Late last week the ARA’s Aotearoa Rail Committee held its second meeting for the year in Auckland, kindly hosted by Auckland One Rail at the new Auckland Rail Operations Centre (AROC).  

The Committee comprises senior executive leaders from KiwiRail, Auckland One Rail, Transdev New Zealand, Auckland Transport and the Greater Wellington Regional Council. 

Prior to the meeting, the Committee was provided a tour of the new AROC facility which was officially opened in March this year. The new train control centre sees teams from KiwiRail, Auckland Transport and Auckland One Rail working more closely together to improve train services across the city. 

The Aotearoa Rail Committee meeting included discussion on the ARA’s latest research project exploring the benefits of rail in New Zealand, with the report scheduled to be released later this year. Members heard from the ARA workforce development team and explored options for closer collaboration on skills and training, and also discussed the ARA’s upcoming New Zealand Rail Summit and industry dinner on 4 July in Auckland. 

The Committee also endorsed the nomination of Stacey van der Putten (Auckland Transport) as the inaugural Chair of the Aotearoa Rail Committee. 

The Aotearoa Rail Committee meets quarterly and has responsibility for the oversight and implementation of the ARA’s Aotearoa Strategy. The next meeting is scheduled for August 2024. 

For further information, please contact General Manager – Advocacy and New Zealand, Simon Bourke.