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.

This year, we’re accepting nominations in five categories:

➤ Emerging Leader of the Year
➤ Rail Impact Excellence Award: Sustainability & Social Responsibility
➤ Inspirational Woman in Rail
➤ Unsung Hero
➤ Rail Freight Champion

Additionally, we’ll present a special Lifetime Achievement Award and the TrackSAFE Foundation NZ Award for Safety Leadership.

Nominations open July 6 2026