Please join us for a panel discussion with two leading New Zealand rail engineers recently recognised with international awards followed by an update on the Cyclone Gabrielle rail recovery in Hawke’s Bay.

This event is being held in-person across Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch, members and guests are welcome to attend in any of these locations for networking with some drinks and nibbles before and after the presentations, for those unable to attend in person this event will also be broadcast online:

• Auckland: Beca’s offices, 21 Pitt Street, Auckland CBD
• Wellington: Engineering New Zealand, Level 6, 40 Taranaki Street, Wellington
• Christchurch: Beca’s offices, ANZ Centre, Level 2, 267 High Street, CBD
• Online: Via Zoom

New Zealand Rail Engineers Recognised – The New Zealand Chapter of the RTSA is honoured to have two of its members recently presented with significant awards at 2023
Melbourne Conference of Rail Excellence:

Simon Wood has been awarded a Life Membership Award for distinguished service to the RTSA while Walter Rushbrook is the recipient of the RTSA’s Professional of the Year award.

To celebrate this, please join us where Simon and Walter will take part in an interactive panel discussion on their careers and how the New Zealand rail industry has changed during them. This will also focus on their views on the upcoming challenges and opportunities that the current historic level of investment in rail in New Zealand brings.

Cyclone Gabrielle Update – An additional presentation will be made by Daniel Headifen on the effect of Cyclone Gabrielle on the Hawkes Bay rail network and the recovery work that is current
underway on it.

Simon Wood has worked in the rail industry since 1978 in the UK, New Zealand and Australia. Currently self-employed (via Larswood Consulting) his numerous contributions to the
RTSA include been a past Executive Chair of the RTSA, being the longest serving committee member of the RTSA NZ Chapter and former Chapter Chair and being a participant of various RTSA sub committees and CORE organising groups. Alongside this Simon has made significant contributions to the New Zealand rail industry, particularly in the upgrades of the Auckland Metro network.

Walter Rushbrook commenced working in rail in 1997 and has held a variety of technical, operational, and managerial roles predominately in the rail industry. He has positively influenced some of the most significant railway works in this country over the past 25 years. These include improving the New Zealand rail’s safety leadership, asset management, and technical capacity. He has also assisted in successful business case preparation as well as holding significant roles in many award-winning projects. He is currently KiwiRail’s Executive GM Interislander Business Readiness.

Daniel Headifen is leading the Hawkes Bay Cyclone Recovery for KiwiRail to reopen the Palmerston North Gisborne Line (PNGL) to Napier. He is also KiwiRail’s Owner Interface
Manager for the Transport Rebuild East Coast Alliance that is tasked with undertaking the required works on the Napier to Wairoa section of the PNGL and additional recovery works south
of Napier.

We hope to see you there!

Click here to register for this event on the Engineering New Zealand website.