Christchurch – Growing Asset Management Capability (Hybrid Event | Technical Presentations & Exclusive KiwiRail Tour)

Join the Asset Management Council New Zealand Chapter in Christchurch for an afternoon focused on growing asset management capability through practical industry insights, followed by an exclusive behind-the-scenes technical tour of KiwiRail’s new rolling stock and maintenance facilities.

This hybrid event will feature two technical presentations from industry leaders, exploring asset management capability uplift, regulatory-driven transformation, rolling stock investment, and ISO 55001 implementation.

Following the presentations, attendees joining us in person will have the opportunity to participate in an exclusive technical tour of KiwiRail’s new rolling stock and maintenance facilities.

Click here to register

Please note: In-person attendance is capped at 30 and priority will be given to AMCouncil members. The KiwiRail technical tour is available to in-person attendees only and requires mandatory PPE, including suitable safety footwear.

Event format

4:00 pm – 5:15 pm
Technical presentations (available in person and online)

5:15 pm – 6:30 pm
Exclusive KiwiRail technical tour (in-person attendees only)

Please note:

• Online attendees are welcome to dial in to the presentation session and will be disconnected following the presentations.
• The KiwiRail technical tour will not be broadcast online.
• No photography or video recording is permitted onsite during the technical tour.

Due to site restrictions, in-person attendance is strictly capped at 30 participants, with priority given to AMCouncil members.

Presentation 1

Transpower’s Regulatory Journey and Asset Management Growth
James Collinson-Smith
Asset Planning Manager – HVDC and Reactive, Transpower

Across four regulatory control periods, Transpower has built the asset management capability required to justify long-term grid investment.

This presentation explores how RCP3 represented a step-change in capability, including the introduction of new health models, criticality modelling across 10 asset classes, and forensic life-extension investigations.

Looking ahead, RCP4 (2025–2030) builds on this foundation through modern data platforms, Python-based modelling, lidar and drone-enabled risk management, and structured workforce development — all underpinned by a regulatory framework increasingly focused on service-measure accountability as New Zealand prepares for the energy transition.

James Collinson-Smith brings over 40 years of experience across New Zealand’s electricity sector, spanning generation, transmission, wholesale markets, and trading. Over the past decade, he has led the establishment and maturation of asset management systems aligned to ISO 55000 at Transpower. His experience includes asset planning and portfolio management for complex grid assets, including HVDC Converter Stations and Subsea Cables, reactive assets, protection systems, and substation systems, as well as the successful development and delivery of regulatory proposals to the Commerce Commission.

Presentation 2

Overview of KiwiRail’s New Rolling Stock and Maintenance Facilities, and ISO 55001 Certification
Steven Rosser
Rolling Stock Organisational Standards Lead, KiwiRail

Major investments in rolling stock and maintenance capability across New Zealand’s South Island are reshaping how rolling stock is maintained.

This presentation provides an overview of KiwiRail’s recently developed maintenance facilities and how their design, capability, and workflow integration are enabling safer and more efficient maintenance outcomes.

Steven will also discuss the introduction of new DM locomotives and the opportunities and challenges they present for asset management — including reliability improvements, condition monitoring, skills uplift, lifecycle planning, and integration with KiwiRail’s asset management systems.

Supporting these developments is KiwiRail’s implementation of ISO 55001, including the recent certification of its Major Plant and Equipment Asset Management team. The presentation will highlight lessons learned, practical implementation steps, and how the standard is helping embed consistency, governance, and continuous improvement across rolling stock asset management.

Steven Rosser is the Organisational Standards Lead based in Christchurch, where he plays a key role in strengthening Asset Management practices across Rolling Stock. Steven leads the Rolling Stock ISO 55001 certification programme, implementing systems and processes, and delivering training and coaching to meet the standard. His work is focused on driving the adoption of a risk-based, aligned approach that enhances asset integrity and reliability.

Important PPE Requirements for In-Person Attendees

As this event includes access to an operational workshop environment, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is mandatory.

Attendees must wear:

• Safety footwear (minimum requirement: covered footwear suitable for a workshop environment)
• High-visibility clothing
• Safety glasses
• Bump cap or hard hat

KiwiRail can provide high-visibility clothing, safety glasses, and bump caps onsite if required. However, safety footwear cannot be provided, and attendees must bring their own suitable footwear.

Registration Information

In-person registrations close: Thursday 5 June

• AMCouncil members: Free (priority access for in-person attendance)
• Non-members: Registrations open from 1 June, subject to availability, $50 per person

Those unable to attend in person are encouraged to register for the online presentation session.