Our people

KiwiRail is one of New Zealand’s largest employers with 4,500 KiwiRail staff operating in more than 50 towns and cities across the country.

History means a lot to our people – many are the third or fourth generation in their family to work in rail – but it is the promise of rail’s future that excites our team.

KiwiRail teams have had to tackle significant hurdles in recent years – from rebuilding our network following the devastating Kaikoura earthquake, to bush fires, devastating weather events and working with ageing infrastructure and rolling stock. However, our people never give up on a problem and are united by challenge.

Our people deliver every day on our purpose to build Stronger Connections for a Better New Zealand. They live our company values to create a culture that is focused on safety, teamwork, honesty and customer service.

If you’re interested in joining the KiwiRail team you can find out more about working for us on the KiwiRail careers site.

Our ‘High Performance, High Engagement’ (HPHE) approach is a joint project with our union partners, which empowers frontline staff to find solutions to the challenges facing the business while raising productivity, improving safety and enhancing performance.

We are committed to developing our people, supporting diversity and promoting Te Ao Māori within KiwiRail. Our successful graduate and mentoring programmes are nurturing young talent, and our Toi Toi Leadership Programme is developing leaders who are making a difference in their workplaces, with their whānau and in their local communities. The Māori network within KiwiRail, Te Kupenga Mahi, plays a pivotal role in increasing understanding of Te Ao Māori.