We are delighted to share the finalists for the 2026 New Zealand Rail Excellence Awards.
Congratulations to the finalists who have been recognised for their significant contributions to New Zealand's rail industry.
The winners will be announced at the New Zealand Rail Excellence Awards Dinner on
3 December, 2026 at the Grand Millennium Auckland.
Click here to read a summary of each of the finalists outstanding achievements before you cast your vote.
EMERGING LEADER OF THE YEAR
Lucy Cammell, Lead Engineer, Aurecon
Deirdre Oelofse, Stations Delivery Manager, Auckland One Rail
Georgina Palmer, Emergency Testing Interface Manager, City Rail Link Ltd
Christian Woods, Project Engineer, John Holland
Izzy Raziff, Engineering Geologist – Infrastructure, KiwiRail
Tom Revell, Principal- Ground Engineering, KiwiRail
RAIL IMPACT EXCELLENCE AWARD: SUSTAINABILITY & SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
City Rail Link Ltd
Khris Dore, Project Manager, KiwiRail
Ross Kaufusi, Engineering Design Lead – Civil, KiwiRail
Romy Ridl, Civil Engineering Technical Manager – Infrastructure, KiwiRail
INSPIRATIONAL WOMAN IN RAIL
Louise Pengelly, Director CRL Operations, Auckland One Rail
Divya Rajasekaran, Engineering Civil Lead, KiwiRail
Jane Sherriff, Manager - Stakeholder Relations, KiwiRail
UNSUNG HERO
Grant Daniel, Technical Director, Rail & Mass Transit, Aurecon
Yudai Noguchi, Rail Planning Systems and Projects Manager, Auckland One Rail
Ian Turner, Civil Professional Head – Infrastructure, KiwiRail
Seungjin Woo, Architect, Grimshaw Architects
INDUSTRY CHAMPION
Joe Gee, Senior Civil Engineer, KiwiRail
Grant Dowie, Operations Safety Specialist, Auckland One Rail
Ian Cotton, Former Senior Rail Safety Officer, NZ Transport Agency
John Skilton, Programme Director: Future Rail Systems, KiwiRail
The Lifetime Achievement winner will be honoured at the NZ Rail Excellence Awards Dinner as well as the TrackSAFE Foundation NZ Award for Safety Leadership - Stay tuned!
> READ A SUMMARY OF EACH OF THE FINALISTS OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENTS
