18 Jun 2019
As the rail renaissance gathers pace, the Railway Technical Society of Australasia’s New Zealand chapter has become a technical group of Engineering New Zealand.
The RTSA, a technical society of Engineers Australia, has had a strong presence in New Zealand since 2008, and RTSA New Zealand Chair Simon Wood says the time is right for the chapter to strengthen its ties with Engineering New Zealand.
“Rail is booming, and we know there will be new people coming into the industry. RTSA NZ is here for people to learn about the industry and join a community of rail-related professionals.”
Budget 2019 included a $1 billion funding boost for KiwiRail, with the Government also expected to release a new national rail plan later this year. Construction of the Auckland City Rail Link, New Zealand’s largest infrastructure project, is underway and will transform Auckland’s passenger transport system when it opens in 2024.
Becoming an Engineering New Zealand technical group will provide RTSA NZ more flexibility to deliver value to members, including being easier to join. However strong links will be maintained with the RTSA in Australia and New Zealand members will continue to be eligible for the full range of RTSA membership benefits, such as discounted registration fees for the RTSA’s flagship biannual CORE conferences and free attendance at RTSA Technical Seminars.
RTSA Executive chair Maneesh Gupta says “we look forward to seeing RTSA NZ continue to develop and grow, while maintaining our Trans-Tasman connection.”
As well as engineers, the group is open to anyone with a professional interest in rail.
Engineering New Zealand Chief Executive Susan Freeman-Greene says she welcomes the closer relationship with RTSA NZ.
We’re excited about the possibilities presented by closer collaboration, especially given the sector’s revitalisation.
Anyone with a professional interest in rail is invited to launch celebrations in Auckland on 8 July and Wellington on 17 July.
Join RTSA NZ now to get free membership till October 2019.
