bing

Sustainable Value & ESG, KPMG

Lucy Hawcroft

Sustainability Manager (Acting), KiwiRail

Agenda

8:15 am

Registration opens

8:40 am

Mihi whakatau

Welcome led by Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei,

8:50 am

OPENING | Opening remarks from the Chair

Stacey van der Putten, Director Public Transport & Active Modes, Auckland Transport

RAIL IN AOTEAROA

9:00 am

Delivering as an integrated transport partner for New Zealand

Peter Reidy, Chief Executive Officer, KiwiRail

9:30 am

KEYNOTE ADDRESS | How rail fits into an integrated transport plan for Auckland Council

Wayne Brown, Mayor of Auckland

10:00 am

KEYNOTE ADDRESS | Rail, the NLTP and the rail regulator

Nicole Rosie, Chief Executive, NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi

10:30 am

Platinum Partner presentation | Level crossings – Collaboration and continuity

Colm O’Neill, Alliance General Manager, North Western Program Alliance, John Holland

10:55 am

Networking and refreshment break

12:15 pm

Swimming through the Tsunami: How to manage the rapid rise in reporting requirements

Dr Cathy Bebelman, Chief Scientist and Head of Science and Sustainability, Auckland Transport

1:30 pm

Lunch and networking break

CONCURRENT INNOVATION STREAMS

2:20 pm

Welcome from Chair || Stream: TRACK 1: WORKFORCE & CUSTOMERS

Peter Reidy, Chief Executive Officer, KiwiRail

Welcome from Chair || Stream: TRACK 2: SUSTAINABILITY, INNOVATION & TECHNOLOGY

Rachel Cara, Group Manager, Public Transport Operations, Auckland Transport

2:25 pm

  • What that means and how it’s managed
  • How the industry currently ensures that rail workers are competent, qualified and current to work in the controlled environment
  • The opportunities, challenges and safety benefits
  • How do we ‘stack up’ when compared to other national rail systems?
  • Skills required to build a thriving sector
  • What are climate scenarios, and why do we use them for risk management?
  • The Transport Sector Climate Scenarios process – why, what and who?
  • Exploring three potential futures for New Zealand and its transport system
  • KiwiRail context – Challenges and opportunities
  • Process to develop KiwiRail climate scenarios
  • Key takeaways for KiwiRail – turning scenarios into action

3:10 pm

Customer growth and lifting customer experience || Stream: TRACK 1: WORKFORCE & CUSTOMERS

Adele Wilson, Chief Customer and Growth Officer, KiwiRail

3:00 pm

Infrastructure resilience in motion: New Zealand's path forward with high-resolution climate projections, digital twins, and risk analysis tools || Stream: TRACK 2: SUSTAINABILITY, INNOVATION & TECHNOLOGY

Rob Murdoch, Deputy Chief Executive, NIWA

Will Marson, General Manager, Vadis Geomatics

3:35 pm

Rolling Stock Registration: The Australian Challenge || Stream: TRACK 4: SAFETY

Sudha Niles, General Manager Products and Innovation, RISSB

4:10 pm

Networking, stretch & refreshment break || Stream: TRACK 3: RAIL FREIGHT

Networking, stretch & refreshment break || Stream: TRACK 4: SAFETY

Chair: || Stream: TRACK 3: RAIL FREIGHT

Peter Reidy, Chief Executive Officer, KiwiRail

Chair: || Stream: TRACK 4: SAFETY

Rachel Cara, Group Manager, Public Transport Operations, Auckland Transport

4:35 pm

Te Utanganui: The Central New Zealand Distribution Hub || Stream: TRACK 3: RAIL FREIGHT

Jerry Shearman, CEO, Central Economic Development Agency

Advancing rail safety through innovative design and technology || Stream: TRACK 4: SAFETY

Russell McMullan, General Manager Assurance & Integration, City Rail Link Ltd

Dr Jared Thomas, Pou Whakahaere Hangarau - Whanonga Pūtaioa (Technical Principal – Behavioural Sciences), WSP New Zealand

5:05 pm

PANEL DISCUSSION| An exporters perspective and the impact land transport has on building a NZ competitive advantage || Stream: TRACK 3: RAIL FREIGHT

Moderated by: Adele Wilson, Chief Customer and Growth Officer, KiwiRail

Nigel Jones, General Manager Supply Chain and Planning, Alliance Group

Gareth Bowen, Export and Logistics Manager, Timberlands

Santiago Aon, Director Global Supply Chain, Fonterra

Dave Christie, Supply Chain Strategy Director, Tainui Group Holdings

PANEL DISCUSSION | Safety through the project lifecycle: Roles, responsibilities, and real-world applications || Stream: TRACK 4: SAFETY

Moderated by: Gabriella Solti, Systems Assurance Manager, KiwiRail

Russell McMullan, General Manager Assurance & Integration, City Rail Link Ltd

Ann Tomlinson, Founder, Alium Works & RISSB 2024 Industry Safety Professional of the Year Winner

Doug Johnson, Principal Consultant, Strategic Consulting, Tonkin + Taylor

5:45 pm

Closing remarks from the Chair || Stream: TRACK 3: RAIL FREIGHT

Closing remarks from the Chair || Stream: TRACK 4: SAFETY

5:50 pm

End of Day One & Exhibition Networking Drinks Function

6:00 pm

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 is open and free for all young rail professionals aged 35 years and under. Attendees are required to register in advance.

8:20 am

Registration opens

8:50 am

OPENING | Opening remarks from the Chair

Samantha Gain, Group Manager, Metlink

BUILDING A RESILIENT AND RELIABLE RAIL SYSTEM

9:00 am

KEYNOTE ADDRESS | The Ministry of Transport’s role to support a safe and reliable rail system that grows our economy

Audrey Sonerson, Chief Executive, Ministry of Transport

9:30 am

Project update- CRL

Stephen Brunell, Programme Performance and Controls Director, City Rail Link Ltd

10:00 am

Navigating the future of rail infrastructure in New Zealand: ETCS and AI-driven maintenance strategies

Mick Spiers, Chief Operating Officer for Rail Infrastructure, Siemens Mobility AUNZ

10:30 am

Innovative rail financing options-Lessons learned from Europe

Dr Harm Hauke Ross, Director Mobility Asia Pacific, KfW IPEX-Bank

10:55 am

Networking and refreshment break

11:30 am

FIRE SIDE CHAT | Building resilience in our metro networks

Gwyneth MacLeod, Head of Network Strategy and Investment, KiwiRail

Rachel Cara, Group Manager, Public Transport Operations, Auckland Transport

Garry Whale, Group Manager Strategic Performance & Property, KiwiRail

12:10 pm

The rail system is complex and relies upon successful interactions between and amongst humans and technologies to achieve various outcomes including safety, efficiency, and reliability. This presentation will discuss how human factors principles, embedded within systems thinking frameworks, can assist to optimise these outcomes across the system lifecycle. Examples from areas such as signalling, level crossings and passenger experience will be used to illustrate key points.

12:40 pm

Solutions that put customers at the heart of our operations

Martin Kearney, Chief Executive Officer, Auckland One Rail

1:10 pm

Lunch and networking break

2:55 pm

Pushing technical excellence in rail

Daniel Headifen, Chair, RTSA New Zealand

4:00 pm

CLOSING MINISTERIAL ADDRESS

Hon Simeon Brown, MP for Pakuranga, Minister of Transport, Minister of Local Government, Minister for Energy and Minister for Auckland

4:20 pm

END OF CONFERENCE

6:30 pm

The NZ Rail Conference dinner takes place on the evening of 17 October at the Aotea Centre Auckland. Join us for this unique networking function includes pre-dinner drinks from 6:30pm, presentation of the TrackSAFE Foundation NZ Award for Safety Leadership as well as the presentation to the winners of the Next Generation Conference Scholarships.

Pricing

Packages Price
Package(Two Days)NZD $2595+GST
Virtual Pass - NZ basedNZD $1595+GST
Virtual Pass (International)NZD $1595
Extras Price
Dinner NZD $250+GST
Dinner - Table of 10 NZD $2500+GST
Streamly Access Pass NZD $495+GST
Packages Price
Package(Two Days)NZD $1295+GST
Virtual Pass - NZ basedNZD $795+GST
Virtual Pass (International)NZD $795
Extras Price
Dinner NZD $250+GST
Dinner - Table of 10 NZD $2500+GST
Streamly Access Pass NZD $495+GST
Packages Price
DinnerNZD $250
Extras Price
Dinner NZD $250
Dinner - Table of 10 NZD $2500
Streamly Access Pass NZD $495

Young Rail Professionals rate (Under 35)*
*Eligibility for young rail professionals rate: Aged 35 years old and under on 16 October 2024. Note: You will be required to provide ID on the day of the event.

BUY A PASS

Acceleration Allies

NEW TO 2024 | Count Her In: Achieve a minimum 30% female representation to join our ‘Acceleration Allies’ program

To celebrate the 2024 theme of International Women’s Day, ‘Count Her In: Accelerating Gender Equality Through Economic Empowerment’ Informa will be showcasing the organisations who achieve a minimum of 30% female representation at the NZ Rail Conference with special acknowledgements as ‘Acceleration Allies’. This representation will include speakers, delegates, sponsors and delegates. Join the movement to ‘Count her in’ and enjoy special recognition at the event.

Dinner

NZ RAIL CONFERENCE DINNER
17 October 2024 | Aotea Centre, Tāmaki Makaurau/Auckland | 6:30pm – 10:30pm

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 includes presentation of the TrackSAFE Foundation NZ Award for Safety Leadership as well as the presentation to the winners of the Next Generation Conference Scholarships.
Attendees must register to attend the conference as well.

This event will sell out so be sure to book your place!

DINNER MC
Michele A’Court’s journey in the entertainment industry began in the 1980s when she first came to the nation’s attention as the host of the popular children’s television show “What Now”. This initial exposure set the stage for a prolific career in television, radio, and live performances. Over the years, Michele has become a household name in New Zealand, recognised for her sharp wit, insightful commentary, and engaging stage presence. In the 2022 New Year Honours, she was recognised for her services to the entertainment and comedy industries and was appointed an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM).

TrackSAFE NZ Safety Leadership Award

Help recognise a safety leadership champion

Do you know someone who has shown significant safety leadership in the New Zealand rail industry? Do you believe their efforts and achievements should be celebrated?
Nominations are open for this year’s TrackSAFE NZ Safety Leadership Award, and are due by Friday, 27 September 2024.

Finalists are selected against the following criteria:

  • Sustained contribution to railway safety over a significant period, such that it positively influences rail safety in New Zealand
  • Exceptional, measurable improvement in safety within an organisation
  • Leadership in promoting and encouraging safety values across New Zealand’s rail industry
  • Significant leadership in safety for a railway project, activity or major event
  • Contribution of a safety innovation which has resulted in a sustainable rail safety improvement

NOMINATE HERE

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
Sarah.Ingram@informa.com

Next Generation Conference Scholarships

Congratulations to the winners of the Next Generation Conference Scholarship for the New Zealand Rail Conference 2024:

We’re delighted to be supporting the winner’s professional development and sharing their innovative ideas bringing greater awareness to the benefits of the rail industry across NZ.

 

Shirley Chen, Graduate Rail Engineer, Arup NZ
Lucia Boyes, Rail Franchise Coordinator, Auckland Transport
Will Penrose, Technical Sales Engineer, Vossloh Australia
Gabrielle Murphy, Civil Engineer, Aurecon New Zealand
Molly Zhang, Civil Engineer, Aurecon New Zealand
Brandan Misa, Graduate Engineer, KiwiRail
Matthew Harland, Graduate, KiwiRail
Liam Kelly, Graduate Electrical Engineer, KiwiRail
Zara Collings, Sustainability Associate, KiwiRail
Benjamin Love, Junior Rail Industry Consultant, Railize
Oscar Harry, Graduate Engineer – Train Control Systems and Network Communications, DT infrastructure
Matthew Edwards, Graduate Engineer, SYSTRA ANZ

 
WINNERS WILL 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

NZ Young Rail Professionals Forum

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 is open and free for all young rail professionals aged 35 years and under. Attendees are required to register in advance.


Moderated by: Jaco Vorster, Technical Principal – Track Lead, WSP
Jarryd Sisley, General Manager Engineering & Assets, Auckland One Rail
Jessica Anderson, Pre-Contracts Manager, John Holland
Sanmit Kaimal, Field Asset Engineer, KiwiRail
Paul Silveri, Rail Signalling Engineer, WSP

 


Held alongside the 2024 NZ Rail Conference, the forum will take place during the NZ Rail Exhibition Networking Drinks at the Aotea Centre on the evening of 16 October 2024. Following the industry panel discussion focusing on diversity and pathways to rail careers, attendees will have the opportunity to join the Exhibition Networking Drinks function and exchange learnings and experiences with a diverse mix of industry representatives from across the Tasman.

The forum will discuss the role young professionals will play in shaping the New Zealand Rail industry and building a long-term future for rail and the people that work within it.

Where: Aotea Centre, Auckland, 50 Mayoral Drive, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010
When: Registration from 5.45pm for a 6.00pm start.

*Registrations for the NZ Young Rail Professionals Forum have now closed.*

Sponsors Corporate Profile

John Holland is a leading provider of end-to-end rail and transport solutions in Australia and New Zealand. From designing and constructing transport networks to operating them, they’re transforming the way people travel and providing better connections.

Every day, more than one million passenger journeys are taken on John Holland networks. Their long-standing experience in mass transport means they know how to put together the right solution – from start to finish. Focused on the future of transport, they innovate today for the best outcomes tomorrow – from digital engineering and digital asset management, to targeting zero-emission transport modes.

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.


As a leader in intelligent transport solutions for more than 175 years, Siemens Mobility is constantly innovating its portfolio. Its core areas include rolling stock, rail automation and electrification, a comprehensive software portfolio, turnkey systems as well as related services. With digital products and solutions, Siemens Mobility is enabling mobility operators worldwide to make infrastructure intelligent, increase value sustainably over the entire lifecycle, enhance passenger experience and guarantee availability. We have been in Australia & New Zealand for more than 150 years, employs over 600 people from 41 different nationalities with offices in all major capital cities and manufacturing sites in Melbourne and Perth. Siemens aims to be the first major industrial company to achieve a net-zero carbon footprint by 2030 and a partner in Australia’s first carbon neutral rail infrastructure project.

2023 Event Highlights

Event Images

Below is a slide show of images from the 2023 New Zealand Rail conference.

To view all images across the two day event, view our Flickr album.

NZRail-Turbo360-22318

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

16 - 17 Oct 2024

Aotea Centre, Auckland
50 Mayoral Drive, Auckland CBD,
Auckland 1010, New Zealand


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
info@informa.com.au

Sponsorship & Exhibition Opportunities
Sarah Ingram
+61 406 530 043
Sarah.Ingram@informa.com

 

Speaking Enquiries
Kate Twentyman
Senior Conference Director
Kate.Twentyman@informa.com.au

 

Marketing & Media Enquiries
Paul O’Connor
+61 2 9080 4336
paul.c.oconnor@informa.com

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