Blues vs Chiefs
Thanks to all who were part of the Blues vs Chiefs event on Saturday 22 June
Saturday’s game was a great result for Auckland. Not only did our team take home the trophy, but we were able to run a normal special event schedule and moved around 14,000 passengers' post-match.
CEO Martin Kearney says he wants to extend his personal thanks to the Drivers, Train Managers, Customer Service team and those in TOC who worked hard to make sure Auckland came out the winner both on and off the field.
“A lot of people worked really hard on the front line as well as behind the scenes. All credit to our teams who
“I want to acknowledge the RMTU for agreeing to run a full rostering schedule and contributing to a successful night. It’s a great achievement for the Blues and an outstanding result for Auckland.”
The next big match at Eden Park is All Blacks vs England on Saturday 13 July.
Source: 1News.co.nz made this special event one to remember for the sold-out crowd who attended the game.
Middlemore Station platform extension
Following the reposition, the existing Southern temporary platform will be removed, and 20 metres of the current platform will be demolished to give enough room for the West main to curve around the end of the platform.
All existing temporary shelters and access routes will also be closed.
The repositioning of the combined EMU 3 and 6 stopping location at Middlemore Station will occur on the morning of Monday 29 July.
The stopping will be at the North end of the platform. A permanent extension will be added to the north end of the platform and is currently under construction.
Mānawatia a Matariki
This year Matariki is being celebrated on Friday 28 June. It’s a special time to recognise the Māori New Year and is based on the reappearance of the Pleiades star cluster, also known as Matariki, in the night sky.
Traditionally, it's a time to gather and celebrate whānau (family) and friends, reflect on the past year, and look ahead to the future with hope for a bountiful harvest season.
We hope you can enjoy some of the many activities happening around Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland) over the long weekend – use the link below to find out more.
Mānawatia a Matariki! Kia pai te whakanui (Happy Matariki! Have a good celebration).
Find out what’s happening around Tāmaki Makaurau this Matariki
CRL Station lights up for Matariki
The City Rail Link (CRL) is celebrating Matariki, the Māori New Year, by lighting up their new stations at Te Waihorotiu in the city centre and Maungawhau on the North Auckland/Western Line. The special lights will brighten the long winter nights and represent the Matariki stars. Floodlighting at both stations will be temporary and will become permanent later this year.
Floodlit Te Waihorotiu Station taken during a test run – Wellesley Street and Mayoral Drive sides of station
CRL Update
Test Train Drivers featured on video
AOR’s CRL Test Train Drivers have been featured in a video by Link Alliance as part of a media information pack, which will be released to news outlets soon. The media package is likely to include some key facts like the following:
How long does the training take? All our Test Train drivers are already qualified LEs with at least two years’ experience. The CRL training consists of two days of theory training and one day of practical training. Following this, the test train drivers will drive under the supervision of a trainer for a specified number of return trips before being certified to operate independently.
How many train drivers there are in Auckland? There are currently around 250 train drivers in Auckland and this number will grow prior to the CRL opening.
How many are being trained to test trains in the CRL? There are 20 test train drivers employed to test the CRL prior to opening.
360-degree views of CRL progress
CRL has also set-up a new website which provides 360-degree views of the construction progress at Te Waihorotiu Station, which is located close to the Auckland Town Hall and Aotea Centre.
Te Waihorotiu station, located in Auckland’s midtown, will have entrances on Victoria and Wellesley Streets and is expected to become New Zealand’s busiest station.
CRL also plan to produce 360-degree tours for Maungawhau and Karanga-a-Hape stations, but in the meantime, check out the following:
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7200959648378626048
Facebook https://fb.watch/sUu_-BFyLB/
Website https://auaha.topview.co.nz/te-waihorotiu-station
P2P - Papakura to Pukekohe
The P2P overhead line will be energised over Matariki weekend block of line with EMU OLE testing on Saturday 6 July.
P2P ETCS (European Train Control System) testing will take place between 7 to 14 July.
It is planned that AOR will take over the Pukekohe assets from AT at the end of August.
Service start is still planned for 19 January 2025 with the stand up of the facility from 12 January 2025.
Charmaine Fitton – Test Train Driver, David Page – Test Train Driver, Arama Framhein - Test Train Driver and Clayton Jones – Test Train Minder Driver.
Safety messages in anti-graffiti murals
You may have seen the pictures in our last newsletter about the new colours on the network – as part of our on-going anti-graffiti campaign, commuters across the Western and Southern Lines are greeted with a vibrant splash of colour and safety messages thanks to new murals by well-known street artist, Pascal Atiga-Bridger.
AOR’s HSQESS (Health, Safety, Quality, Environment, Sustainability and Security) team oversaw the project in collaboration with KiwiRail and AT.
HSQESS GM Lisa D’Oliveira says the as well as addressing graffiti issues, the murals deliver some important safety messages like: ‘Watch out for trains, be safe’: “We want to attract attention and remind passengers that their safety is essential.”
Local commuters have taken to social media to applaud the initiative, and project lead, HSQE Programme Administrator Keerthi Arul says she has seen positive reactions from the public as well as AOR employees.
Les Mills Corporate offer
One immediate family member is eligible for the same deal (must sign up with the employee)
One off $29 joining fee for each new member applies
Existing Les Mills members can sign up for this offer, subject to terms of their current agreement
All normal membership terms apply between joiners and Les Mills. Sign-up in club, must bring your AOR ID card, and an email from AOR confirming your employment +1 immediate family member
A letter from AOR confirming your employment can be requested through office@aucklandonerail.co.nz
School Visits
We’ve visited a couple of schools this month to talk about rail safety. AOR staff from the Community Engagement team visited Glen Eden Primary and Greenmeadows Intermediate with AT’s Travelwise team and local police.
Photos, above left : CEx Development Manager Andrew Barker talks to Glen Eden Primary children.
Above right: Constable Carl does the pop quiz at GE Primary.
Above right: Constable Ang holds the kids’ attention at Greenmeadows Intermediate with the pop quiz.
Below left: AT Delivery Lead – Schools, Marguerite with AOR’s communications specialist Denise and train manager Donna, AT Transport Officers Cliff and Raj and Constable Ang at Greenmeadows Intermediate.
Nominate a colleague for an AOR Award
Nominate your colleagues for a TRACKS Values, Customer Champion or Safety Star award.
The awards are given out at our quarterly leadership forums. Safety Star Awards are also awarded at the monthly Health & Safety Committee meetings. Nominate those colleagues you see going above and beyond. We look forward to hearing all your great stories!
Please email your nominations to: communications@aucklandonerail.co.nz
Shout Outs!
Operations Manager Dave Phillips has a shout out for his customer service team who have been managing some challenging situations with customers on the frontline:
“I just want to congratulate everyone on working so hard recently during an incredibly difficult period for the company and our customers. The ongoing infrastructure issues, compounded with the current industrial action, has resulted in a highly disrupted service for customers.
“The feedback from everyone so far has been outstanding. It’s not easy dealing with angry and frustrated customers every day, but the customer service team are at the coal face, handling this situation as true professionals. Well done, team.
“I’m really proud of you all and thank you for your ongoing support. I’m not sure when things will return to normal, so in the meantime, please keep your chins up and hold your heads high because you are all doing a fantastic job.
“Keep safe and look after your colleagues.”
Hi there, I wanted to share some feedback on some help we had from one of your staff today. I called the lost property desk around 9.30 to report a lost bag from my son on a south bound train. The lady was very kind and said she would phone me once the unit had come back to Britomart. At around noon she called me to say the bag had been found and we could come and collect it. When my wife drove into town to pick it up, the lady was very helpful and went out of her way to assist in getting the bag to us - meaning we could get it quickly and return it to our son.
Thank you very much - I think the ladies name could have been Maureen. Whom ever it was, please pass on our gratitude and positive experience.
Feedback from a customer about our singing TM Neil D’Souza: Just wanted to say that the Train Manager on tonight’s train to Swanson is a legend. Tonight, he sang The Wonder of You. Brought a smile to everyone’s faces. Love it when he is looking after the train we are on. Give that man a bonus. !!
KiwiRail’s Shield App goes live 1 July
The wait is nearly over. On Monday 1 July, KiwiRail’s Shield App will be available to all LEs, TMs and TSMs on AOR smartphones or iPads.
The app has been designed to digitise the National Rail Operating Rules (RORP) and will become the official rules for the New Zealand Rail Network, with all previous RORP and ROC documentation becoming invalid. The upgrade is a collaboration between KiwiRail and AOR transformation teams, sponsored by the RMTU.
The multi-million-dollar project has taken many years and many people from across AOR to implement.
HSQESS Operations Standards Specialist, Bob Maxim, who led the project internally says it’s a major step for New Zealand’s railways.
“Congratulations and well done to everyone involved. There’s a long list of people who deserve a shout out, so I’ll name just a few: Murray Marshall for his unparalleled expertise, Driver Trainer Chris Davies, Train Manager Trainer Bryce Deadmarsh, IT experts Guy Chonel, Nico Beetge and Bruce Chamberlin for their technical support and Dane Fraser and our TSM team for their ongoing support with the education and roll out of this app.”
If you have any questions, please contact bob.maxim@aucklandonerail.co.nz
SAFETY EXPRESS
HSQESS Page for updates
Rail Safety Updates
• A rail slippage event at Onehunga is now being investigated to identify the cause.
• Health and Safety Committee meeting was cancelled due to staff availability.
• The Rules Transformation Project is on track and the Shield App will be released on 1 July, as scheduled.
• Pedestrian traffic management is in place at Wiri depot, and the depot hazard board has been updated.
• Lloyd avenue and Kingdon Street level crossings will be closed by the end of the month as part of the level crossing closure project.
Security update
• With the help of our CCTV footage and the media, the offender responsible for a TM assault was identified and arrested by the Police.
• A team of three Security Officers patrol the Western Line platforms, using trains to commute between stations. They are coordinated by a Team Leader in a dedicated Western Line patrol vehicle. The team operates from 1500 weekdays and 1700 on weekends until last service each day.
• Similar arrangements are in place to increase security on Central, Eastern and Southern Lines by the end of June, along with a 4th patrol vehicle.
• Call 09 558 0800 for any immediate security required for live incidents.
Other Safety Updates
• We’re working on anti-graffiti wraps and coatings on EMUs and stations as a continuous improvement towards controlling the risk of graffiti on the network.
• We have successfully completed an external audit on our cleaning contractor and an internal audit on our training department. Necessary corrective actions were raised as part of continuous improvement to improve on our standards.
• HSQESS is reviewing the PTW application and inductions process.
SAFETY EXPRESS
Increased Police Engagement
• HSQESS have provided CCTV footage to Police regarding a woman with a knife.
• HSQESS are engaging with Police on verbal abuse to a CSO.
• HSQESS continue to work with police on operation Hamaru on the Western Line.
Safety Star Award May 2024 Natasha Onesi
Natasha promptly addressed and halted an unauthorized water blasting incident when a contractor came very close to an overhead line at one of our platforms.
Thanks, and congratulations Natasha!
Emergency Evacuation Chair
An emergency evacuation chair is now available at Newmarket Station. These chairs are designed to help customers with accessibility needs during an evacuation, as well as assist passengers who may have a medical event, an injury or accident to be removed from the train or platform for further assistance to be provided.
New AOR Safety Staff in HSQESS
Pat Nolasco
Health and Safety Advisor
Pat joins us as Health and Safety Advisor. He was previously working in Health and Safety and Contracts Management in Dubai.
Viki Nunns
Document Controller
Viki joins us as Document Controller. She was previously working with the Link Alliance group as a Health and Safety Coordinator.
New Starters
The new LE school started on 4 June, a big welcome to our newest trainees Rizal Ismail, Tony Greenwood, Shannon McIntyre and Joseph Tamatea, who join Janine Roberts (Relief TM Trainer and TM) and Taj Sahota (TM) who were successful in their applications for the role.
The new TM school followed on 17 June, another big welcome to Tofu Fesolai, Codi Puke, Karl Bevan, Ryleigh Savage and Laina Placid. TSMs Anthony McDonald and Morgan Mollot are joining them in this intake to complete their TM certification.
We have also welcomed a few new people to AROC and Queen Street Depot, including Viki Nunns (Document Controller), Jamie Dunn (Control Communications Lead), Craig Winterton (Commercial Lead) and Bryce Alfuerte (Service Performance Leader).
Bryce, pictured right, has a background in engineering and recently welcomed a new baby boy.
Welcome to AOR everyone!
Last week they spent some time at AROC and met some of the people involved in our behind-the-scenes operations.
From left:
Taj Sahota (LE), Joseph Tamatea (LE), Rizal Ismail (LE), Janine Roberts (LE), Tony Greenwood (LE), Shannon McIntyre (LE), Coke Puke (TM), Tofu Fesolai (TM) Ryleigh Savage (TM), Karl Bevan(TM), Laina Placid (TM).
This month’s sign offs
Congratulations this month to Max Toetu who was certified as a mainline driver on 14 June after joining us in May 2023.
We have had a steady stream of people being signed off in their respective roles and we again want to thank not only them, but the tutors, minders, training team, TSMs and all other people who put in significant time and effort to get people from trainee to certified.
New GM Engineering and Assets
Jarryd Sisley has been appointed as General Manager Engineering and Assets, leading both Facilities and Rolling Stock teams, starting on 1 July.
Jarryd joins us from KiwiRail and comes with lots of experience that includes the development of technical maintenance plans and the commission of Electric Locos into operation. His experience will be instrumental in advancing AOR’s capabilities to lead a smooth fleet maintenance transition in 2025.
Please welcome Jarryd aboard when you see him out and about.
Max Toetu (left) receives his keys from Train Crew Manager Dane Fraser.
The flu season is here – get
To get your free voucher for a flu jab at a participating Chemist Warehouse, please use the QR code below or this link: https://CWHNZFlu2024-AucklandOneRail2156.bookings.health This offer is for AOR staff only and should not be shared outside of the organisation.
